Angola is a country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Namibia in the south, Zambia in the east and the Republic of Congo, as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the north.
Reasons to Volunteer in Angola
Angola is a fast growing African nation located on the Atlantic coast. Through volunteering in Angola, you can help promote peace, and transform the nature of development worldwide. Volunteering is relatively simple and anyone with time and a skill can select a suitable cause and participate in making it a reality. Angola is particularly good for volunteering because as a nation rebuilding itself, there are many areas that need attention.
Where You Can Help
The larger cities are where most projects are based including: Luanda, Lubango, , Benguela, Cabinda, Malanje, Saurimo, Lobito, Cuito, Uíge, Luena and Mossamedes. Some outreach projects also work in more rural areas of the country. For alternative options search more Africa volunteer programs.
Popular Projects
Most programs open to international participants are focused on community development, healthcare and helping people. Please note this is a more off the beaten track destination where projects are offered through international humanitarian organisations / aid agencies.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme has several projects that can provide suitable opportunities for prospectors in Angola. Through this programme the organizations sends nurses, teachers, human rights activists among other categories to assist in rebuilding the nation.
Other organizations that have made their mark in Angola and offer volunteer opportunities include the Peace Corps, African Conservation Foundation and the Institute for International Cooperation and Development.
Some conservation organizations are also working to help wildlife and nature, sadly there are not many wild lions left in Angola but work is being done to improve this.
Volunteering in Angola FAQ
Accommodation
Most people working with international organizations are provided secure housing and suitable transport.
What is Angola Like?
The capital city is quite vibrant and has many modern amenities such as malls and hotels. In addition to the volunteer experience, Angola promises to treat visitors to exotic game such as the rare Giant Sable Antelope and its beautiful landscape.
Language
A very low percentage of the local population can communicate in English and traveling/volunteering in Angola therefore requires a minimum of knowledge of the Portuguese language. Also, due to the fact that lots of people migrate from neighbouring countries to Angola, it is sometimes possible to use French and Afrikaans (for Namibian / South African people).
There is little literature on Angola available at all, and most of the available literature is in Portuguese or (in some cases) French. Bay of Tigers: An Odyssey through War-torn Angola by Pedro Rosa Mendes was translated from the Portuguese and published by Harcourt in 2003. Mendes traveled across the country by train in 1997 while the war was still going on in Angola, very fascinating look at the people and the nature of life there during the war.
Try also John Frederick Walker’s A Certain Curve OF Horn documenting the history of the magnificent and sub species of Antelope unique to Angola – Palanca Negra Gigante (Hippotragus níger variani).
Another excellent read is Ryszard Kapuściński’s compelling journalistic narrative Another Day of Life in which he reports on the chaotic period leading up to Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975. As one of the only journalists in Angola during this very dangerous period his perspective is rare and full of insight.