Are you thinking about volunteering abroad? Take on this amazing opportunity to add depth to your work experience and portfolio. Work with some of the most underprivileged, at risk and vulnerable people to learn compassion, care and the complexities of healthcare in a developing nation.
Medi Trip Placements
Founded and run by a qualified medical professional, Medi Trip is clinically led, medically focused and patient centred. At Medi Trip we are right at the heart of the community, we work only the very best local professionals and we distinguished in being able to use our healthcare experience and expertise to pick the most suitable settings for our professional volunteers to experience. When you volunteer with Medi Trip, your volunteer placement would have been chosen specifically to suit your area of interest. You will be supervised by professionals with years of local experience. Each of our placements are carefully assessed and selected for suitability to our professional volunteers, as well as how much contribution goes into the local health and social welfare.
Mental Health in the Community
The Problem
Mental disorders are very common in almost all countries of the world, and are known to largely affect socioeconomic development and growth. The global DSM-V disorders lifetime prevalence is estimated to be between 18.1% and 36.1%, with no significant difference between high and low and middle income countries. Tanzania is no different. Despite guidelines from WHO for mental health service frameworks, the country still struggles with successful treatment and rehabilitation of patients suffering from mental illness. Large numbers of people also suffer from drug and alcohol addiction, suicide attempts and many of whom go untreated leading to more complex clinical and social issues. Limited in-patient facilities, resources and qualified professionals competent to treat complex cases mean many remain untreated for years.
Your Mission
This is a placement working in a large outpatient mental health department as they receive patients from the community, asses, diagnose and refer them to in-patient facilities. Volunteer alongside a mental healthcare professional to deliver vital services to patients and their families.
This is a heavily medically led treatment facility centered around mostly medical treatment i.e psycho-pharmaceuticals. There is talk therapy and counselling involved which you can participate in through translation.
Work alongside psychiatric nurses, mental health clinicians and social workers
Observe mental health assessments and treatments
Assist with counselling and psycho-educational sessions; services often limited due to lack of resources
Assist with delivery of care to people in mental health crisis
Assist with delivery of health promotion and health education
Observe the effects of long term mental illness on day to day living amongst the most underprivileged
Observe the widespread impacts of mental illness on the local community
Deliver small scale observational report on your experience and findings.
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 by clinical teams.
This placement can include outreach/community work with people in the wider community. Contact us for more details on outreach..
So, what exactly is medical volunteering?
It takes truly committed people to this abroad! With medical volunteering, you will be volunteering to work with patients or in a healthcare specific area on a voluntary basis. Unlike other types of volunteering, medical volunteering is a difficult, challenging and profound area. Medical volunteers will witness and experience things other volunteers never will or what they never would have at home. This can be a huge challenge as often times volunteers experience situations that can leave them feeling sad, shocked or confused. But for the most part volunteers are often left amazed at the resilience of their patients and at the skill and dedication of their new colleagues. It truly is a hugely moving experience and one most Medi Trippers never forget.
Why Tanzania?
Tanzania is a bright, beautiful country to visit, the people are warm and gracious. Tanzania is multicultural and has hundreds of various tribes and ethnicities, the most famous being the proud nomadic Maasai tribe. Rich in culture and stunning to see, it really is an exciting part of Africa to visit. That is why thousands of travellers pass through every year. It's capital Dar Es Salaam sits on a breathtaking coastline, an hour from paradise island of Zanzibar. In the north, Arusha sits under the shadows of the great Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Tanzania is home to many famous Safari parks and game reserves where people from all over the world come to visit the spectacular wildlife.
What about COVID 19?
Tanzania has received the safe travel stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council in the wake of the current pandemic.
Aside from that, you will receive safety guidance and protocol once you have registered with us. If you would prefer to participate in this project remotely from home, please get in contact for details.
Where will you stay?
You will stay in Siret Hostel, is an award winning bed and breakfast, one of the highest rated and reviewed guesthouses in Arusha. We provide 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 wifi, hot showers, 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.
How will you get around?
For your placement, you will travel like a local and walk or take public transport. You will need to set a small budget aside for this (around $1 per day by local minibuses, 4 to 5 days per week). It is important you are prepared and comfortable to travel around town, this is a demanding role that requires dedication.
To get around town you will have the choice of local taxis (we have contacts of affordable, trusted drivers) who can get you around town or you can use the famous ‘dala dala’ mini buses that most Tanzanians use to travel locally everyday. Some people adapt very fast and choose to walk around, it is safe to do so however like with any new environment we strongly advise you to be aware of pickpockets and thieves. Always be safe and ask your coordinator before going anywhere new to you.
Important VISA & Permit Information
You will be required to pay a for a VISA & Permit for voluntary work assignment. Please enquire for details.
Where do my fees go?
Most of your fees are spent locally. Fees ensure you have above standard accommodation, that you have a personal coordinator picking you up at the airport, orientating you and you have a coordinator day to day and your program is planned and facilitated specifically for you, to match your skills and get you to provide the very best to those that need you.
Do any fees go directly to the projects?
Yes they do. Although we don't necessarily think that making financial contributions solve the complex issues faced by deprived areas, we do make a charitable donation on your behalf to your project placement. This is not mandatory. We do this as we know how challenging it can be for our partners to host, supervise and very often teach volunteers. We want our partners to know they are valued and respected for their time as best we can.
Is Africa safe for me to travel alone? Do I need to be with other volunteers?
Regardless of whether you're volunteering on a clinical mission, you're still a tourist. Forward planning is key to protecting yourself from risk as you would anywhere in the world. As a group or a solo traveller from abroad, you will attract attention but, you will also have a great support system in your volunteer coordinators, fellow travellers/volunteers and supervisors. It's important to try and be conscientious of your new surroundings and respect and follow local customs as much as possible and insure yourself from any possible risks.
Africa is a large continent with every country varying greatly in local culture, customs, rules and regulations. Research your destination as much as possible and ask as many questions as possible. We would never place you at risk or in harm's way, however it is important you take ownership of your journey and behave responsibly.
Still have more questions? Ask away and get in touch!
Your typical day will usually begin very early, beginning with a ward round of doctors assessments and receiving a handover of your patients. You will support your supervising colleagues with care of your patients that need to be treated. You will either observe or assist in managing the care and needs of those patients 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?
07:30 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!
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. There is a newly built mall in the town centre which also now has a cinema complex and more places to relax. There is a vibrant night life on most evenings in Arusha, whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink, watch outdoor cinema or go dancing.
Night life
The social life in Tanzania is amazing, because Tanzanians are so open, friendly and love a good laugh. Tanzanian’s are famous in East Africa for their partying. They really do know how to have a good time. Their DJ’s and musicians are some of the best in Africa and there are many bars, clubs and restaurants popular amongst tourists and volunteers where you can let your hair down and socialise with locals and people from across the world.
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
PICK UP POINTS:
Kilimanjaro Airport
Arusha Airport
Arusha Bus station
Our volunteers stay in a newly refurbished volunteer house with modern amenities for a comfortable guest house experience.
Private double bedrooms available on request.
Breakfast and Dinner
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!
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 start on a MONDAY to ensure you maximise your work hours during the week.
Psychology & Mental Health Hospital Assistant
Psychology placement working with patients struggling with mental health problems. Work in a large hospital in a clinical team of nurses, doctors and psychologists.
$283/week
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