Hospital Supporter

The program

This amazing program has a huge impact on the lives of those less fortunate in Tanzania. It is based in the Meru District Hospital, a large hospital for the area, with a capacity of 110 in bed patients. On average, 200 patients are provided with medical care daily. The hospital covers all areas of modern medical care, including paediatrics, HIV/Aids, the malaria and tuberculosis clinic, eye and dental care, mental health and physiotherapy, and the maternity ward. Over 1,000 operations are performed annually in the hospital. Volunteer work varies and depends heavily on interests and previous knowledge. Under the guidance of the local doctors and care takers, volunteers will take over various tasks, such as patient care and assistance with operations. An individual work plan is created for all interns and volunteers outlining tasks and ensuring optimal care is given.

Goals of this Project:

A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:

7:00am Breakfast at the volunteer house

7:30am Walk or bus to your project site

8:45am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor

9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START

A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.

3:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END

3:15pm Debrief with project supervisor

3:30pm Walk or bus back to the accommodation

Evenings Volunteers are free to explore the local area, check out the multitude of local restaurants, bars and cafes, or relax with the other volunteers.

Situated in northern Tanzania, Arusha is the capital of the Arusha Region and is surrounded by some of Africa’s most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate and is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.

Arusha balances well the ‘city life’ with the ‘small town’ feel and that makes it even more attractive in the eyes of tourists and travelers from all parts of the world. The city is surrounded by farm estates growing coffee, wheat and maize. These farm estates are being maintained by the Arusha and Meru tribes since the 18th century. Arusha is commonly referred to as the safari capital of East Africa. This is because it is the main starting point for safaris into Tanzania. It is a vibrant town renowned for its streets filled with tourist vehicles, the Maasai warriors and the famous Central Market. Awesome!