Why This Project Matters
Tanzania's education system faces real structural challenges, from overcrowded classrooms to a persistent shortage of qualified teachers. Early childhood education in particular remains under-resourced, even though these first years lay the foundation for everything that follows. In some regions, a single teacher is responsible for well over 100 children, leaving little room for the individual attention early development depends on.
Volunteers help close this gap, offering children individual attention, consistency, and support in the classroom, particularly when it comes to learning English.
Your Project: Social Work and Teaching with Children in Zanzibar
This project combines social work with young children and teaching in primary schools, with a strong focus on playful, interactive learning. What matters most here isn't just energy and commitment, but openness, responsibility, creativity, and a genuine enthusiasm for working with children.
Social Work: You'll work with children of all ages, from six-month-old babies to primary school students, supporting local staff in their daily care. This includes playing, reading, crafting, and singing, and giving them attention that's often in short supply. Your presence and care can make a real difference in their daily lives.
Teaching: English is already part of the primary school curriculum in Zanzibar, though many teachers have limited English skills themselves. This is where you can help, especially in English lessons, bringing the language to life through play alongside local teachers. Depending on your interests, you may also assist with math, music, or sports. You'll begin by assisting teachers, gradually taking on small teaching units as you gain confidence, always with the support of local staff.
Location: Your project is based in Bwejuu, a quiet coastal village on Zanzibar's south coast.
Who You Will Be Working With
You'll work alongside local teachers, caregivers, and daycare staff, who remain responsible for the children at all times and guide your work day to day. Depending on the placement, you may be assigned to a daycare centre, a primary school, or both, with children ranging from six months to primary school age. At the project, a designated contact person is available for questions and support. You will not be working alone: other wayers volunteers are placed at the same or nearby projects, live with you in the same house, and are shuttled to and from the project together with you.
What We Expect From You
No previous teaching or childcare experience is required, and no formal qualification. What matters is initiative: taking part actively rather than waiting to be assigned tasks, both during lessons and breaks. Basic English is necessary, as it is the language you will teach and communicate in. Reliability and punctuality are essential, since the children and staff count on your presence.
Working conditions and standards differ from what you may be used to at home, and plans can change at short notice. An open, patient attitude toward these differences is important. All volunteers are required to follow the guidelines on child protection and appropriate conduct with children and young people, which are explained during orientation. If difficulties arise, you are expected to raise them with your supervisor so that solutions can be found together.
Teaching resources at the schools are limited, so any small materials you can bring, such as pens, notebooks, stickers, flashcards, or simple craft supplies, are always welcome and put to immediate use.
What You Can Expect From Us
Before departure, we prepare you through an online seminar, access to the wayers Lounge, and the opportunity to connect with fellow participants. On arrival, you receive a thorough introduction covering your project, the local context, safety, and everyday practicalities.
Throughout your stay, a designated contact person at the project is available for any questions regarding your work there, while our wayers team lives on site at the wayers Home and is reachable at any time. Daily transport to and from your placement, accommodation, meals, and the included excursions are all organized for you. In addition, a 24 hour emergency line staffed in Germany and in Zanzibar remains available for the entire duration of your stay.
Life at the Tropical Villa
You'll live at the wayers Home, a villa with pool and palm-shaded gardens, exclusive for wayers volunteers. Rooms are shared (max. 4 people), with private double or single rooms available for a surcharge.
Breakfast and dinner are provided Monday to Friday, mixing Tanzanian staples like chapati and plantains with international dishes. On weekends, the fully equipped house kitchen is yours to use. Vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free options are available for a small weekly surcharge; just let us know when booking.
Surroundings: The beach is a 15 to 20 minute walk away, or 5 minutes by scooter or taxi, perfect for swimming or snorkeling in the lagoon. Lively Paje, just a short ride further, offers kitesurfing spots, beach bars, and a livelier scene whenever you're looking for more activity.
Travel with Confidence
As a German tour operator with over 22 years of experience and more than 70,000 of participants sent abroad, wayers supports you with visa guidance, insurance information, and a personal welcome on arrival, backed by a 24/7 emergency line in Germany and on the ground.
