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Excellent 4.88rating (8)

Assistant in Agriculture Initiative

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Experience the Chewa way of life, afternoon siestas of course included
  • Immerse yourself in our cultural traditions
  • In your spare time you can join activities such as drumming, cooking, soap making and weaving.

Highlights

  • Experience the Chewa way of life, afternoon siestas of course included
  • Immerse yourself in our cultural traditions
  • In your spare time you can join activities such as drumming, cooking, soap making and weaving.
  • You can climb our mountain, get on a biking tour or visit the local market in Katete
  • You can go to a short vacation into nearby South Luangwa National Park. There you go an a safari and see the Big Five. Tiko volunteers get a discount

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Katete struggles with poor soil and lack of irrigation. Agriculture volunteers can help teach sustainable techniques and introduce new crops!

    The project

    Our mission is to fight poverty in Katete through better education, health and entrepreneurship; helping people to help themselves while maintaining their traditional values. 

    In order to achieve our mission of better health, we have established a number of health initiatives like ...

    About the program

    The project

    Our mission is to fight poverty in Katete through better education, health and entrepreneurship; helping people to help themselves while maintaining their traditional values. 

    In order to achieve our mission of better health, we have established a number of health initiatives like HIV/AIDS counselling, teaching basic health to village representatives, malnutrition research, health seminars, and so much more. Katete still follows very traditional beliefs like witchcraft. Much of our work is providing education and reinforcing that education continuously. 

    Volunteer work

    Agriculture volunteers will be asked to first learn about the methods using currently including bag gardens, compost heaps, mud stoves, etc. Volunteers can then teach seminars or small classes about these methods or any new methods they may know! Volunteers could also develop literature about sustainable agriculture methods for participants or create a model garden for future learners.

    Volunteers will also need to keep detailed reports for the Management Committee to inform them about their activities. The Tiko crew will work alongside volunteers. They are very familiar with the villages and can assist in translating as well.

    How it works

    The individual activities are tailored to the skills and interests of the volunteers. We encourage volunteers to  pick one of the agriculture project or combination of projects. Volunteers can also suggest a program to add to that area of concentration if the inspiration should strike them. Each project does have a different schedule and can also depend so much on the day, the season, what holidays are happening, community events like a headman initiation, how many funerals are going on, etc. It is almost impossible to dictate a typical day because there isn't one. Usually, volunteers establish their own routine

    The location

    Volunteers will be living at Tiko Lodge which is part of Tikondane Community Centre. They will be able to go into the villages nearby and host seminars at Tiko. You will quickly become part of the Tiko family and community.

    Who we are looking for

    Volunteers should be open minded, caring, and have a sense of humor. Volunteers can expect support from the Tiko crew and Elke, Tiko’s director. No special equipment is required!

    We looking forward to you joining the Tiko family. Zikomo!


    Typical day

    A typical day at Tikodane depends on the volunteer and the project. Most volunteers work Monday to Friday during the hours of 0830 to 1700. However, volunteers decide what schedule is best for their project.

    Typical day

    A typical day at Tikodane depends on the volunteer and the project. Most volunteers work Monday to Friday during the hours of 0830 to 1700. However, volunteers decide what schedule is best for their project.


    Free-time activities

    Free time and entertainment

    Katete is a quiet town so you won’t be out partying every night. However, you experience life in a small rural town as many people in Zambia live and get to spend time working with Zambians that you probably won’t find in a city or typical gap year package. There are ...

    Free-time activities

    Free time and entertainment

    Katete is a quiet town so you won’t be out partying every night. However, you experience life in a small rural town as many people in Zambia live and get to spend time working with Zambians that you probably won’t find in a city or typical gap year package. There are activities and places to visit nearby and in the surrounding area!

    • Katete market for local food
    • Cultural safari to Kachipu village – A guide gives a brief tour of a Zambian village followed by a vegetarian feast, and watching a traditional girls’ initiation dancing ceremony, Chinamwali. Depending on availability, Gulewamkulu, the Nyau ghost dance, is performed in nearby village. Recognized UNESCO in 2005, when dancing, the men are believed to be spirits with magical powers and no longer mortals. An intriguing and invigorating insight into local culture and tradition. 
    • Bike ride with Tiko bikes
    • Visit St Francis Hospital
    • Hike up Mphangwe mountain
    • Katete nightclub – maybe not for everyone or every week but worth a visit for the experience!
    • Film afternoon on Saturday and Sunday
    • Pool, once the pool table is done
    • Trip to Msoro cathedral – worst road ever but an adventure to a cathedral build by the first missionaries arriving in Zambia.
    • South Luangwa National Park (3 hours) – You can take a taxi direct (US$ 90) or a bus (US$9). You can stay at Flatdogs Camp sleeping in a safari tent surrounded by elephants and hippos. This is one of the lower end luxury lodges and Tiko volunteers get a discount. Well worth it!


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:30 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    This includes 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and accommodation at Tiko.

    The standard package includes all meals, but if volunteers stay longer and decide they prefer to self-cater, the price will be reduced for accommodation only.

    NOT INCLUDED: Drinks, transfers, accommodation in Lusaka, and tourist activities  

    Accommodation

    Accommodation is in the lodge at the community centre. Rooms are simple twin or double rooms, most with ensuite toilet and bath. Volunteers will have their own room unless they prefer to share. You can also pick a dorm bed in our traditional African hut, albeit without toilet and bath

    Food & Beverages

    We include 3 meals a day at our wonderful restaurant. We are able to provide vegetarian meals. We serve traditional African food as well as some western options like spaghetti. Water is available from the tap and is safe to drink.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka. We assist you to find cheap flights to Zambia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Zambia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Zambia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Zambia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    It takes around 6 hours to get to Tiko from Lusaka, so we recommend spending the night in Lusaka and setting off early in the morning – If you come with a later bus, you may have to wait for hours, until it is full.

    (Please contact us for information on getting here from Lilongwe, Malawi which is also around 6 hours away)

    Lusaka airport transfer: Taxis can be found outside the airport and cost around US$30 to the city.

    Lusaka accommodation: There are a few options for budget accommodation in Lusaka that we can recommend if needed.

    Lusaka to Tiko transfer:

    Bus to Tiko is US 16 one way from Lusaka Intercity Bus station and takes 6-7 hours.

    Taxi is US$ 240, shared between max 4 people, coming from Katete

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $425 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.88
    8 reviews

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Elke
    8
    reviews
    4.88
    Excellent
    1999
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: French, German, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Contact Elke
      Very high response rate
    French, German, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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