Year Abroad Women's Shelter Worker

BOOK AS A GROUP

Book with one or more people for a 15% discount off your final placement fee each

So what exactly is it like to volunteer? 

Spend a year abroad in this immersive experience living and working in Arusha, Tanzania. Experience the incredible beauty that is Tanzania and it's beautiful people. Volunteering is a fantastic way to travel abroad, give back to people who are in need and develop yourself as a person. The experience you will get from giving up your time and care for others, will be like no other. You WILL make a huge difference and uplift those around you, as long as you stay motivated on your mission, positive and focused. 

Why Tanzania?

Tanzania is a bright, beautiful and amazing country 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. The people are warm and gracious and nothing makes them happier than welcoming you to their country. Tanzania is multicultural and has hundreds of various tribes and ethnicities, it's most famous being the nomadic Maasai tribe. Rich in culture and stunning to see, it really is an exciting part of Africa to visit.

The Problem

There are many young homeless girls and women living on the streets of Arusha. Many of them are at risk or experience violence, abuse and are often forced into crime and prostitution to survive. These young women have hopes and dreams like any group of young women around the world, the differences being not having the basic privileges others enjoy such as good education, stable homes or career opportunities.They are forced to put their dreams aside in order to survive harsh and cruel living situations that provide them no opportunity to progress and become independent. Many become pregnant at a young age with no family or community support, which often leads to abandoned or orphaned babies. This is problem that affects the entire community and local Tanzanian are leading the way to find solutions. 

Still I'll rise."-Maya Angelou

Our Solution

"It takes a village..."-African Proverb

Before 2011, there was no safe house, no shelters and no where to turn for many young women. One married couple, took two street girls in who changed their lives forever. The girls had been assaulted and left on the streets, deciding to take them in was the biggest decision they ever made. The couple faced criticism from many people who didn't understand why they would allow these strange girls into their home, when they barely had an income to survive themselves. But soon word spread across the community and people began telling them of more girls that needed help. Their once quiet house soon became a refuge, where there was no other. 

Girls with variety of social and health problems came to them for help and people began to give donations, which started their amazing foundation. Today, the safe house has a structured program which requires each girl to create short term goals and long term plans for their future despite their situation. With that plan, the foundation finds volunteers who can help the girls reach their goals. For example finishing high school, volunteers will help the girls with homework and extra tuition every day; working in an office, volunteers will help the girls learn computer skills and office skills to help them become employable. 

Success story

A young homeless girl who came to the shelter had dreams of becoming a hairdresser after dropping out of high school. With the help of the safe house and volunteer donations, the young mother built a small room where she know runs her hairdressing business. There is also a small music room where the girls can use music therapy or record songs together and people from the local community can make their own music for a small donation, which helps to keep the place going. Those gifted with cooking skills sell delicious home cooked meals in the community to raise small amounts of money. The young women all work together to keep going, look after one another and contribute to the safe house in structured way. 

What you can do!

Volunteer to provide your time and talents to the foundation. As a Siret Volunteer, you will be helping provide basic reading and writing within the Maasai community. You will also have the opportunity to experience they're simple and rural way of life. 

Your main objectives will be:

• Support the foundation to take homeless girls off the street
• Help with the daily running of the safe house to provide food, shelter and access to counselling and healthcare
• Support the life counselling work run by the foundation staff which encourages the girls to learn to cope with their pasts and look after the psychological well being
• Provide your time and skills to stimulate their young women's curiosity for learning and social development
• Make any donations directly to the foundation to keep it's vital work running.

Your stay

You will be accommodated on a gated home in one of Arusha's prime locations, 15 minutes from the town centre and 3 minutes walk from the main road. This will be a quiet and friendly neighbourhood only 15 minutes from the main hustle and bustle of town, so you will never feel lost or isolated. You will have 24 hour gated security, a housekeeper/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. Amenities:

• Housekeeper
  
• Wifi
• Hot showers
• Filtered cold/hot water dispenser (save on buying water and throwing away plastic bottles)
• 50 inch TV with satellite 
• Soft comfortable hypoallergenic bedding and towels provided
• 24 hour gated security, intercom entry, electric fencing
• Breakfast & Dinner
• Private hire taxi available at a fee
• Laundry available at a small fee
• The option to upgrade to a private double room 

Important VISA & Permit Information

You will be required to pay a for a VISA & Permit for voluntary work assignment. Please enquire for details.

Your typical day will usually begin very early, supporting the safe house to prepare for the day. You will be assigned to a specific group of girls to work with with a goal orientated plan to work on, depending on the skills or support you will be providing. 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!

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