With our programs we aim to contribute towards international understanding and give our participants intercultural and global ability to act. With the support of our participants we are committed to worthy projects and initiatives in Tanzania. We believe that working together in intercultural teams by exchanging ideas and viewpoints will let everyone involved, Organizations such as volunteers and interns, benefit in the long run.
Our team combines relevant qualifications and many years of experience in project coordination, volunteer mediation and social work in Tanzania and abroad. Our supervisors are available as contact persons on site at any time for our volunteers and projects. We offer our volunteers the opportunity to use their knowledge in Tanzania to get involved in meaningful projects and to gain valuable professional experience in different fields such as Social Work, Women’s Rights, Primary Schools, Daycare Center, Health Care, Animal Welfare and Environmental Protection.
Our Volunteers are encouraged to start fundraisers for their respective institutions in Tanzania before, during or after their stay in Arusha. We have experienced great success with this in the past and present and saw our volunteers making great impacts in this area as well. We are connected to several European NGOs founded by our former volunteers that are continuing to support and promote their former work institutions here in Tanzania.
Bethlehem Star School was founded in 2017 and the school has a capacity of 540 students. Right now there are 290 students enrolled into the school. Seven of these are sponsored by the school and 10 kids are sponsored by outside sponsors. Bethelehem Star also has boarding facilities and currently 31 students are attending the boarding school.
The school employs 24 staff, of which 12 are qualified teachers.
Year 4 and Year 7 students are staying at the school for boarding even though they may not pay for boarding. Since those years are exam classes the school wants to provide them with a better opportunity to focus on their studies in a suitable environment.
The biggest goal of Bethlehem Star is to find sponsors for at least 10% of the children as the school currently struggles financially due to many families not being able to pay the school fees. Many of the children’s families lost their jobs in the tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The school operates four school busses, however due to the rising fuel costs the school busses run on a loss at this point in time. The school decided to continue operating the busses nevertheless as to continue providing students from remote areas to attend school every day.
The school also takes in kids with disabilities and right now there are three children with special needs attending the school. The management would be happy to develop their special needs offers in order to support more SEN children in the future.
The aim of Bethlehem Star is to support underprivileged students. The students are coming from USA river, Maji ya chai, Nkoanenkoli, kikatiti, Shangarai, Nshupu, Momela, Nkoaranga, Poli and villages around Arusha National in the southern part.
Tasks for volunteers:
Volunteers can get involved in many different ways. Here we listed some oft he tasks volunteers can do:
- Teaching in various subjects
- Helping with the marketing and social media accounts of the school
- Assisting the teachers (planning lessons, preparing learning materials, playful learning, …)
- Teachers further education
- Introducing different sports and games
- Taking care and assisting those with special needs
- Introducing Music lessons and musical activities
Don’t let the above list limit your imagination, we are always happy and appreciate to involve your own ideas!
Project Needs:
Since Bethlehem Star is not supported by any other charity they have some needs and wishes for the future:
- Solving the school fee problem -> finding sponsors
- Building a sponsorship program
- Adjusting the facilities for kids with disabilities
- Books and other learning material
- Expand the computer lab (right now they have 10 computers)
- More sports activities
- Music facilities
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Further important Information:
Preparation
Preparing for a volunteering assignment abroad isn't always a simple task as there is a lot to keep in mind. Our team will be there for you along the way. We have our own STEP Africa Volunteer Area. Once you apply and we confirm your application you will get online access to this area where you find a detailed 90 pages preparation handbook as well as many further updates & information and the contacts of other volunteers travelling at the same time as you. In case of any questions you will always be able to reach us via E-Mail or Phone / WhatsApp.
On the Ground Support and Emergency Availability
The whole STEP Africa Team is on the ground in Tanzania. We are like an extended family and you will always be able to talk to us in case of any problems, questions or if you simply want to have a chat. We are there for you! Of course we are available 24/7 in case of any emergency.
Vaccinations/ Medical Care in Tanzania
We recommend that you consult your trusted travel doctor for individual advice on travel vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. There aren't any mandatory vaccinations for entering Tanzania and the risk of contracting malaria is considered very low in Arusha due to the altitude. If you plan a trip to the island of Zanzibar, you will need to get a yellow fever shot as it is mandatory there.
Arusha has some good private medical facilities, so in case you fall ill you will be in safe hands.
Booking of Flights and Insurances
Booking your flights and respective travel insurance is not included in our fees and will be your own responsibility. This however is an advantage for you, as you will be able to scan for the best and most affordable offers from your home country or country of residence. Of course we are always happy to help and offer advice in case you are unsure what is the best solution for you. Our arrival day is Thursday and our departure day is Wednesday. Please take this into account when booking your flights.
Visa
In order to volunteer in Tanzania you will need a Visa for Humanitarian and Charity Activities which costs $100 for US-citizens and $50 for citizens of all other countries. This visa is valid for 3 months. Those planning to stay for up to 6 months will need a visa extension which costs $300 ($250 for non US-citizens respectively)
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