ARUSHA, MWANZA AND KILIMANJARO TANZANIA
Program Overview:
Tanzanian communities face systemic challenges in economic opportunity, gender equity, and intergenerational support. Our flagship program partners with grassroots organizations to drive holistic development across five critical pillars: youth skills training, elder support networks, small business incubation, and sustainable construction. As a volunteer, you’ll collaborate with local changemakers to build resilient communities through hands-on projects in the heart of East Africa.
Why We Do This:
- Equip youth with marketable skills for future employment
- Preserve indigenous knowledge through elder inclusion
- Strengthen local economies via small business development
- Improve community infrastructure through sustainable building
What You’ll Do Daily:
| Time | Activities |
|---|---|
| Morning | Business coaching workshops / Youth vocational training |
| Midday | Women’s literacy circles / Elder oral history documentation |
| Afternoon | Sustainable construction projects / Community needs assessments |
| Evening | Planning sessions with local leaders / Cultural exchange activities |
Core Responsibilities:
✅ Facilitate micro-business development sessions
✅ Lead vocational skills training (carpentry, tech, crafts)
✅ Document traditional knowledge with elders
✅ Assist in eco-construction (rainwater systems, community centers)
✅ Develop intergenerational community events
Project Locations:
Arusha: Urban-rural interface near safari corridors
Mwanza: Lake Victoria fishing communities
Kilimanjaro: Kilimanjaro foothills with farming cooperatives
Duration & Pricing
| Weeks | Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $395 | Project materials fund |
| 2 | $595 | Full cultural immersion package |
| 3+ | $175/wk | Extended impact discount |
Arrival & Orientation:
- Pickup: Sundays at Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Mwanza (MWZ)
- Accommodation: Eco-lodge with community garden
- Orientation: Cultural competency training & project site tour
- Hours: 8:30am-4pm (flexible based on community events)
Human-Centered Approach:
- Use “story basket” method for intergenerational knowledge sharing
- Apply “savings circle” model for women’s economic groups
- Always ask “Je, una maoni gani?” (What are your thoughts?) before planning
- Incorporate traditional building techniques into construction
What to Expect:
- Women’s entrepreneurship training with local cooperatives
- Youth tech skills workshops in community hubs
- Participatory design of community infrastructure
- Collaborative business planning with local artisans
- Cultural ceremonies with elder guidance
Impact Areas
| Focus Sector | Key Activities |
|---|---|
| Women | Microfinance training • Leadership development • Rights education |
| Youth | Vocational skills • Digital literacy • Sports programs |
| Elders | Knowledge preservation • Healthcare access • Social inclusion |
| Business | Market analysis • Business planning • Product development |
| Construction | Community centers • Rainwater harvesting • Renewable energy |
No specialized degree required – only collaborative spirit and cultural sensitivity. All projects are co-designed with local partners.
Key Requirements
- Registration: $350
- Booking Window: Minimum 2 months advance
- Background Check: Required for youth/elder programs
- Combined Programs: Mix focus areas for multi-week impact
Weekend Adventures
- Materuni Coffee Experience: $75 (waterfalls & tribal brewing)
- Pangani Beach Retreat: $120 (swahili coast & marine life)
- Safari Options: $220-$350 (Arusha NP / Tarangire)
- Kilimanjaro Base Trek: $150 (shira plateau & chagga caves)
Included in All Programs
✓ Homestay or shared eco-lodge (private room +$75/wk)
✓ Breakfast & dinner daily
✓ Airport transfers
✓ 24/7 in-country support
✓ Project equipment & materials
OTHER FEATURED PROGRAM
Environmental Conservation Program
Combat deforestation through hands-on tree planting, wildlife protection, and sustainability education. Work in forest corridors and coastal regions while empowering communities with green solutions. Perfect for eco-conscious volunteers.
