Volunteer

Are you interested in volunteering with Our Neighbours Ministry?

Here is some information which will assist you if you are considering or planning voluntary service with Our Neighbours Ministry.  To view our Volunteer Policy please click here.

First and foremost, for the safety and protection of our children and the people we serve, we would like to get to know you a bit more in order to see how we can best fit you into volunteering with us. We would want this to become a mutually beneficial experience for all concerned and knowing more about you and hearing from references will help us to place you effectively.

We do have some forms which we would want all volunteers to complete, as well as providing a form for completion by references. Please note that these should be approved prior to your visit. Click here to download a copy of these forms.

Options of long term and short term visits are available.

Please note that a current Police Clearance is a definite requirement for voluntary service with our Ministry.

Some other useful information:-

Visa requirements – please contact your local agency to enquire of these requirements.  Work permits are very difficult to acquire in Zimbabwe and are often only granted for a period of one year if all requirements are met.
This may not be approved on initial application, however a rejected application can be appealed. Many people prefer to visit Zimbabwe as tourists and then visit us to see the work which is being done.  On arrival you may be granted 90 days to stay and can request for this to be extended without extra charge.  We suggest visitors visas be multiple entry so that if you wish to visit neighbouring countries you do not have to purchase a second visa. Multiple entry visas are cheaper.

Accommodation – there are a few options available, and are able to provide you with relevant information.

At a relatively reasonable rate there is a backpackers lodge within safe walking distance from the Babies Home (self catering with communal kitchen and bathrooms).

There are other bed and breakfast options available in and around town.

We do have a few families who are available to host individuals for short term stays whilst making a fair contribution for living expenses.

Cost – Our Neighbours Ministry does not charge for volunteering, however we do greatly appreciate any assistance volunteers are willing to contribute to the Ministry and encourage each one to seek the Lord as they prepare to come and share of their time with us.

Currency – Zimbabwe operates using both US$ and South African Rand, though US$ is more wider used as rates of exchange vary from day to day.  Values less than $1 are converted to a rand value and all change is issued in Rand. In some cities small change is given back in credit vouchers (not in Bulawayo).

Transport – most of the Ministry areas are within walking distance from town.  The local transport system comprises of commuter omnibuses (people carrier type vehicles) and most of these cost around R5-R8 per trip.  You can hire a taxi at a slightly higher cost dependent upon distance travelled. Other options are to catch “private lifts” and these charge the same as the commuter omnibus.  Most are relatively safe to use.

Food stuffs are readily available.  Fresh fruit and vegetables in season are available from the local market and some supermarkets.  Meat (beef, pork & chicken) is also readily available either direct from the butcher or available is smaller packages from local supermarkets. Lentils are also available at selected supermarkets. Most grocery items are now locally available, as are toiletries and cleaning materials.

Internet is available with wireless or broadband at particular points.  Some charge per download capacity whilst other charge on a time basis.  Some cafes supply computers however these are usually very slow and inefficient. Best to bring a laptop if you have one.

Telephone communication is fairly reliable and local mobile lines (pay-as-you-go sim cards) are available for sale at a reasonable prices.

I hope the above information has been helpful if you are considering voluntary service in Zimbabwe.  Please feel free to contact us should you require further details or additional information.