Day 1 (Sunday) Arrive and say a big Jambo to Tanzania. After clearing customs and immigration in Dar or Zanzibar airport you’ll be met by our local team and taken straight to your accommodation, a journey of up to an hour depending on traffic. Orientation will be a group meeting with any other volunteers starting the same time as you, and will take you through what you can expect from your project, dos and don’ts and how to stay safe.
Days 2 to 6 (Monday to Friday) Our coordinator will accompany you to the project until you are comfortable, introducing you to all the staff and of course the kids so you can get stuck in straight away. Whether you’re teaching at a school or helping at a kinder your days will follow a similar structure – a walk to the project after breakfast, a longer session before lunch followed by a couple more hours in the afternoon. Your actual project roster will vary according to local requirements at the time. You should be prepared to use your initiative to plan and prepare content, games, lessons etc in advance. Information, ideas and support are available to you via your coordinator. We also encourage volunteers to involve themselves in project maintenance and renovation activities which are always appreciated.
Days 7 and 8 (Saturday to Sunday) Spend your free time as you please, your weekends are yours to enjoy. Our coordinator will be able to help you decide what to do and will advise on the best way to get around. Book a safari, head to the beach, check out the markets or go further afield.
Your last day (Sunday) – One of these days it will be time to say goodbye We’ll help organise the return airport transfer, but you should budget up to $40 for the taxi journey (or only a few dollars by public bus).
Project resources and advice There are very few resources at the projects, so they welcome gifts from home such as books, stationary, educational toys, learning aids or posters. You can also buy things when you’re in Tanzania – this has the added benefit of putting your money into the economy of the local community.
As part of our duty of care to the children, you will need to provide us with a Police Check / Working with Children Check prior to arrival in Tanzania.
Accommodation Accommodation varies depending on location. Expect clean but basic accommodation, sharing a bunk-room with 4 to 8 people, with bathrooms also shared. There is free wifi available.
Meals Breakfast and dinner is provided each day – typical Tanzanian food consists of meats, vegetables, potato, eggs, bread, chapati and tropical fruits.
Facilities and the area Laundry facilities are available for a small fee
Bedding and mosquito nets are provided – no need to bring a sleeping bag, but do bring your own towel
Tanzania enjoys a tropical climate. January and February are the hottest months, followed by the “long rains” season through to May. Another “short rains” wet season is between November and December (at these times expect some rains daily, but plenty of sunshine too!)