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Go overseas with Laughter Africa….. on a journey that will change your life forever

Are you ready to take an adventure of a lifetime? Ready to experience something new? Ready to make a difference to the lives of street children? Then the Laughter Africa overseas visit could be for you! This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows you to experience Laughter Africa’s work firsthand.

Where and how long?

As a Laughter Africa overseas volunteer you will get the chance to spend anywhere between one week and one year working in one of our overseas Laughter Africa projects depending on how long you are able to give and also depending on the needs of the project and the skills you can offer.

What you’ll be doing?

If you take part in the Laughter Africa overseas visit you’ll be taking part in lots of different activities. From participating in outreach work on the streets to reuniting street children with their families to supporting the young people living in the Interim Care Centre. Every day will be different. It could be kicking a football with the street children, teaching a street child to read or even playing board games with them. If you have a particular skill, interest or talent for example, you might be a songwriter, artist or sportsperson – then you could complete a project while you stay with us. It could be teaching the street children how to surf or how to play musical instruments. You may be qualified in a particular profession for instance, counselling, drug rehabilitation, social work and would like to offer your services in that particular field. However you would like to help we’d be happy to have you stay with us.

Who can apply?

Anyone aged eighteen or over can apply to take part in the Laughter Africa overseas visit. There is no age restriction apart from this and we would love to hear from anyone who might want to use their time in this way whether you are taking a gap year, have just graduated from university or, have just retired. It doesn’t matter what your skills, experience or background are – if you are enthusiastic, flexible, sociable and willing to try something new then we’d love to have you.

What will it cost?

Unlike a lot of gap years which are extortionate and prohibitive to many Laughter Africa want to keep the costs down as much as possible. All you need to pay for is your flights, work permit, passports, visas, residential permits, insurance, medication and vaccinations. Laughter Africa will cover all the food and accommodation you will need while you stay with us and any other associated costs.

I’m interested in taking part, what are the next steps?

All you need to do is complete the application form and send it to us at info@laughterafrica.org.uk. Once we’ve received your application we’ll get in touch and may invite you to an informal interview. You’ll also need to give us the names of two referees. If we feel the volunteering opportunity is not right for you at this time we’ll let you know. Please note that a full medical examination is required by your doctor before you can officially be accepted for the overseas volunteer programme.

Why should you volunteer overseas with Laughter Africa?

  • You are helping make a huge difference to the lives of street children in Africa
  • It’s great fun as well as challenging
  • You will get the chance to meet new people and make new friends
  • It can help make your CV stand out, especially if you are interested in working for a charity
  • You will gain valuable life and work experience
  • It gives you the chance to develop new professional skills and gain confidence
  • It’s a chance to immerse yourself in another culture

What we’ll offer you when you volunteer for Laughter Africa

Laughter Africa will be on hand every step of the way providing you with all the training, support, guidance, resources and information you’ll need before, during and after your trip. We will make sure you’re well prepared for your trip letting you know what you’ll need and helping you with all the arrangements, practicalities and logistics involved.

All our overseas volunteers will receive a certificate and reference on completion of their volunteering activity. 

You’ll need to be checked with the Disclosure and Barring Service (or national equivalent). Don’t worry, we’ll arrange all this for you.

Come and meet some of our overseas volunteers

When you volunteer overseas with us you become part of the Laughter Africa family.  We offer all our overseas volunteers the chance to contribute their story to our online book so that the time and experiences they have shared with us will always be a part of our story.

Contact us

If you’d like to volunteer overseas for Laughter Africa or you have any other questions about volunteering overseas then please email us at info@laughterafrica.org.uk.