We are STEP Africa – Exchange for Change, a Tanzanian social enterprise that was founded in German-Tanzanian cooperation in 2014. We organize and supervise meaningful and ethical volunteer placements and internships in Arusha, Northern Tanzania. Till date we have hosted over 1000 interns and volunteers from all over the world.

With our programs we aim to contribute towards international understanding and give our participants intercultural and global ability to act. With the support of our participants we are committed to worthy projects and initiatives in Tanzania. We believe that working together in intercultural teams by exchanging ideas and viewpoints will let everyone involved, Organizations such as volunteers and interns, benefit in the long run.

Our team combines relevant qualifications and many years of experience in project coordination, volunteer mediation and social work in Tanzania and abroad. Our supervisors are available as contact persons on site at any time for our volunteers and projects. We offer our volunteers the opportunity to use their knowledge in Tanzania to get involved in meaningful projects and to gain valuable professional experience in different fields such as Social Work, Women’s Rights, Primary Schools, Daycare Center, Health Care, Animal Welfare and Environmental Protection.

We firmly believe in the power of change through intercultural exchange. With our programs we promote and demand equal rights and cultural tolerance. We place our volunteers exclusively in projects in which they can gain valuable experience for their future. Our volunteers do not replace local employees. Volunteers are assistants who offer support to local staff and, for example, perform tasks for which there is otherwise too little time. It is important to us that we only place our volunteers in projects that share our values towards international volunteering.

Our Volunteers are encouraged to start fundraisers for their respective institutions in Tanzania before, during or after their stay in Arusha. We have experienced great success with this in the past and present and saw our volunteers making great impacts in this area as well. We are connected to several European NGOs founded by our former volunteers that are continuing to support and promote their former work institutions here in Tanzania.

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The Project - Furahia Mtoto Foundation

The Furahia Mtoto Foundation daycare and pre-school for children up to 6 years old was founded in 2018 by Cosmas William Ngira. Families who come from difficult backgrounds e.g. single and/or unemployed parents, have the possibility to bring their kids to Furahia Mtoto Foundation. Daycares offer a safe and family-friendly alternative where children are being looked after while the families have the opportunity to go to work and generate income. Furthermore, the children learn how to socialize with others, receive meals (that are not always guaranteed at home) and are taught in English. In addition the parents don’t need to pay any fees. Because it’s a non-governmental organization, it relies on donations to pay the meal, the salary for the teachers, the teaching material etc.

At the moment there are 35 children taught by three teachers in separated class rooms. Children up to 4 years old go to baby class while the other children aged four to six are joining the preparatory class. The pre-school classes prepare children for elementary school by teaching them to write and count.

It is located in Shangarai (a district of Arusha). You have to take the Daladala (local minibus) to Impala roundabout, from there you can walk (approx. 20 minutes) or take the PikiPiki (motorcycle taxi, 1.000 TSZ = 0.40 €) to the next bus station. Once you have achieved this, you climb into a Daladala towards Usa River, which drops you off at “Peace Point” from where you walk around 10 minutes to the daycare.

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