Volunteer Zambia
- For over two decades, Volunteer Zambia has been changing lives; both in Zambia and here at Northumbria. Now in its 22nd year, the programme has sent generations of students to Zambia, to use sport as a tool for education, empowerment, and community development. Tens of thousands of young people in some of Zambia's most underserved communities have benefited from the coaching, mentoring, and sport-for-development work delivered by Northumbria volunteers; and just as many students have returned home transformed by the experience.
- Volunteer Zambia INSERT VIDEO
What is Volunteer Zambia?
- Volunteer Zambia is an international sport-for-development programme delivered in partnership with the Wallace Group and Sport in Action, a leading Zambian NGO. Each year, Northumbria University selects up to five students and one staff member to take part in this life-changing opportunity.
- The programme sits within a wider network of collaboration, Northumbria works alongside fellow UK universities, the Wallace Group's international partners, and grassroots Zambian organisations to deliver a programme that's bigger than any one institution. This shared commitment is what has allowed Volunteer Zambia to grow and sustain its impact for 22 years running.
- The journey begins long before departure. Volunteers come together as a team to fundraise through events, campaigns, and community support, building not just the funds needed for the trip, but the teamwork and resilience that carry through into the placement itself. This is followed by an 8-week placement in Lusaka, Zambia in Summer 2027, where students use the power of sport to educate, inspire, and create positive change. Working alongside local coaches and community leaders, volunteers help deliver sustainable sport programmes for children and young people in some of Zambia's most underserved communities.
- This is more than just a volunteering opportunity: it's a chance to grow as a leader, gain global experience, fundraise for a cause bigger than yourself, and make a lasting impact that outlives your time on the ground.
Volunteer Zambia 2026/27: Applications OPEN on XXXXX
- If you're interested in joining the programme in Zambia in 2026/27, please keep an eye on this page from Autumn 2026.
- Alternatively, if you would like an informal chat about the programme, please contact Andy Barton — andy.barton@northumbria.ac.uk.
- Please see role descriptors for 2025/26 below for reference:
- Download Role Descriptors – Sport Development Roles (Netball, Basketball, Football) and Media & Marketing
- Download Role Descriptor – Duke of Edinburgh Officer
- Download Role Descriptor – Enterprise Officer
