ARUSHA, MWANZA & KILIMANJARO TANZANIA
Program Overview:
Unlock futures through language! At Sure Wave Foundation, we partner with Arusha, Mwanza and Kilimanjaro primary schools to bridge the English education gap in underserved communities. With tourism driving 17% of Tanzania’s economy, English fluency is a critical escape route from poverty. Volunteers provide vital classroom support during school terms, helping students aged 6-14 gain marketable skills. No teaching certificate required – just passion for education and cultural exchange.
Why We Do This:
- Break the poverty cycle through language access
- Increase employability in Tanzania’s tourism sector
- Support overcrowded classrooms (avg. 45:1 student-teacher ratio)
- Foster cross-cultural understanding
- Build teaching capacity in rural schools
What You’ll Do Daily:
| Time | Classroom Activities | Community Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Interactive English lessons • Reading circles | Teacher training workshops • Resource development |
| Midday | Vocabulary games • Pronunciation drills | Engagement sessions • Career talks |
| Afternoon | Creative writing • Drama activities | Library organization • After-school clubs |
| Evening | Lesson planning • Progress tracking | Cultural exchange events |
Core Responsibilities:
✅ Deliver dynamic English lessons (pre-K to Grade 7)
✅ Develop age-appropriate teaching materials
✅ Conduct one-on-one reading support
✅ Organize educational games and activities
✅ Assist local teachers with methodology training
✅ Lead after-school conversation clubs
Project Location:
Arusha Primary Schools Network:
- 🏫 5 partner schools in peri-urban communities
- 👩🏽🏫 Serving 800+ students aged 6-14
- 📚 Limited resources: Avg. 5 textbooks per class
- 🗓️ Term Dates:
• Jan-Apr • May-Aug • Sept-Nov
(Volunteers accepted during term time only)
Duration & Pricing
| Weeks | Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $245 | School supplies fund |
| 2 | $495 | Full teaching immersion |
| 4+ | $185/wk | Extended stay discount |
Arrival & Orientation:
- Airport Pickup: Kilimanjaro (JRO) any Saturday
- Accommodation: Homestay with teacher families
- Training:
• Swahili classroom phrases
• Tanzanian curriculum overview
• Creative resource development - Schedule: 7:30am-3pm Mon-Fri (school hours)
Human-Centered Approach:
- Use “Chorus & Echo” technique for pronunciation
- Apply “Picture Word” method for vocabulary building
- Always ask “Unaelewa?” (Do you understand?) during lessons
- Incorporate local songs into grammar teaching
What to Expect:
- Energetic classrooms with limited resources
- Breakthrough moments when concepts click
- Deep bonds with students and host families
- Collaborations with Tanzanian teachers
- Cultural immersion in school communities
- Requests for “extra English” after class
Impact Areas
| Focus Grade | Teaching Approach |
|---|---|
| Lower Primary (6-9 yrs) | Phonics games • Action songs • Storytelling |
| Upper Primary (10-14 yrs) | Debate clubs • Job interviews • Tourism role-plays |
| Teachers | Methodology workshops • Resource creation • Co-teaching |
No experience needed! Lesson plans & mentoring provided. Minimum age: 18
Key Requirements
- Language: Native/Fluent English
- Registration: $350
- Booking: Minimum 8 weeks advance
- Term Dates: Must align with school calendar
- Vaccinations: Yellow Fever
Weekend Cultural Immersion
- Maasai English Camp: $120 (2-day rural teaching experience)
- Coffee & Curriculum Tour: $85 (farm visit + lesson planning workshop)
- Safari English: $280 (game drive + tourism vocabulary training)
Included in All Placements
✓ Homestay accommodation (private room)
✓ Breakfast & dinner daily
✓ Airport pickup (JRO)
✓ Swahili phrasebook & teaching resources
✓ 24/7 local coordinator support
✓ School placement coordination
OTHER FEATURED PROGRAM
Support for Children Affected by HIV
This program partners with clinics, schools, and community groups in Arusha, Mwanza & Kilimanjaro (a region heavily impacted by HIV) to provide emotional support, education, and hope to these resilient children. Your role? To remind them they are loved, capable, and never alone.
