Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted via the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. Pregnant women and young children are most at risk, and one million deaths occur worldwide from malaria every year, 90% of these fatalities in Africa.
The most dangerous form of malaria is found in Zambia, where it is the leading cause of mortality; adults living in areas where the disease is endemic are semi-immune, but pregnant women, young children and immuno-suppressed people (HIV positive) do not have the same levels of immunity, putting them at risk.
Zambia's economic decline has led to cuts in malaria control measures, and since independence in 1964, rural areas has been deprioritised and the disease has radically spread. More expensive insecticides and resistance to the first line treatments mean that in 1999 the lowest rate of infection in Zambia was one in four, while the highest was one in two.
HIV has also had a dramatic impact on malaria, not only increasing the likelihood of getting the disease, but also increasing the severity of the symptoms, roughly doubling the incidence in adults.
Blighted by poverty and social immobility, the Tanzanian community of Dar es Salaam is in need of help and support. By volunteering at this project, you will help provide children, youths and adults with the educational and life skills needed to avoid falling into the poverty trap.
Combine outdoors adventure with worthwhile volunteer work as you explore the best of Tanzania! Get up close to a range of wildlife, marvel at the incredible scenery, and make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children!
Give underprivileged children a new lease of life and better future prospects! Help to teach maths, English and science and get involved with a range of activities as you explore the incredible island of Zanzibar!
Provide the children of Stone Town with the literacy, numeracy and communication skills they desperately need to build successful futures and absorb the amazing culture of Zanzibar!
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Join this trip and feel a real sense of achievement as you reach the peak and witness spectacular views over Tanzania and Kenya.
Offer vital support to young boys in Tanzania – AIDS victims, and those who have been neglected or abused. Teach them the skills and show them the affection they’ll need to lead happier lives as adults.
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups have many Career Break Voluntary Projects in Africa for grown up gappers. Because Gap Year for Grown Ups is the leading authority and only specialist source of ideas and options for grown up gap years, it has the widest range of volunteering programmes in Africa. These include animal/wildlife conservation, teaching English in Africa, community volunteering in Africa and Voluntary work with children in Africa.
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