Volunteer with UNHCR Zambia

The Book Bus volunteer programme is operated in partnership with VentureCo Worldwide, experts in expedition logistics and adventure travel to Africa, Asia and South America. Find out more and download a fact sheet by clicking on the destinations below.

UNHCR Refugee Settlement, Zambia
A unique volunteer opportunity to work within a UNHCR refugee settlement in North West Zambia. Help displaced children from Angola, Rwanda and Congo rebuild their lives through literacy!

Click here to visit the Book Bus UNHCR Settlement Zambia volunteering project

A Volunteer's account from Meheba UNHCR Refugee Settlement, Zambia

“You’re going to spend a month in a refugee camp? Why?” asked the lady at Zambian Passport Control, with wide, questioning eyes.

“Because it’s different to anything I’ve ever done before...”.

I’d never been to Africa, and prior to the trip I was filled with nervous anticipation. Being a trainee teacher, I knew I could handle spreading a love of books and reading to children, but I worried about what the people of Meheba Refugee Settlement would think of our group of western do-gooders.

Entering Zambia, I watched the country roll by, children running and waving, colourful clothing and the dusty shades of orange and yellow. Meheba defied all my expectations. A vast scrubland, dotted with towering termite hills, it was divided into spacious plots for the refugee families. Although we felt every bit the white strangers, everyone was incredibly friendly, curious and welcoming. They came from all over Africa, and though they possessed little, they did not complain. Each had a story to tell. One man, who taught himself English from a dictionary he carried under his army, had lived in the camp for 25 years, and hoped to write a book about his experiences. A thirteen year-old girl shared her story of pain and violence with me, but ended with her eyes glistening with hope.

During the day, we worked with groups of children in classroom corners or outside in the sun. We shared our favourite childhood books and created hats, masks, stories and drawings. I’ve never met children more eager to learn. Together we chased the Gingerbread Man, invited the Tiger to tea, and bounced my inflatable globe. Even the teenage boys gathered around to hear the children’s stories.

Camp life took some adjustment, with its tents, long-drop toilet, and bucket shower in the trees. We spent the evenings playing games, star-gazing on top of termite hills, watching the local football match, and occasionally battling vast armies of ants. In our spare time we helped build a school kitchen as most of the locals stood by watching. Apparently, TIA (This is Africa).

Working with The Book Bus team proved an incredibly emotional experience. It hurt to leave, and someday I hope to return. Not for the sunsets or the landscapes, but for the people. Meheba was different to anything I’ve ever experienced, but it strengthened my feeling that we are all essentially the same. I recommend the experience to everyone.

STEPHANIE MCCULLOUGH

The Book Bus
Improving Children’s Lives, One Book at a Time