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Our current project needs volunteers!
- Special needs teacher to do evaluations
- Pre-school and Elementary School teachers
- Nanny/Au pair
- Medical nurse
- Farm animal care
- Manager
Thomas and Amy Morrow
About Zambia
Zambia is a subtropical country in south/central Africa. It received its independence in 1964 and is a democracy.
The weather is pretty pleasant with three distinct seasons:
May to August—cool and dry. The daytime temperature will vary between 23 C (74 F) and 28 C (82 F). Night temperatures can drop to 7 C (44 F) especially in July—the coldest month.
September to October/November—hot and dry. Daytime temperatures average around 26 C to 42 C (79 F to 107 F) depending on where in the country you are.
November/December to April—warm and wet. When the rains come the temperature gradually drops to around 27 C to 32 C (80 F to 90 F). Humidity is quite high during the rainy season—around 70% to 80%.The rain doesn’t usually last all days and it is actually a nice time of year. There are more health concerns associated with this season because of the high humidity and therefore more mosquitoes and other bugs but with proper precautions you can remain healthy.
Money
It is best to bring cash with you. American dollars are the best and British pounds are fine also. There are exchange bureaus for changing dollars and the banks will give you a fairly good rate on pounds. Generally, American dollars will be the easiest to move around with. If bringing cash it should be in $100 bills in order to get a good exchange rate. It should also have 2000 or higher as its production date.
Traveler’s checks are not great because while they can be replaced if stolen or lost they are not easy to use and mostly not worth the hassle. You can bring several hundred dollars in with you and, if you need more, Visa debit or credit cards can be used at ATMs. Make sure you let your bank know you will be using your cards overseas and try to set up online banking before coming to keep an eye on your statements as occasionally banking errors are made.
Dress code
The dress code for men is casual but neat. Men here are always very well dressed. You can wear pants or long shorts with any kind of shirt as long as it is neat. Khaki pants or jeans are fine at any time although you may want to bring some dressier pants for church or other formal events.
The dress code for women is conservative but not overly so. You can wear jeans, slacks, skirts or dresses as long as they cover the knee. Women here dress conservatively (often wearing a piece of cloth called chitenge) wrapped around their waists over their other clothing.
Shoes should be comfortable as we do a lot of walking. Sandals are fine as are athletic shoes. If you can bring a dressier pair for church, etc. that would be good.
Be sure to bring your bathing suit as you can swim pretty much all year.
If visiting Zambia during the rainy season (November to April) you may want to bring rain gear.
Security
Zambia is a fairly safe and quiet country but, as in any 3rd world country where poverty is so widespread, crime does exist. The most important thing to remember is to be aware of your surroundings when out and stay alert. Wallets should be carried in a secure place (not necessarily the back pocket) and purses should be carried in front of you (not swinging loosely from your shoulder). Money belts and fanny packs are ok but can be a target for thieves as they watch you getting money from them and assume they are very valuable. Women have found backpack style purses to be the best as they can be worn in the front in crowded settings. There are pickpockets so always stay alert. Most of this crime takes place in the larger cities. Our orphanage is situated in a village where things are much safer and quiet. We still take security precautions but they are nowhere as intense as the ones we took in the larger cities we lived in.
Health
The main health concern here is malaria. This is most prevalent during the rainy season (November to April) but can occur any time during the year. It is important to take precautions. Sleep under a mosquito net; avoid being out late at night—especially without repellant on; possibly take prophylaxis (this is discussed more in detail below).
There is a high amount of HIV/AIDS in this country but this is not something to worry about if you are careful. The only way it is transmitted is by blood or sexual contact. It can’t be transmitted by saliva or someone coughing or sneezing near you or by simple touch.
As in any 3rd world country it is important to wash hands frequently and keep an eye out for any small cuts or insect bites as they can become infected more easily here.
Language
Bemba is widely spoken throughout Zambia, including our area, so we have included some phrases you may want to study before coming. Many people (especially in the larger cities) speak English. English is the official language but many in the rural areas don’t have a good command of English so it is helpful to learn a few phrases.
The vowel sounds are a (ah), e (ay), i (ee), o (oh), u (oo).
On some of the phrases you will see singular or plural—respectful. What this means is that if you are speaking to one person younger than you, you use the singular phrase. If speaking to a group or elder use the plural.
Good Morning Mwashibukeni
Hello Mwapoleni
Term of respect Mukwai (in Kazembe: Mwane)
Response to greetings Eya Mukwai or endita mukwai
How are you? Uli shani (singular) or Muli shani (respectful/plural)
Response: I am/we are/fine ndi/tuli/bwino
Response: not so fine panoono panoono
Response: how are you? (muli) shani naimwe (respectful or plural) or shani naiwe (singular)
Evening/ Afternoon greeting Icungulo (literal translation: afternoon or evening)
Greeting to seated group Mwaikaleni mukwai
Response to above greeting eya mukwai
I don’t know much Bemba Nshilaishibisha icibemba
Please speak slowly Landeeni panoono panoono
Goodbye “I go” Naya
Goodbye “all is ok” Chisuma mukwai
Response: Natasha mukwai
Natotela
Go well Kafikenipo mukwai
Remain well Shalenipo mukwai
I thank you Natotela
We thank you Twatotela or twatasha
Response: Chisuma mukwai
Singular Plural or Respectful
You are welcome Mwaiseni
What is your name? Niwe nani Nimwe banani
Nimwe bo banani
Niwe nani ishina
My name is _______ Ninebo _______
What about you? Nga iwe Nga Imwe
Nga iwe niwenai shiina Nga imwe niwenai ishiina
Come here Isa kuno Iseni kuno
Come here in…. Isa kuno ku…. Iseni kuno ku…
Stop Leka Lekeni
Stop that Lekaico
Stop that noise Leka icongo Lekeni icongo
Stop bothering me Leka ukuncusa Lekeni kuncusha
I don’t want that Nshilefwaya ifyo
We don’t want that Tatulefwaya ifyo
How much(cost)? Ni shinga
For how much? Iya shinga
I want…. Nde fwaya
We want… Tule fwaya
How many? Inga
For K_______ Iya ________
Choose sala saleni
Where can I find …? Nikwisa ningasanga Nikwisa twingasanga
Over there uko
Outside panse
Inside mukati
What time is it? Yaba shani inshita
Yafika shani inshita
I want water to drink Ndefwaya amenshi ya kunwa
Allow me to pass Mpishaniko
May I pass? Bampisheko
May I be excused? Banjeleleko (mukwai)
Go and bring Kaleteni
Go to the market Kabiye ku market Kabiyeni ku market
Vocabulary
Today Lelo
Tomorrow/Yesterday Mailo
Time Inshita
Water Amenshi
Banana inkonde
One imo
Two ibili
Three itatu
Volunteer specifics
Expenses
Because we are a small organization we ask that each volunteer cover their living and traveling expenses. We ask that volunteers donate a minimum of $75 per week to cover room and board. Basic, healthy meals and snacks will be provided as well as a simple room. Any other amenities would be taken care of by the volunteer themselves.
All traveling costs, to, from and within Zambia should be covered by the volunteer.
Visas
Your first entering-the-country visa will be a business visitors’ visa and the price will vary depending on your passport country. Visa costs range from $25 to $200. This visa will last for 30 days. We should be able to extend your original visa for 2 more months. If your visit is longer than this, an additional temporary permit will need to be applied for here (when your first expires) and this costs $250. This temporary permit lasts 6 months and can be extended for another $250.
If you are intending to stay for a longer visit from the beginning and you have a college degree in education, social work, or nursing, we can possibly apply for a work permit for you. This lasts a full year and only costs about $125. Let us know well in advance if you would like to go this route and we will work it out.
Health
We ask that each volunteer have a complete physical and get a doctor’s release before coming out. We also ask that you obtain traveler’s insurance (make sure the policy covers ambulances—land and air & emergency flights home) so if (God forbid) the worst happens you will be covered with good medical care. There are decent clinics here and most insurance companies will fly you to South Africa (which has great medical care) if there is a serious problem.
You will also need some immunizations (check with your doctor). Yellow fever vaccination is the only required one and you will need to carry the document with you as immigrations may ask to see it.
Please speak to your doctor about malaria and whether you should take prophylactic medicine to prevent malaria. We recommend that you do as it will relieve one worry you may have with regards to malaria but please speak to your doctor and make an informed decision.
We have information of a good insurance company in case you can’t find one in your neck of the woods.
Communications
We now have a 24 hour satellite internet connection so it is very easy to get in touch with the outside world.
Cell phones also work here so when you get into the country you can buy a sim card for Airtel and then you’ll have a way to call your friends and family and receive phone calls. It is a little expensive to use for international calls but incoming calls are free.
We also have a Skype account on the computer so you can use that to call computer to computer for free or call family and friends for a reduced rate. Please let your family know that communication will be limited so that they won’t be surprised if the internet is not working well or if we have power failures.
What to Bring
You will find it helpful to bring a headlamp and/or flashlight for the occasional power cuts. Many volunteers enjoy having an Ipod or MP3 player with them. This cuts down on what you have to carry and gives you something to listen to on long trips.
Any medications or vitamins you require should be brought with you as they might be hard to find here. Be sure if you bring prescription medications to carry a copy of the prescription with you. Some volunteers have suggested bringing Visine especially if you visit from April-November as it gets very dry and dusty.
Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen as the African sun is very intense. This is important even in winter.
If you can, please try to bring supplies for the orphanage. We can supply you with a current needs list closer to your departure date. You may find friends, family and colleagues will enjoy donating toward something like this. What we encourage is that each volunteer pack the majority of their belongings in a carry-on piece of luggage and use the check-in piece for donated items. This will give the volunteer at least one empty piece of luggage for carrying back souvenirs and other items. The weather here is great so things dry easily on the clothesline and you won’t have to bring much. You can also pick up extra shirts and things at the local used clothing shops. There are great deals there!
When purchasing your air ticket, check with your travel agent or airline to see if they have any missionary discounts. Some airlines will give a small discount and others will allow you to bring an extra piece of luggage for free. British Airways is especially good with this. We will be happy to provide you with a verification letter if the airline requests it.
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM
Name: ______________________________
Date of Birth: ________________________ (day/month/year)
Level of Education: ______________________
If you are a college graduate what field is your degree in: ___________________
(This will have no bearing on our decision to accept you as a volunteer)
Why have you decided to become a volunteer at this time?
What areas or projects are you most interested in volunteering in?
Have you volunteered before? If so, where, and how was that experience?
What would you consider to be your greatest strengths, talents or gifts—especially as would benefit the orphanage?
What are your greatest weaknesses?
Do you have any allergies or health concerns we should be aware of?
VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT
I, _________________________, agree to the following statements and agree to follow the rules and regulations set down by Global Contributions and the projects they run in Zambia.
- Global Contributions is a non-profit organization with limited resources. I will do my part in volunteering to help their projects and ministries to continue.
- I understand that I will be helping in a volunteer capacity and I am not an employee of Global Contributions or any of their projects.
- I understand that the customs, weather and food may be different from what I am used to but I will adjust with no complaints.
- I will do my best to uphold a moral standard and will do nothing to compromise the integrity of Global Contributions and their various projects.
- I promise to uphold and obey the laws of Zambia. I will take full responsibility and bear any consequences to my actions should I fail to follow these laws.
- I have agreed to undergo a complete physical check of my health before traveling and have obtained traveler’s health insurance so that any emergencies will be taken care of.
- I have provided at least two character references and state here that the information provided is true to the best of my knowledge.
VOLUNTEER GENERAL RELEASE FORM
I am applying for volunteer service with Global Contributions, and its Zambian project Christian African Educational Services, a nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to increase the quality of life for all members of the global community, through these programs:
- Humanitarian aid in the form of food & clothing
- Providing shelter for children
- Educational programs
- Health awareness seminars
- Missionary outreach
- Leadership training for traditional Chiefs and other executives
- Agriculture and Farming
In consideration of being evaluated for volunteer service with GC and CAES, I do for myself, if applicable my spouse, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, hereby release and forever discharge GC and CAES, its affiliates, projects, officers, agents, and employees from any and all claims, demands, damages or liability relating to or arising out of my volunteer service for GC and CAES in the U.S. or abroad.
This General Release represents the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous oral or written understandings, statements, representations, or promises. All of the terms hereof are contractual and not mere recitals.
I acknowledge that I have carefully read this General Release, know and understand the contents thereof, and that this document was freely and voluntarily executed. I acknowledge that I was given the opportunity to seek independent legal counsel on any and all matters herein before I signed this General Release.
___________________________ _______________