Named after the Zambezi River Zambia is celebrated for its vast array of lakes and waterfalls. One of the most famous of which is Victoria Falls, shared with Zimbabwe but a source of no less pride to the Zambians, it is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means ‘the smoke that thunders’, which might have something to do with it’s impressive drop of 330ft into a narrow chasm at a rate of 550 million litres every minute, with a spray that can be seen 20 miles away! Zambia also has plenty of scenic views to offer, with almost a third of the country dedicated to national parks including; Kafue National Park, the second largest national park in the world, Kafue River, Mwaleshi river, Kasanka National Park, Luwombwa lake, Mindolo Dam Makwera Falls and Lake, Sumbu National Park, South Luangwa National Park and Lochinvar National Park on the southern edge of the Kafue Flats.

With such varied scenery and so many rivers throughout the country Zambia is a land full of opportunities for adventure! From bungee jumping off the 364ft bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe across the River Zambezi to abseiling or high-wiring down and across the gorge, there are more than enough activities to get your heart racing! Experience white-water rafting as never before on the Zambezi River itself where rapids are so turbulent they’re classed grade 5 and one of the best rafting experiences in the world. For those looking for something even more challenging there’s also the option of river boarding; which means surfing down the river with just your board, fins and a helmet! The falls also provide year round rainfall for the tropical rainforest in the Zambian gorge, which makes it a naturally diverse and wonderful sight for trekkers. Travellers who want to see wildlife as well as waterfalls will be able to find an abundance of different Safari tours in one of the countries many national parks and game reserves.

Zambia’s 100 mg viagra natural beauty is not, however, the only reason to travel in this varied country. With 60,000 years of history and 82 tribal groups living side by side, Zambians live peacefully and are proud of their cultural heritage. The central tribes are the Lozi, the Bemba, the Ngoni, the Tonga, the Luvale and the Kaonde, combining a mixture of traditions and the influences of several Africans countries. Despite a mixture of so many different nationalities, present-day Zambians believe in the importance unification. Experiencing so many different cultures is a unique experience and there’s no better way to enhance it than by living and working amongst the Zambians, travelling across the regions and learning a few dialects for yourself won’t do your language repertoire any harm either!

Culture

With a population of 11 million people, an annual population growth of 3.7% and 73 different native languages, Zambia is packed with different cultural experiences. The main languages are English, Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tumbuka and Tonga. Though many of the languages seem similar they actually have huge differences which are reflected in the culture of the country, from trying nshima and relish to finding your favourite spot for a coffee in bustling cities like Lusaka. Though more rural and suburban areas have maintained elements of traditional and clan-like life, modern day Zambia is a heady combination of the old and the new. Larger, more urbanized cities have made commercial progression, particularly in regions where the countries main export, copper, is found.

Celebrations of culture and tradition are still, however, of great importance in the cities, the Kabwata Cultural Village in Lusaka is dedicated to the preservation of traditional arts, crafts and dancing. Modern festivals such as African Freedom Day and Unity are celebrated alongside more traditional regional ceremonies such as Kuomboka, which marks the move of the Litunga people to higher ground in the rainy seasons and Umutomboko, which commemorates the migration of the Kazembe Bemba people to Zambian ground.

Educational Standard

Education in Zambia is progressing but still suffers from a lack of teachers. A fall in revenue over the last few decades has left the government with a substantially smaller fund to devote towards education though current reforms are striving to improve the situation. In 2002 the government scrapped tuition fees, a move which massively increased the number of children attending school.

The increase in enrolment has contributed to a rather uneven student:teacher ratio, rising from 49:1 in 2000 to 56:1 in 2005. Although this it means more children are receiving a primary education, budgets for qualified teachers are small. The Zambian government is currently devoting more energy to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Education For All (EFA) objectives and plans to contribute 4% of the country’s GDP to education. Targets are set to ensure better results at the end of primary education, which will assist in getting children a decent secondary education.

Teaching opportunities

Though English is the official language, the vast number of different tribes and nationalities make its devlopment as a truly unifying language unlikely. However, English teachers Kamagra Gold are in very high demand in all areas of the country, especially in the cities and the central towns of the copper belt such as Kitwe and Ndola, due to larger populations and a higher possibility of government funding for public schools. Though most placements are voluntary or offer small salaries, Zambia’s natural wealth, picturesque landscapes and friendly people make living here an enriching and worthwhile experience.

English teachers are also needed in small towns like Monze and rural villages where life is more traditional and a good education is not always easily accessible. English is important for trade and education throughout the country and can improve the career prospects of children from rural areas. It’s also a great way to gain a truly off-the-beaten-track experience of traditional African life. Before you set off it is worth looking at visa requirements.

Some nationalities will need a visa and a passport to enter the country and some placements will require a working visa, best to be prepared!

Facilities

Following an extended period of economic turbulence many areas of Zambia are still in the process of recovery, so don’t expect luxury accommodation. If you’re going through a volunteer company your accommodation will be arranged for you more often than not and as you’ll be usually prescription cialis online be paying a fee, meals are also likely to be included. Most companies offer spaces in volunteer houses, guesthouses, homestays and hostels; facilities can vary depending on the area, in larger cities and towns such as Livingstone its more likely that you’ll have tv, the choice of a private room, bathroom and kitchen facilities and maybe even a few other luxuries like a swimming pool!

Not everywhere will have all of these facilities, though most accommodation will consist of a clean room and a basic place to cook and bathe; suburbs and villages far from the cities will generally offer comfortable but basic accommodation. If you’re arranging your own accommodation it’s a good idea to look at local hostels and guesthouses, not only to spare your budget reasons but for the chance to interact with the local community and develop a real understanding of your pupils’ way of life.

Author Bio: Honor Baldry – I to I Gap Year Travel provide fulfilling and life-changing travel experiences to anyone with a desire to get out there and make a difference for the better. If you’re looking for a unique travel experience working abroad, look no further! i-to-i’s the perfect way to meet new people with our volunteer abroad & gap year travel programs. Contact:info@i-to-i.com

Category: Education
Keywords: teaching English, Zambia,teaching opportunities,volunteering