from 741€

Brilliant 4.7rating (24)

Children's Center Assistant

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Experience a life changing cultural journey to Africa.
  • Gain perspective of how developing nations keep their cultures alive in our modern fast changing world.
  • Become more passionate about social development and gain a sense of community!
  • Make memories you will never forget with people from all over the world sharing your experience with you.
  • See some of the most incredible nature scenes in the world including Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Hot Springs, waterfalls and so much more.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Work with bright kids helping them develop their education, helping with childcare and supporting the staff to make sure the children meet their needs.

About the project

This project will focus on supporting the children reach their full potential as early as possible. This is a vital community service these pre-school centres provide where local children can feel hopeful about their future, learn and grow. 

Note on our ethics:  Our program is ...

About the program

About the project

This project will focus on supporting the children reach their full potential as early as possible. This is a vital community service these pre-school centres provide where local children can feel hopeful about their future, learn and grow. 

Note on our ethics:  Our program is completely in support of locals and volunteers who want to support child development programs for those most at need. Our programs are mostly educationally focused and encourage volunteers to use their educational or professional skills to contribute to their chosen projects. We have a number or safeguarding checks in place before we accept or place any volunteers in any of our programs, especially those involving vulnerable and at risk children. Therefore we will always take safeguarding checks as a priority above all else. If you are accepted however, you do so knowing you're working in as ethical and socially conscious environment we can possibly provide. 


The Problem

With so much poverty and socioeconomic issues in Tanzania, many children end up not receiving the best start to life. There are many reasons that create this heartbreaking situation.

  • Lack of welfare and social support for single mothers
  • Unwanted pregnancy and lack of planned parenthood or education around contraception
  • Poverty and high rates of unemployment
  • Complex domestic situations making it difficult for children to remain in their primary homes
  • Loss of one or more parents
  • Many more complex social situations that may lead to children needing housing or foster care

Children's homes and centers provide long term refuge for children that would otherwise end up on the streets, begging for money on the road or in highly dangerous/abusive living situations. 

The center we work with is educationally focused ensuring the children are having a better start to their lives. The children receive pre-school/nursery classes with basic lessons where they learn to socialise and develop in a healthy environment. The children are cared for day to day by their teachers and nursery staff who ensure their social, nutritional and psychological needs are met. Working with volunteers provides additional support to the heavy workload of childcare, meaning more of the children are receiving one to one care and attention.

The Mission

Many bright and motivated volunteers have shone the light and shown the difference that can be made through volunteering. By providing time and classroom assistance, volunteers introduce new ideas, hope and development to the work already being done. Some have even gone on to sponsor children, providing them with funding for education until they finish school, giving children with a fighting chance at future. Through interaction with foreigners, the children also learn how to easily engage with people from different backgrounds from them, they pick up basic English very quickly and learn to love socialising.

Your role as a volunteer

Your role as a volunteer will be to assist the staff meet the children's development and social needs. 

The children require a lot of support and stimulation to learn through play and social interaction. The center mainly require general day to day and people who are enthusiastic, patient and passionate about child development. 

General childcare: Supporting the care of the children day to day. 

  • Overseeing the children during class time

  • Assisting the staff with children who need more learning support or attention during the day

  • Helping with the upkeep-cleaning, cooking and maintenance every day

  • Tending to the children during play time 

Project Management: The center requires a lot of management support ensuring that it stays open. You can help by overseeing the weekly budget, fundraising, ensuring the centres are providing adequate meals, that the property is kept safe and clean, even photography or helping build their websites.

Training and supporting the staff: As well delivering small scale teaching and training to the local staff on first aid and general skills support. 

  • Health education and child health/nutrition
  • Help to innovate and develop their current curriculum for pre schoolers
  • Help to update and refresh basic child development and child counselling skills
  • Training around sustainability

Assistants, students and interns are vital to help deliver the care the children required as the centre is also understaffed.

Why this is important

Many of the children have special needs, disabilities and require extra class room support, additional psychological care and special education.

These are exceptionally bright and engaged children who have the support of passionate and hardworking staff fighting for their futures. But there is so much more to be done. There is a need for refurbishment and  educational toys and equipment is needed to progress these children. 

But will you make a difference?

Yes. Many bright and motivated volunteers have shone the light and shown the difference that can be made through volunteering. By providing time and care, volunteers introduce new ideas, hope and healthcare at ground level, adding to the work already being done.

Your Stay

You will stay in a volunteer guest house in Arusha. Providing safe, clean and comfortable accommodation, comfortable bedding, excellent breakfast and dinner and housekeeping. This will be a quiet and friendly neighbourhood only 15 minutes from the main hustle and bustle of town. You will have 24 hour gated security, a domestic/cook (who will happily do your laundry for a small fee) and a coordinator who will ensure you settle in quickly and comfortably into your new town. This is a shared home where you will be staying with other volunteers and guests from across the world, so you will never be on your own in your new environment. The house is impeccably clean, well kept, modern and spacious.

Important VISA & Permit Information

You will be required to pay a for a VISA work assignment. Please note this is a legal requirement and your responsibility. Please enquire for details.



Typical day

Your typical day will usually begin very early, helping the local staff prepare the centre for the children's arrival. You will then be given specific duties, either assisting organisation at the centre or helping with general childcare (health, day care, running of the centre) for the day. 

Your ...

Typical day

Your typical day will usually begin very early, helping the local staff prepare the centre for the children's arrival. You will then be given specific duties, either assisting organisation at the centre or helping with general childcare (health, day care, running of the centre) for the day. 

Your day can be either very hectic and extremely challenging or slow and very quiet. You will need to be motivated, resilient and work well in a team in order to get the best out of your experience. 

What will your schedule look like?

  • 07:00 Breakfast
  • 08:00 Report to placement
  • 12:00-13:00 Lunch Break
  • 15:00 Placement ends

The rest of the day will be yours to relax and enjoy what the town has to offer you!


Free-time activities

Arusha provides an array of activities to get involved in during your free time. Explore the numerous walking trails, enjoy the large amount of cafe's bistro's and local food in town and many more places to relax. There is a vibrant community life in Arusha, whether you want to enjoy a quiet meal, ...

Free-time activities

Arusha provides an array of activities to get involved in during your free time. Explore the numerous walking trails, enjoy the large amount of cafe's bistro's and local food in town and many more places to relax. There is a vibrant community life in Arusha, whether you want to enjoy a quiet meal, watch outdoor cinema or go dancing. 

Siret Trip Adventures provide a unique opportunity for our special volunteers to experience more of Africa's beauty. Take a scenic weekend walking tour of the lush rolling foothills of Mt Meru or a breathtaking day trips to some the world's most admired national reserves. Arusha is packed with opportunity to experience unique and unforgettable outdoor adventures. 

What else is there to do?

There are endless possibilities. Most volunteers rave about climbing Kilimanjaro. This usually takes about a week, so ensure you organise this with us before you arrive. Take advantage of this amazing tourist treasure.

Hot springs

An oasis in the middle of a barren landscape. The hot springs are truly magnificent. This can be organised as a day trip at any time. 

The Waterfalls

Another hot favourite. Hiking across lush vegetation to the spectacular waterfalls.

Safari

Ah yes, what Tanzania is world famous for. Safari is once in a lifetime adventure that is unique to the Africa experience. Unforgettable and jaw dropping landscapes is what is promised. This will need you to sacrifice some days, so please ensure you organise this long in advance. 

Tour packages, Safari's and cultural experiences are all available. 


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Cover Letter, CV, proof of education, relevant certifications, passport copy and criminal background check or two signed character references

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Childcare or social work experience desirable but not essential. A clear interest in early childhood development. Passion for children's development

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 15:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Siret Volunteers

  • Volunteer placement facilitation-full program scheduling 
  • Placement supervision
  • Pre-arrival support & preparation of your project/work placement
  • Airport pick up 
  • Orientation (usually begins on a Monday)
  • Accommodation Room & Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
  • Housekeeping
  • Free Wifi
  • Daily in-person availability of coordinators
  • Donation to your project
  • EXCLUDES
    • Airport transport on departure (can be arranged)
    • VISA and PERMIT fees

Airport Pickup at Arusha Airport

PICK UP POINTS:
Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA)
Arusha Airport (ARK)
Arusha Bus station

Accommodation

  • Our volunteers stay in a newly refurbished volunteer house with modern amenities for a comfortable guest house experience.

    • Conveniently located in town
    • Housekeeping daily
    • Hot showers
    • WiFi
    • Beautiful spacious grounds 
    • Gated security with electric fencing and intercom entry
    • Overnight security guard

    Private double bedrooms available on request.

Food & Beverages

You will enjoy a rich, organic diet during your time with us. 

All our meals are prepared with local produce from local small farmers that use organic methods to farm and provide delicious, nutritious and sustainable produce!

Breakfast and Dinner

  • Continental breakfast with, eggs, toast, variety of fruit! Coffee & Tea.
  • Dinner Mondays to Fridays. Kitchen facilities available at weekends.
  • We have a filtered water cold/hot water dispenser to save on buying bottled water and make sure you keep hydrated with clean and safe water!

And of course the kitchen is yours to use! We have a fabulous chef who can guide you to local supermarkets if you want to buy your own personal food and snacks!

During orientation you will be shown tasty and affordable places to get lunch during your work day. You will have a good variety of local and western food places. There are amazing cafe's, bistro's and affordable western restaurants to enjoy a burger, salad, seafood etc!

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Arusha Airport (ARK) in Arusha. We assist you to find cheap flights to Tanzania. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Tanzania provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Tanzania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Tanzania. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Placement begins on the first Monday of each week, except for the last week of each month. Placements still available during public holidays. Please book according to your arrival/landing date, to endeavour to arrive on a Sunday and start orientation on a Monday.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 741€
6 weeks 1,083€
8 weeks 1,444€
10 weeks 1,805€
12 weeks (max. stay) 2,166€
Average fees 182€/week

Program fees

182€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Siret Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Siret Volunteers

Brilliant 4.7 rating (24 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2019

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Pearl

Spoken languages: English

About the project

Siret Volunteers aims to connect volunteers to meaningful projects. We offer volunteering in orphanages, education, community and hospitals.

Meet your organization

Who we are

Siret Volunteers is a volunteer organisation based in Arusha Tanzania, aiming to bring people together to help disadvantaged people in the local community find better opportunities. Through working together in social projects, the aim is to uplift impoverished parts of the community through meaningful projects and share the beautiful culture of Tanzania through meaningful travel.

What we do

Siret Volunteer place motivated and enthusiastic volunteers from different parts of the world in projects that they are most passionate about. We are excited to introduce our vibrant and diverse culture to people from across the world. 

Our Projects

Most of Siret Volunteer's projects are placed in and around Arusha region, Tanzania. 

Our Mission

Our vision is to bring people from different cultures together with the aim to uplift less fortunate people within out community. We want to show the power of diversity, sharing and caring for one another can make a big difference in people's lives. 

Who we look for

We are open to all types of volunteers to simply bring their passion for making a difference, enthusiasm for travel and open minded attitude to work on our projects. Everyone, whether they have specific skill or not, has something to contribute.

Why Siret Volunteers

With huge amount of travel and volunteer organisation experience, Siret Volunteer is run by people who know and care about community projects and meaningful travel. Our founding director has 10+ years in safari, tourism and climbing experience and has many years working with volunteers in Arusha as coordinator. He is welcoming, warm and very proud to share his culture with you."

24 reviews · rating4.7

Noémie VAISSE rating3.6

2024 at Children's Center Assistant

Nous avons passé 4 semaines avec siret pour une mission dans un orphelinat, la maison d’accueil dès volontaire est presque luxueuse a coter des conditions de vie des locaux, le personnel de maison est très à l’écoute (surtout meryam), nous avons apporté le plus de notre temps et de nos ...
Noémie and Samuel rating5

2024 at Children's Center Assistant

Bonjour Pearl, j’espère que tout vas bien, nous sommes bien arrivé à zanzibar et c’est le cœur lourd que nous vous avons quitté… nous tenions à vous faire un retour de notre investissement à l’orphelinat. Nous avons ramener de France un maximum d’affaire scolaire pour les enfants, ...
Danielle Pelletier rating5

2023 at Children's Center Assistant

Volunteering with Siret and in the daycare was one of the best life experiences that i’ve ever had. It definitely came with its challenges but someone was always there to help me. While I was placed in the daycare, I did a lot more than just teach the kids. I was able to do home visits, deliver ...
Clara GALDIN rating5

2023 at Children's Center Assistant

At first i was struck by the culture shock, the system is far from being the same as in france. then when i met the children everything changed, the love they brought us was extraordinary. i loved giving them my love and my knowledge so that they progressed, playing with them was extraordinary. ..
Hugo Cénat Carvalho rating5

2022 at Children's Center Assistant

So, the daycare it’s a place for the kids between 3 and 6 years. They go on this place before the primary school. For the kids, you can make differents activities, you can play with them, try to learn English, you bring the food and you help them to eat. You Can create somes projects if you ...
Ryan Danielson rating4.6

2021 at Children's Center Assistant

My placement experience consisted of during the week volunteering and on the weekends being able to do whatever I wanted with my free time. A day during the week looked like this: Wake up around 7:30 and eat breakfast, after that leave for placement around 8:00. Get to placement around 9:00 and ...

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