Training and Funding

Travelling to Zambia and living in Chipulukusu is not without risk. All volunteers will therefore undergo comprehensive training to keep them safe. We have a particular emphasis on Health and Safety and also on Cultural Issues and differences to our Irish way of life, so that our volunteers can travel to Zambia, safely enjoy the experience of being there, and come home healthy.

All volunteers must also take a range of vaccinations and innoculations against some of the many ilnesses and diseases which are common in Zambia. Team rules and discipline in Zambia are designed to keep you safe.

All volunteers must also fundraise to cover the cost of their participation in our volunteer trips, and to contribute to the projects. This is not a holiday: it is hard work.

Volunteeers must cover their own air fare and cost of travel to Zambia, and the cost of their accommodation and food while in Zambia so that none of the money raised in Ireland for these projects will be diverted from the projects for which they are intended. Every volunteer is expected to also raise a significant amount of money for these projects.

Volunteers typically spend three to four months preparing for these trips, raising funds, completing their training and planning their work in Zambia. The trip to Zambia itself is generally about two and a half weeks, with an intensive two weeks of working on the ground in Zambia.

If you think that you have what it takes to be an Inspire Zambia Volunteer, send us an email or give us a call.

My time spent in Zambia was intense, but of course AMAZING!! It was definitely an experience I will never forget and I enjoyed it from start to finish! The atmosphere and dynamics within the group were great, so was the food. I always felt safe during my time in Zambia. This was probably because we were very well prepared for everything in the meetings beforehand.

Organising everything ahead of the trip took a lot of time, and it was a little complicated because I did it from Germany, but I always felt very supported by Michael, Anna and Ciara! It was great to be able to join Inspire Zambia, even though I’m not Irish.

A trip of a lifetime, and I would encourage anyone to volunteer with Inspire Zambia for this worthy cause!

-Maria, Volunteer Trip 2024.