About the Program
Tanzania and all the Sub-Saharan African countries are badly affected by the epidemics of poverty and HIV. The number of orphans and street children is growing. Efforts have been made by various local organisations to protect these children by offering much-needed education as well as skill-development training. Most orphanages in Tanzania lack resources and are under-staffed; and they focus primarily on offering formal and informal schooling and a safe place to live and study.
This grass roots project on the outskirts of Arusha is led by local Pastor Charles who started looking after street children and orphans by providing them with a safe place to stay. As there was a lack of education for these children, educational needs resulted in starting a school and vegetable gardens to provide in their own needs. Today the center houses both a small orphanage with 9 yound children, the school (during the mornings), adult education and skills development projects.
We have a strong focus on further growing and increasing services at the Tunawapenda Watoto Center (meaning ´we love children´ in Swahili) such as homework guidance classes, sports and game activities, adult education, women sewing classes, computer classes, micro credit advise and more to offer not only the children but all those in need of basic services in this community.
Needs
There is, besides daily teaching and assistance, also a need for financial support. If volunteers would like to give a donation or a gift to the project, it would be greatly appreciated. If you wish to donate, affordable stationary and school uniforms are available on location for you to purchase.
Guidance and Supervision
Participants are guided in many different ways during their stay with Charles and his team.
Paskazia Mazulla, (Charles’ daughter) will be your daily contact person. She will is there to answer your questions and provide support, so please feel free to ask/discuss anything with her. Paskazia is also the person to talk to arrange extra activities.
Teacher Irene will be your contact person at the school. She will show you around and make you’re your skills are put to good use. If you have any suggestions your very welcome to talk to her about your ideas.
It is however very important to take initiative and communicate if you have questions or any issues/concerns. Working with local staff can be challenging and there are not only language barriers but also very different expectations, cultural beliefs and concept of being on time. It is important to communicate openly, with patience and respect towards the local circumstances.
Nanjaro is the school’s driver. He usually welcomes new volunteers at the airport and takes them on any extra activities.
Of course there is also Charles who oversees the team and makes sure volunteers are well taken care of.
It is important that volunteers of this project understand the importance of the following:
Day to Day Activities
Volunteers generally get involved in the following activities:
Go on safari in the national park near Arusha where you can spot different animals! If you like sports, go hiking or canoeing, there are several hiking trails where you climb up a mountain to see a stunning view. There are cultural tours as well, experience the traditional culture of Arusha by visiting the locals or the local market where you can find some souvenirs to buy before you go home!
Tours and Outings (Full Day Tours)
To arrange extra activities and/or tours for weekends and public holidays, you can talk to Paskazia. Prices will depend on how many volunteers what to join in, but to give you an idea of the options, check out the list below.
Lake Duluti (full day tour)
Included
• Transport and driver
• Entrance fees
• Packed lunch and water
• 1 hour hike and canoeing trip
• Minimum 2 people
• 40-50 USD per person
Sanuwari Waterfall Hike (full day tour)
Included
• Transport and driver
• Entrance fees
• Packed lunch and water
• 3-4 hour hike to waterfall
• Minimum 2 people
• 25-30 USD per person
Arusha National Park (full day tour)
• Full day safari
• Transport & Driver.
• Entry to Arusha National Park
• Packed lunch and water
• Minimum 2 people
• 120-180 USD per person
Majimoto Hotsprings (full day tour)
Included
• Transport and driver
• Entrance fees
• Packed lunch and water
• Visit hot springs
• Minimum 2 people
• 40-50 USD per person
Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Plantation (full day tour)
Included
• Transport and driver
• Entrance fees
• Packed lunch
• Waterfall hike
• Visit coffee plantation
• Local beer tasting.
• Minimum 2 people
• 50-60 USD per person
Airport Transfer - Return - $50
Depending on the amount of volunteers and time of the year all volunteers stay at the community center and live together with the children. Some volunteers possibly stay with our coordinator and his family if needed which is within walking distance.
Water and electicity supplies can be challenging at moments showing you the realities of every day life for normal Tanzanians.
All your meals are included but take note that you will be served local dishes and local standards which can be basic compared to what you are used to back home. Tanzanian food includes meat, chicken, cassave, bread and vegetarian dishes.
Volunteers have the option to start or finish with their project at any given time, so we are flexible! Your stay will need to be booked per full weeks only and if you like to extend your stay you will need to arrange this with Khaya.
Please keep in account that the Tanzanian school holidays (2 weeks in April, 4 weeks in June, 2 weeks in September and 4 weeks in December) can change the program. The school will then be closed and most of the children at the boarding house go back to their extended family. In the school holidays, you can help taking care of the children who remain at the centre, teach English and assist with a variety of other volunteering possibilities (think of painting and beautifying the projects, fixing furniture, visiting the community, creating a holiday program and much more).
You are most likely to arrive in Arusha by bus from Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya) or by air to either Arusha airport (domestic) or Mount Kilimanjaro International airport (direct flights from many international destinations). At any point of arrival, the coordinator will welcome you personally to take you to the volunteer house. Please keep in mind that there are additional costs involved for the pickups of 50 USD from Kilimanjaro Airport or 20 USD from Arusha Airport or any other pick up point in Arusha. These additional costs need to be paid in cash to Charles.
After arriving you will be given some time to freshen up and have a walk around to see the surroundings and meet all the children and staff.
holiday program and much more).
Community Outreach Assistant
Experience the Tanzanian life from close up in Arusha! Volunteers need to help at the community centre, pre-primary school and a small orphanage.
$246/week
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