Trip Details

Sports Coach Volunteer in Ethiopia

If sport is your thing, our Sports Coach Volunteer programme in Ethiopia provides a great opportunity to improve your skills, whilst helping local children. It’s not just about sport, of course, it’s about building the confidence of children who may have had a difficult start in life. Ethiopia has gone through many struggles over the years, and the future of its children is bleak. In fact, most leave after primary school to work. Subsequently, volunteers should have a positive and empathic approach to working with those who may need a little extra support and encouragement.

Encourage local Children towards Stellar Sporting Goals!

The school you will be volunteering at comprises a Kindergarten and a primary school with students from 5-14 years old.  And, with the right people and a lot of work, we believe that we can build a solid sports foundation for the school to give Bahir Dar’s children a ‘sporting chance’ of competing at a global level. However, you may need to be pretty creative with your lessons, as resources are scarce at the school! (Although we are working to change that with our construction and renovation programme) That said, whether your passion is football, rugby, badminton, hockey or track, you will find the children are super-keen to learn what you have to teach!

Explore Ethiopia and Find Adventure

There’s a time for games and a time for adventure! And you will have plenty of time to go off exploring the beautiful country of Ethiopia with its deserts, highlands and villages – all with your new-found friends! Alternatively, you can choose to kick back and relax at your gated community accommodation which is fully furnished with Wifi in communal areas. We hope you have an appetite too! Ethiopian food is delicious; and with all meals included, we know you will get a real taste for authentic African cuisine whilst volunteering as a Sports Coach!

Why Volunteer as a Sports Coach in Ethiopia?

  • Teach children the basics in your chosen sport or sports
  • Improve your own skills and learn how to instruct and enthuse others
  • Meet new friends and experience Ethiopia’s vibrant community
  • Stay in safe and comfortable accommodation with wifi included
  • Enjoy the delights of African food with all meals and beverages* included

*tea, coffee and drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

Our Sports Coach Volunteers in Ethiopia are passionate about their game and have a strong grasp of the rules and techniques involved.  Therefore, you should be organised and be able to prepare your own lessons. However, you will have support from your coordinator and school staff.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On Monday, you will join our orientation day to get to grips with your surroundings and local culture. Thereafter, your programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Orientation Day Schedule

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Introduction to Ethiopian History and culture.
  • Amharic Language Lesson
  • Lunch
  • Visit the Local Market, St George Church and town
  • Visit Lake Tana
  • Dinner
  • Visit a local traditional Show of music and dance.
  • Meet some of our academy athletes at our training centre, help with our after school programme or visit the community children we support with our programs.

Weekly Schedule

Monday

  • Breakfast
  • Introduction
  • Lunch
  • Introduction
  • Dinner

Tuesday to Friday

The daily schedule is as follows as the school has 2 sessions:

Morning session = 6 am to 8 am
Evening session = 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm                               

Between these times, volunteers are expected to prepare their next session.

Please note:

Cost of transport to locations is not included, but will usually be around £1.50 per day.

This schedule can be changed depending on weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Evenings and Weekends

In between coaching sessions, you can choose to explore the area or get involved with other school activities. In fact, many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan trips further afield for the weekends.

Places to Visit

Ethiopia has much to offer, so here are some of our top ‘must-see’ places to visit!

  • Tana Kirkos
  • Simien Mountains National Park
  • The historic city of Gondar
  • Blue Nile Falls

Trip Accommodation

Bahir Dar is a bustling city in the Amhara region where Amharic is widely spoken. Lake Tana, a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve and the Blue Nile Falls, are located nearby and transport is available.

Our Centre is just outside Bahir Dar, about 3 to 4 kilometres from the volunteer projects, and is part of a safe, gated community. Further, you will be able to enjoy beautiful scenery, as the house overlooks Lake Tana and the Abyssinian Highlands.

Journey to Bahir Dar

Daily flights connect Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa, and the bus service between them is a very comfortable journey of 10 hours. In fact, many volunteers say they love this part of their adventure, sitting back and taking in the scenery!

About the Accommodation

You will be staying in comfortable male/female dorms within a gated community. The house is fully furnished, with laundry and storerooms, and a well-equipped kitchen. Also, you will have a cosy living room where you can relax and hang out with your friends.

If you’re here on your own, don’t worry! There are staff on-site 7 days a week to help you. It’s a very sociable atmosphere, so you’ll find board games and other things to do during your down-time. Wifi is available in communal areas so you can catch up with friends and family – if you get the time!.

Food

Your meals will be mainly Ethiopian dishes which consist of daily vegetarian spicy stews and lentils, and flatbreads. However, non-vegetarian meals will also be available twice a week too (in addition). Also, tea, coffee, and filtered water are available daily. Lastly, you will be provided with 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends.

Facilities

Supermarkets, cafes, shops, ATMs are available nearby. Also, first aid equipment is available at the accommodation, should you need it.

Transportation

Transportation is available to all surrounding areas. However, transport costs are not included in the programme, and, therefore extra provision must be made for your excursions.

Trip Country Info

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

MUST have a yellow fever vaccination and must obtain a certificate as proof
DBS, Criminal Background Check
Travel Insurance
Under 18, Parental Consent

Additional Requirements

Team Player
Open Mind

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Airport drop off
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa