Volunteer in Tanzania

The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to help develop communities through our partner organization in Tanzania, to build a better future in Sub-Saharan Africa. Volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of different projects described below.

The Program

Volunteers will have the opportunity to work at various arts and pre-schools for vulnerable children. Those who are Microsoft Office proficient have the option of teaching computer skills to local teachers in pre schools, as well as local project staff. Whilst volunteers with small business skills can teach local women accounting and marketing. Please note that all projects require volunteers who are self-starters and can conduct their daily activities with minimal supervision. The language barrier may also prove challenging but it will be part of the volunteers role to help improve the English spoken in the community. Specific daily schedules and activities will be determined between volunteers and their team leader upon arrival. As none of the Tanzania projects are full-time, volunteers will take part in a flexible schedule, which includes the following activities offered by the program.

Arts: Volunteers can help at a local art gallery and workshop and teach artists and youth aged 18-25 artistic skills and techniques; sculpturing, painting, photo, art history, music and dance - anything new will benefit them in the future. The local artists would appreciate assistance with promotion and developing marketing ideas. Volunteers can take part by helping the artists find a way to be self-sustainable. Also, at a school for potential young artists, volunteers can teach art history, English, drawing, painting, and related subjects. Alternatively, you can help women in tailor shops sustain their livelihood by teaching them new fashions and styles of sewing.

Pre-Schools and Tutoring: Local pre-schools in the village, working with children ages 4-6, are in need of volunteers to help teach basic English reading, writing and pronunciation. Simple math and counting, body hygiene, crafts and educational games for younger children is taught as well. Volunteers act as assistants to the local teachers and take part of the general caretaking like handing out porridge and brushing teeth as well. Volunteers are also needed to teach the teachers English and computer skills.

Accommodation

Volunteers on this project will live together in a house in Bagamoyo. The house is in good condition, has running water and electricity, and is located in a safe area. Three meals per day will be provided by the house cook.

Program Location

The program is located in Bagamoyo, Tanzania in Eastern Africa. Bagamoyo is on the coast, with a beautiful beach and opportunities for outdoor activities such as biking and hiking. An active arts community, Bagamoyo also has a rich history, as it was one of the most important trading centers in East Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Program Requirements

Volunteers for the Bagamoyo program must:

• be 18 years or older
• have no major health problems
• be able to walk or bike a distance of an hour per day (30 min each way to work)

Program Schedule

Volunteers can stay from a period of one month to 3 months, starting on the 15th of each month. Your stay can be extended beyond three months on a case-by-case basis (depending upon our partner's requirements). The hours of work per day might vary depending on the projects, but volunteers should be prepared to work from 4 to 6 hours per day. Working days will be Monday to Friday.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Tanzania Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal
• Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
• Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the Tanzania program is:

2008 Fees

• Cost for 1 month - US $997
• Cost for 2 months - US $1397
• Cost for 3 months - US $1797

To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend you .

The in-country fee covers administrative charge, resident permit (visa), airport pickup, meals and accommodation during placement, and supervision.

The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, vaccinations, travel insurance, and airports taxes. You will also need a weekly budget of up to US$20 to cater for all your other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages and entertainment and transport fees at the end of the program to the airport.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• All Safe Travel Alert Service
• Letter Of Completion

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently in Tanzania, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Application Process

This program is not currently accepting applications. You may wish to apply for our Ghana Teaching program instead.