Introduction to the CWOT Volunteer Program: Our volunteer program at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage & Trust (CWOT) plays a crucial role in addressing urgent social issues related to wildlife conservation and community development. The protection and care of chimpanzees, as well as the promotion of environmental awareness, are at the heart of our mission. However, we also face challenges such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, and the need for sustainable livelihoods in local communities. Through our volunteer program, we aim to address these issues by providing practical assistance in animal care, education, and sustainable agriculture, while fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation and cultural immersion.

Program Overview: Volunteers at CWOT play a vital role in various aspects of our operations. Whether it's feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring our chimpanzee populations, participating in the design and development of educational programs for local communities and children (awareness, training, music, art, or sports classes), or assisting with agricultural tasks such as planting, harvesting, or irrigation, volunteers are essential to our daily operations and long-term goals.

Environment and Locations: Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to work and live in the heart of Zambia's wooded lands, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. CWOT is located in the peaceful surroundings of the Copperbelt Province, offering a serene yet immersive environment for volunteers to engage with nature and wildlife.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Volunteers will have the chance to work closely with our dedicated team of staff members and volunteers from around the world, as well as spend time with primatology researchers studying the behavior of our chimpanzee populations. Our team is committed to providing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure that volunteers have a meaningful and enriching experience during their stay with us.

Expectations and Equipment: We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and skill levels, with no specific experience required, only a passion for wildlife conservation and a willingness to learn and contribute. We provide necessary training and equipment for volunteer activities. However, it is essential for volunteers to come prepared with field clothing, closed-toe shoes or boots, and your own gloves and masks to prevent any transmission with our resident primates. Rain gear is also encouraged if the period of interest falls between December and April. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their enthusiasm, open-mindedness, and spirit of collaboration to make the most of their time at CWOT.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS 

Once your volunteering is confirmed with our management team, you should send us: 

• Health Check: Please complete a health check with you doctor. We need to know what your general medical condition is, as well as any specific medical conditions, allergies, medication, etc. 
• HIV test: You can ask your doctor where to get this blood test done (depending on your country, it may be at a hospital or local HIV centre). 
• TB test (Tuberculosis): Contact your health authorities to make an appointment for this test. A lung X-ray may be required by your doctor before getting the TB injection. If you already have done the test less than 1 year ago, it is accepted. 
• Vaccination proof: You need to be up-to-date with your Hepatitis B, DTP and ROR vaccination schemes. As some of these vaccines require multiple injections, make sure to discuss this with your doctor well in advance. 

MALARIA PROPHYLAXIS 

The choice to take the prophylactic medication is yours. Malaria is a very common disease in this area of Zambia, caused by a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, flu-like symptoms, fatigue and nausea. Left untreated, patients may develop dehydration, severe complications (including organs like the liver or brain) or even die. However when treated rapidly, in the first 2 days of symptoms, recovery is positive and fast (<1 week). Malaria treatment medication is easily found here. 

The prophylactic medication is either a daily dose or a weekly dose. We recommend taking it if you come for a short stay, but for longer stays (over 3 months) it is your decisions, due to side effects and costs. Another possibility is to take Thiamine / Vit B1 tablets. All this can be discussed in a meeting, should you require assistance.

VACCINATIONS 

Primates share 98% of the same DNA as humans and are easily susceptible to human diseases, therefore for the protection of the chimpanzees, we must insist that each person who participates in any of our experiences provides proof of specific vaccinations and health checks. These vaccinations and immunisations should be readily available from your local health provider. All vaccinations must be at least two weeks old prior to your arrival at Chimfunshi as this is the length of time necessary for your immunity levels to react. 

Vaccinations required: Hepatitis B, Measles, Polio, Tetanus, ROR 

Vaccinations Recommended: Yellow Fever, Meningococcal meningitis, Rabies.

TRAVEL INSURANCE 

Prior to your trip, you need to arrange medical insurance which is valid in Zambia and includes full air evacuation in the unlikely event that you need repatriation. Make sure it covers volunteering work with animals. If it is not the case with your current insurance, you must get extra temporary insurance for the time frame you are volunteering here. Ask your insurance provider to give you a copy of your insurance or a letter stating that you are covered in this context. A copy will need to be send the office as record.

VISA 

We recommend getting a tourist visa, which is given on arrival, free of charge. It is valid for 30 days and easily renewable twice for free, allowing you to stay for a total of 90 days. 

When getting this visa, do not mention that you will be volunteering, as in Zambia volunteering is considered work and therefor requires a business visa, which is only valid 30 days and is not renewable.

If you are coming for more than 3 months, you can apply for a temporary working permit, valid for up to 6 months. This requires you to send an application form online along with some documents, a letter from the receiving institution (Chimfunshi) and a payment of K7,000 Kwacha (around $400 USD).

Please check your country’s visa requirements before traveling to Zambia and ensure your passport is valid for your length of stay, or as required by the Zambian government for your unique passport. 

MONEY 

The national currency is Kwacha and in most places, it is the only currency accepted. Rates are approximately at $1= 20Kw. You can check the up-to-date conversion rate with your own currency on Xe-converter website/app.

In large supermarkets and towns, you can pay using your credit card (Mastercard, Visa) but we recommend you take out some cash before coming to Chimfunshi as shopping at the gift shop, paying for laundry service or asking people to get groceries for you will require cash. You will not be spending much while in Chimfunshi so no need to withdraw too much. There are many ATMs in Chingola and Kitwe. Please keep your money safe in your room. If needed, your valuables can also be kept in the safe-box in the office.

ARRIVING IN ZAMBIA 

Be careful, your passport must be valid for more than 4 months after the estimated date of leaving Zambia (for example if you plan on coming for all of January, the expiry date must be after May of the same year).

CLIMATE 

The climate varies during the year. Rainy season is from mid-November to April; it can be extremely hot and humid. You may find it uncomfortable to work in, depending on what you are used to. Light clothing, a raincoat and wellies are needed, plus a sweatshirt for evenings. Dry season is from May to mid-November; with cooler nights and sunny warm days in May to August, in contrary to the very hot (over 40°C) and dry climate of September to mid-November.

RULES 

As this is a small village as well as a local community, there are certain rules we ask volunteers to follow. Most of these are based on common sense but a contract will be signed upon arrival, agreeing to the rules. 

• Appropriate clothing should be worn for work. Legs and shoulders should be covered to protect you more effectively from the sun, insects and branches, and to minimize skin contact with pathogens carried by animals. 
• We ask everybody on camp to be respectful regarding other people, local or foreign, as well as regarding equipment and accommodation. 
• Drugs, physical and verbal violence, as well as sexual conduct with workers are prohibited. 
• Discrimination of any type is not tolerated on the Chimfunshi grounds. If you witness or are a victim of discrimination during your stay, please contact management.

Breaking the rules can lead to an end of volunteering period with no refunds provided.

WHAT TO PACK:

NEEDED 

• Valid Passport (and copy of passport) 
• Proof of vaccinations 
• Bush wear clothes (sleeved shirts & long robust trousers and shorts, adequate to work in the bush and protect from bug bites) 
• Walking shoes/hiking boots 
• High socks and simple underwear (it will be drying in plain view!) 
• Jumper or fleece (being 1400m above sea level, it can get cool at night) 
• Raincoat & rubber boats (if you come during the rainy season) 
• Other clothing (to wear in the evenings and days off) 
• Towel 
• Hat / cap 
• Sunscreen (can also be purchased in Zambia) 
• Sunglasses 
• Mosquito repellent 
• Head lamp / torch / camping lantern 
• Laundry washing powder (the most environmentally friendly possible) 
• Reusable water bottle (to avoid the use of plastic here) 
• A small backpack (for when you go out the whole day) 
• Masks for wear when working with animals 
• Personal medicines 
• Positive attitude!