Community Empowerement in Arusha

Us

This empowerment project was founded in 2009 with the desire to combine Tanzanian Fashion with a good cause.

Unemployment is a big issue in Tanzania, so through this project,  we create jobs and improve the living standards for the community members. The jobs created can be in production, design, sales, etc. By working at Afrikan Wear Design the community members have the possibility to provide for their families' needs e.g. the father/mother being able to send his/her son or daughter to university, so improving their living situation for the generation to come.

Initially, the project was dedicated to women coming from difficult family situations, but then it developed into a project for all the community members. Today we manufacture shawls, carpets, blankets, necklaces, belts, bracelets, earrings, key chains, and other goods to secure a fair income for the women and men in the community.

The program

We have put together this volunteering program with one certain purpose: improving the lives of our community members through handicraft and entrepreneurship skills combined with abroad experience, knowledge, and fresh ideas brought by the volunteers. So thanks to this solidarity chain, the goal of various families to access decent living, studies, health, etc. can be achieved. 

You

We are looking for anyone willing to contribute to improving our way of operating the project. No special skills are required but the key areas that we seek help in are marketing content creators, business management, product development. This program is open to anyone who is interested, open, passionate, and dynamic.

Loads of creativity and motivation are needed here! You can choose your own field of activity within the ones mentioned above and much more. Sometimes Afrikan Wear Design gets big orders from abroad, so it can be your job to manage that everything is produced within the given time frame to meet the customers' needs. It can also happen that Afrikan Wear Design attends different fairs, presenting the products and gaining new customers, and it could be your job to plan such an exhibition.

You will be working together with the people involved in this project. Working hours will be discussed individually and depend on how much you want to engage.

Location

Our workshop, and also your workplace, is situated in Moshono, a very safe and green neighborhood of Arusha (Arusha Region, Tanzania). Located at 2.8km (1.7 miles) from the busy city center, it is easily reachable by public transportation or by taxi. 

Choosing this program will give you the chance for a unique and true experience living the Tanzanian life and getting the first-hand experience of having and operating a business in Africa.

N.B.  No special equipment is required.

Like everywhere, there is no typical day and your work mainly depends on your interest and knowledge.

In the morning, upon arrival at the project, you will discuss your work for the day with your supervisor.

Sometimes, you might be told what to do but your project welcomes any idea or suggestion you have. Your job is mainly office work but you will definitely have enough time to learn to weave, making jewelry and other goods.

If you are interested as well, chat with your colleague and learn about the struggles people face in Tanzanian society.

We can organize a wide range of activities at affordable volunteer rates like: