Skills Required
There is no set level of skill or qualification required to join us on a volunteer trip to Zambia. We will bring anyone who has a skill to share and the heart to share it. However, patience, good humour, hard work and a willingness to compromise are essential.
The basic role of a volunteer is to work to the best of your ability and skill on the projects and opportunities which arise. We, in Ireland, have amazing education and advantages which we take for granted, but which can make a profound impact in Zambia.
We are especially seeking teachers, librarians, educational psychologists, computer experts, accountants or financial advisors for our education projects. Our more recent developments into the area of vocational training means we are in need of electricians, plumbers and carpenters, but in reality we need anyone who can help. Remember that even being proficient at computers is a rare skill in Zambia so we can make use of the skills which you have, to work in Zambia. We work as a team, together with our Zambian friends who guide us with the work. We use the skills which we have to get the job done.
No special survival skills or experience are required for living in Zambia, as all training will be given before leaving Ireland.
If you think that you may have a skill to share, please contact us to discuss.
“I joined Inspire Zambia on their 2023 trip to Chipulukusu and it has had an important, meaningful, and magical impact on my life. The team members have become life-long friends of mine and our experiences as a small group is something we will always share and treasure. Together we made a difference! I hope sharing my story will encourage you to consider volunteering for this incredible charity, which is devoted to improving life for those who experience poverty that most cannot fathom.
For many years, I wanted to get involved in charitable work, I wanted to help make a difference, to experience life different to mine, but I just didn’t know where to start. My husband Phil had previously gone on charitable trips to Zambia and had shared his fond memories and the impact it had on his outlook of life. We married in July and what better way to spend our honeymoon than to join Inspire Zambia on their August trip. An experience to share together and make meaningful and passion-filled memories – and that we did!
Michael, Anna, and Ciara are the most compassionate and supportive people and together they prepared us for the trip and we had great fun along the way. They covered how to keep ourselves well, both physically and mentally. They described Chipulukusu in detail. They educated us about the educational system, culture, food, religion, music, and language. The preparation was next level and made all the difference to my confidence before I even stepped foot on the plane. Their support did not stop there. The team checked in with each other each day – respecting that aspects of the trip would be challenging for the team members. This support continued when we arrived home and I feel it to this day.
Myself and Ciara ran the educational seminar and taught 80 incredible local teachers. We covered areas such as Literacy, Classroom Management, Resources Making, and lots more. Teaching adults was new to me but a wonderful experience. We all had a passion for education. The difference was that I have had the opportunity to gain high quality teacher training because of where I was born. This was my chance to share what I have had the privilege to have learned, in the hope that it will help the teachers of Chipulukusu and their community.
For me, the most magical moments of the trip was spending time with the local children. We’d stop by the shipping container libraries, read together, play ‘What time is it Mr. Wolf’, and sing songs.
If you want to join a supportive, and passionate, and hugely fun team, I encourage you to reach out to Inspire Zambia. There is no other experience like it and I hope to join on another trip in the near future!”- Steph 2023 Volunteer
