Community Development Volunteer Programmes

Community Development Volunteer Programmes: Empowering Local Communities, Creating Global Impact

Global change starts locally and you can contribute to community development projects across the world with Vocational Impact’s Community Development Volunteer Programmes.

You’ll have a unique opportunity to examine the central issues facing communities in developing countries while gaining practical skills and making a positive impact.

Whether you choose to volunteer in Ghana, South Africa, or India, each placement focuses on cultural and community development, addressing key challenges such as women’s empowerment, gender equality, and access to healthcare.

Start your community development adventure today and be part of the change!

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Make a Global Impact: Join our Community Development Volunteer Programmes and contribute to positive change in local communities worldwide.

  • Diverse Opportunities: Engage in cultural and community development projects, empowering individuals and fostering sustainable development.

  • Practical Experience: Gain valuable skills and practical work experience in areas such as education, women’s empowerment, healthcare, and more.

  • Tailored Support: Benefit from 1-1 guidance and a personalised experience, ensuring your journey aligns with your interests and goals.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Community Development Volunteer Programme in India
Volunteer at our foundation that provides holistic care for children living with HIV/AIDS. Help out with development projects to support the children, from sustainability and creative arts to literacy and book clubs. Lead projects and engage directly with locals to make an impact on the wider community.
Location: Jaipur, India
Price: From £325
Duration: 1-12 weeks +
Dates: 1st week of every month (flexible start dates offered)
Age: 18+
Includes: Accommodation, meals, airport pickup/dropoff, in-country transport, professional programme development, 24/7 support
Business & NGO Management Volunteer Programme In India
Gain practical experience and skills volunteering with an active NGO focused on sustainable community development. Work directly on projects and develop skills in marketing, statistics, governance, education, policy and broader business.
Location: Jaipur, India
Price: From £325
Duration: 1-12 weeks +
Dates: 1st week of every month (flexible start dates offered)
Age: 18+
Includes: Accommodation, meals, airport pickup/dropoff, in-country transport, professional programme development, 24/7 support
Community Development Volunteer Programme In South Africa
Help at our foundation that provides holistic care for mothers and children living with HIV/AIDS. This community village provides housing and a safe environment for families. Assist with development projects to support the children, from workshops and mentoring to literacy and book clubs. Lead projects and engage directly with the residents of the community.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Price: From £325
Duration: 1-12 weeks +
Dates: 1st week of every month (flexible start dates offered)
Age: 18+
Includes: Accommodation, meals, airport pickup/dropoff, in-country transport, professional programme development, 24/7 support
Business & Ngo Management Volunteer Programme in South Africa
Gain practical experience and skills volunteering with an active NGO focused on sustainable community development. Work directly on projects and develop skills in marketing, statistics, governance, education, policy and broader business.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Price: From £325
Duration: 1-12 weeks +
Dates: 1st week of every month (flexible start dates offered)
Age: 18+
Includes: Accommodation, meals, airport pickup/dropoff, in-country transport, professional programme development, 24/7 support
Business & NGO Management Volunteer Programme In Ghana
Gain practical experience and skills volunteering with an active NGO focused on sustainable community development. Work directly on projects and develop skills in marketing, statistics, governance, education, policy and broader business.
Location: Senya Beraku, Ghana
Price: From £325
Duration: 1-12 Weeks +
Dates: 1st week of every month (flexible start dates offered)
Age: 18+
Includes: Accommodation, meals, airport pickup/dropoff, in-country transport, professional programme development, 24/7 support
Community Development Volunteer Programme In Ghana
Volunteer at our foundation that provides holistic care to vulnerable children.
Location: Senya Beraku, Ghana
Price: From £325
Duration: 1-12 Weeks +
Dates: 1st week of every month (flexible start dates offered)
Age: 18+
Includes: Accommodation, meals, airport pickup/dropoff, in-country transport, professional programme development, 24/7 support

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH 

VOCATIONAL IMPACT?

We were founded with a goal to turn the volunteer travel industry on its head.

It’s simple really, the largest percentage of your donation goes directly to our long-term partner projects and we match your unique skills and goals to the place they’ll make the most impact.

We prioritise the sustainable development of communities around the world and want people to have rewarding experiences that they know really make a difference to the people they’re working with.

Get in touch with our volunteer coordinators to understand how your tailor-made programme can directly support projects across the world whilst giving you the professional experience that will help you stand out from the crowd.

Hear from our volunteers

Life-Changing Experience in Ghana
Volunteering in Ghana as part of the psychology and mental health program was a life-changing experience. I worked in both the Psychiatric Hospital and the local Hospital, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience. I had the opportunity to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings, sit in on counselling sessions, and interact directly with patients dealing with mental health issues, including delusions. The staff were incredibly welcoming and supportive, and the psychologist at the local Hospital, Justice, taught me so much.

Working with children was also a highlight. We gave presentations on overcoming anxiety and helped specific children through one-on-one sessions. The freedom to explore different areas of the hospitals allowed me to tailor my experience to my interests.

Outside of work, I enjoyed exploring Ghana’s beautiful landscapes and historic sites, including Cape Coast and Accra. The entire experience has been impactful, and I’ve shared it in job interviews since returning home.
Constance Burkham
University of Glasgow
August 2024
Learning About the Criminal Justice System 
Volunteering in Ghana was a unique and eye-opening experience that offered me both personal and professional growth. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the locals and the staff on my programmee. Working with such a small, dedicated team impressed me, and I was able to learn a lot about the justice system through hands-on experiences. I particularly enjoyed the field trips, which included visits to four prisons, discussions with lawyers, and insightful briefings with police officers. These experiences allowed me to deeply engage with the criminal justice system in Ghana and compare it to the UK.

The placement not only broadened my understanding of global justice issues but also helped me develop practical employability skills. I participated in the production of documentaries highlighting prisoners’ stories, which was both eye-opening and educational. Outside of work, I explored the beautiful country, visiting national landmarks and meeting welcoming people, which made my time in Ghana unforgettable.
Max Bowen
University of Leicester
July 2024
Working with the Children was a Highlight
My volunteer placement in Ghana was a rewarding and educational experience. The hospitals offered valuable insight into how mental health treatment is approached across different cultures, which was fascinating to observe. I worked in the men’s acute units and rehabilitation wards at the Psychiatric Hospital, and provided psycho-education and counseling to patients, including one needing induced labor. Though there was more shadowing than I anticipated, the opportunity to be involved in real cases was deeply impactful.

Working in the orphanage was the highlight of my trip. Building relationships with the children was truly rewarding, and I only wish I had more time there. The other volunteers and the local team, especially Albert, made the experience even more memorable. Ghana’s rich culture and beautiful landscape were a joy to explore on weekends, adding to the overall experience. I’d recommend this program to those seeking to observe and learn in a unique and meaningful setting.
Megan Sullivan
Cambridge University
July 2024
Hands-on Clinical Experience & Cultural Immersion
My volunteer placement in Jaipur, India, was an incredibly fulfilling and enriching experience from the very start. At the hospital, I worked in the psychiatric ward, conducting case history assessments, contributing to treatment plans, and supporting patients with mental health disorders and addiction. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team gave me valuable insights into holistic patient care. Additionally, I had the privilege of working with orphaned children, offering emotional support and organizing activities, which was a profoundly fulfilling experience.

Adjusting to life in Jaipur took some adaptability, but the warmth of the community made it easier. The city’s rich culture, historic sites, and the hospital’s dedication to care inspired me throughout my stay. Exploring Jaipur on weekends added a vibrant cultural dimension to my time there. Overall, the hands-on clinical experience, combined with cultural immersion, made this placement deeply enriching, both professionally and personally. I would definitely encourage my friends and university peers to participate in this placement.
Aparna Nair
Nottingham Trent University
July 2024

GET INSPIRED

Choosing the right organisation to volunteer with will make a huge difference to you and the community you wish to work within. Find out which questions to ask to be sure they align with your values.

As Christmas is now over, and 2025 looms ever closer - we wanted to take a moment to look back on 2024 and what a fantastic year it was for us.

Read psychology student Lyndsey’s story about her enriching volunteering experience in South Africa working on gender-based violence and victim support!

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