10 Places to Volunteer in Botswana While You Wait for a Job

Your Career Can Still Move Forward While You Wait

Searching for a job in Botswana can be challenging. You submit applications, update your CV, prepare for interviews and wait for responses. Sometimes, weeks or months pass without the opportunity you hoped for.

But being unemployed does not mean your professional development has to stop.

Volunteering is one way to make productive use of this period. By offering your time and skills to a community organisation, non-governmental organisation (NGO), school, charity or local initiative, you can gain practical experience, develop new skills and meet people who may help you discover future opportunities.

Whether you studied marketing, finance, information technology, education, social work, business administration or another field, there may be a way to contribute while strengthening your CV.

The goal is not simply to keep yourself busy. It is to find meaningful opportunities that help you grow professionally while making a difference in your community.

Here are some places to consider volunteering in Botswana while looking for work.

1. Botswana Red Cross Society

Best for: Community development, public health, humanitarian work, administration and teamwork.

The Botswana Red Cross Society works in humanitarian services, community health, disaster management, first aid and support for vulnerable communities. Its volunteer development programme recruits people to support humanitarian activities at community level.

For jobseekers, this could be an opportunity to develop communication, teamwork, community mobilisation and organisational skills.

Depending on available opportunities and your interests, you could enquire about assisting with community outreach, awareness campaigns, event support, administration or other activities suited to your skills.

How to get involved: Contact your nearest branch and ask about volunteer registration, current projects and any training requirements.

Visit the Botswana Red Cross Society website to learn more.

2. SOS Children’s Villages Botswana

Best for: Social work, education, youth development, administration, communications and community support.

SOS Children’s Villages Botswana supports children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. The organisation also works with families and young people to strengthen communities and help young people prepare for independent life.

If you are interested in social development, education, communications or administration, the organisation may be worth contacting.

You could enquire about opportunities to support approved community activities, educational initiatives, fundraising campaigns or administrative projects, depending on the organisation’s needs.

Important: SOS Children’s Villages Botswana states that it does not operate a formal volunteer programme, although volunteers may be welcome when a need arises. Contact the organisation before making plans, and expect safeguarding requirements for activities involving children.

Visit the SOS Children’s Villages Botswana website for more information.

3. Schools, Libraries and Educational Initiatives

Best for: Education, tutoring, writing, research, ICT, administration and public speaking.

Schools, community libraries and educational initiatives can be useful places to enquire about volunteering, especially if you enjoy helping others learn.

You might offer to assist with reading programmes, basic computer literacy, study support, educational events, library organisation or supervised after-school activities.

For example, a graduate with an IT background could help an approved community initiative introduce learners to basic computer skills. Someone with strong English or Setswana skills might support reading and writing activities.

These experiences can help you practise explaining ideas, managing tasks and working with different age groups.

How to get involved: Approach schools, libraries or community education organisations in your area. Explain your skills, the days you are available and the specific support you can offer. Confirm any child-protection or background-check requirements before starting.

4. Local NGOs and Community-Based Organisations

Best for: Almost every career field, including finance, project management, communications, logistics, research and administration.

Botswana has NGOs and community-based organisations working in areas such as youth development, disability inclusion, environmental protection, public health, poverty alleviation and social welfare.

These organisations often need practical support to deliver projects and communicate with the communities they serve.

Depending on their needs, you could offer to help with:

• Preparing reports and organising project records.
• Creating posters, newsletters and social media content.
• Assisting with community events and awareness campaigns.
• Collecting and organising information for approved research projects.
• Supporting fundraising activities and donor communications.
• Helping coordinate programmes, meetings and workshops.

This can be particularly valuable if you want to gain experience in a professional environment related to your qualifications.

How to get involved: Search for registered NGOs and community organisations in your town. Identify organisations whose work interests you, then send a short email explaining what you can contribute and how much time you can commit.

Do not send the same generic message to every organisation. A specific offer to solve a real problem is more likely to stand out.

5. Environmental and Conservation Organisations

Best for: Environmental science, tourism, agriculture, wildlife management, communications and community outreach.

Botswana’s natural environment creates opportunities for people interested in conservation and sustainability.

Depending on the location and projects available, you can look for opportunities with conservation organisations, environmental groups, community clean-up initiatives and sustainability programmes.

Activities might include participating in organised clean-ups, supporting environmental awareness campaigns, helping with approved community education programmes or assisting with communications and event coordination.

If you studied environmental science, agriculture, tourism or wildlife management, seek opportunities that are relevant to your training. If your background is in marketing or design, you might offer to help an organisation communicate its conservation work more effectively.

How to get involved: Contact conservation organisations directly and ask whether they accept local volunteers. Check the nature of the work, travel arrangements, safety requirements and any costs before committing.

6. Botswana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA)

Best for: Animal welfare, veterinary interests, animal care, administration, fundraising and community outreach.

If you love animals and want to make a difference while gaining valuable experience, the Botswana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) is another organisation worth considering.

The BSPCA works to promote animal welfare and protect animals from cruelty. Volunteering with an animal welfare organisation can be a meaningful way to contribute to your community while developing skills in teamwork, communication, responsibility and organisation.

Depending on the organisation’s current needs and available volunteer opportunities, you could enquire about assisting with animal care, supporting adoption initiatives, helping with fundraising activities, participating in animal welfare awareness campaigns or providing administrative and communications support.

You do not necessarily need a veterinary qualification to contribute to animal welfare initiatives. However, specialised animal care and medical duties should only be undertaken by appropriately trained and authorised personnel.

How to get involved: Contact the BSPCA directly to ask whether it currently accepts volunteers, what roles are available and whether any training, induction or other requirements apply.

Visit the BSPCA website or Facebook Page to learn more about its work and contact the organisation.

Career tip: If you are interested in veterinary science, animal health, agriculture or wildlife conservation, volunteering in animal welfare may help you explore your interests and gain relevant exposure. For jobseekers in other fields, it can also provide opportunities to apply transferable skills such as marketing, graphic design, fundraising and administration.

7. Churches and Faith-Based Community Programmes

Best for: Community service, event coordination, administration and youth development.

Many churches and faith-based organisations run community programmes that support families, young people, older people and individuals experiencing hardship.

Depending on the programme, you might help organise community events, coordinate donations, assist with administrative tasks, support youth activities or contribute professional skills to an approved initiative.

These activities can help you practise leadership, communication, planning and teamwork.

You do not need to limit yourself to activities directly connected to your qualifications. The important thing is to choose a role where you can contribute meaningfully and learn something useful.

How to get involved: Speak to a community leader or programme coordinator and ask where your skills could be useful. Be clear about the time you can offer and the responsibilities you are comfortable taking on.

8. Small Businesses and Local Entrepreneurs

Best for: Business administration, accounting, sales, marketing, graphic design, ICT and customer service.

Not every valuable work experience opportunity comes from a large organisation.

Small businesses and local entrepreneurs may need help with specific projects but lack the resources to hire additional staff immediately.

You could approach a business and offer a clearly defined, short-term contribution, such as:

• Helping organise customer records or stock information.
• Designing a basic promotional poster or social media campaign.
• Updating a product catalogue or business profile.
• Improving a spreadsheet or administrative process.
• Assisting with a community event or customer survey.
• Providing basic digital skills support.

For example, a marketing graduate could help a local business prepare a small promotional campaign, while an accounting graduate might help organise records under appropriate supervision.

These projects can help you develop a portfolio and collect references based on work you have actually completed.

A word of caution: If a business expects you to perform regular productive work, manage its operations or take on responsibilities normally assigned to paid staff, discuss fair compensation and formal employment options. Do not assume that every unpaid arrangement is a legitimate volunteer opportunity.

9. Professional Associations, Youth Groups and Industry Networks

Best for: Networking, professional development, leadership and career exploration.

Professional associations, alumni groups, youth organisations and industry networks can help you connect with people working in your chosen field.

Some may need volunteers to organise workshops, coordinate events, prepare communications, assist with registration or support research and outreach activities.

This can introduce you to professionals who understand your industry and may share information about vacancies, training programmes or other career opportunities.

Volunteering in these environments also gives you opportunities to practise professional communication and demonstrate reliability.

How to get involved: Look for associations related to your qualifications or career interests. Ask about upcoming events, committee support or projects that welcome volunteers.

Remember that networking is about building genuine professional relationships, not simply asking everyone you meet for a job.

10. Botswana National Service Programme (Tirelo Sechaba)

Best for: Eligible graduates seeking structured experience and exposure to different sectors.

If you are a graduate looking for work, the Botswana National Service Programme, known as Tirelo Sechaba, is worth investigating.

According to the Government of Botswana, the programme aims to help unemployed young people gain skills and experience across industries and business sectors. Selected participants may be placed with government departments, NGOs, parastatal organisations and other public or community institutions.

Unlike informal volunteering, this is a structured national programme with an application process and participating institutions.

How to get involved: Visit the Government of Botswana’s Tirelo Sechaba information page to understand the programme and look for current application guidance.

Check the eligibility criteria, application requirements, placement conditions and any current programme announcements before applying. Do not assume applications are open simply because the programme exists.

How to Choose the Right Volunteer Opportunity

With several possibilities available, how do you decide where to start?

Begin by identifying what you want to gain from the experience.

You do not have to find the perfect opportunity immediately. Start with an organisation that has a genuine need, offers appropriate supervision and allows you to contribute safely and meaningfully.

How Volunteering Can Improve Your CV

One of the biggest benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities instead of simply listing them.

For example, rather than writing that you have good communication skills, you could describe how you helped coordinate a community awareness campaign or communicated with participants during an event.

Rather than claiming to be organised, you could explain how you maintained project records, scheduled activities or helped coordinate a programme.

To make your experience useful to future employers:

1. Set clear objectives. Decide which skills you want to develop and what contribution you intend to make.

2. Keep a record of your work. Document your responsibilities, completed tasks and measurable results, while respecting confidentiality.

3. Ask for feedback. Use feedback from a supervisor to improve your performance.

4. Build a professional portfolio. If appropriate, keep examples of your designs, reports, projects or other work you have permission to share.

5. Request a reference. After completing meaningful work, ask whether your supervisor would be comfortable providing a reference or confirming your responsibilities.

6. Update your CV. Include your volunteer role, organisation, dates, responsibilities and achievements. Label unpaid experience honestly as volunteering.

Remember, volunteering does not guarantee employment. Its value depends on the quality of the experience, the skills you develop and how effectively you communicate what you have achieved.

How to Ask an Organisation for a Volunteer Opportunity

You do not need to wait for an organisation to advertise a volunteer position. You can make a professional enquiry.

Here is a simple email you can adapt:

Subject: Enquiry About Volunteer Opportunities

Dear [Organisation Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am currently seeking employment while looking for opportunities to develop my professional skills and contribute to my community.

I have a background in [Your Field or Qualification] and would welcome the opportunity to support your organisation in areas where my skills could be useful.

I would be particularly interested in assisting with [specific activity or project]. I am available [days or hours] and would appreciate learning whether you have any current or upcoming volunteer opportunities.

I would be happy to share my CV and discuss how I could contribute to your work.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Important Things to Consider Before Volunteering

While volunteering can be valuable, protect your time, finances and professional interests.

• Clarify expectations: Agree on your duties, working hours, duration and supervisor before starting.
• Ask about costs: Find out whether transport, meals, training or other expenses are covered. Do not commit to expenses you cannot afford.
• Be careful of scams: Avoid organisations that demand suspicious upfront payments, promise guaranteed jobs in exchange for fees or request sensitive information without a legitimate reason.
• Understand safeguarding requirements: Roles involving children, vulnerable adults, animal welfare, health services or sensitive information may require screening, training and supervision.
• Know when to move on: If an opportunity no longer supports your goals or places unreasonable demands on you, reassess the arrangement.
• Keep applying for jobs: Volunteering should complement your job search, not replace it.

Your time has value. A good volunteer opportunity should offer a meaningful contribution, clear expectations and a reasonable learning experience.

Create a Weekly Routine That Balances Volunteering and Job Hunting

It is easy to become so involved in daily activities that you forget to continue applying for jobs.

A balanced routine can help you keep both priorities moving forward.

For example, you could dedicate your mornings to searching for vacancies and submitting applications, spend selected afternoons volunteering, and reserve time each week for professional development and networking.

Keep track of the positions you apply for, follow up appropriately and prepare for interviews whenever opportunities arise.

The objective is to build experience without losing sight of your main goal: securing suitable employment.

Make the Waiting Period Count

Being unemployed can be frustrating, particularly when you have qualifications, ambitions and responsibilities but have not yet found the right opportunity.

However, your career is not defined only by the jobs you have held. It is also shaped by the skills you develop, the problems you solve, the people you work with and the contribution you make.

Volunteering can give you a practical way to keep learning, serve your community and build evidence of your abilities while you continue searching for paid work.

Start small. Identify one or two organisations in your area, offer a specific skill and commit to work you can realistically complete.

Your next opportunity may come through a new skill, a project you complete, a reference you earn or a professional connection you build along the way.

Keep learning. Keep contributing. Keep applying. Your next opportunity is still worth pursuing.

Find Your Next Opportunity with Tesha

While you build experience, continue looking for jobs that match your qualifications and career goals.

Visit Tesha.online to explore job opportunities and take the next step in your career journey.

Tesha — Helping jobseekers discover opportunities and move forward.