ARUSHA, MWANZA & KILIMANJARO TANZANIA
Program Overview:
At the Sure wave Foundation, we’re transforming lives for children with physical and intellectual disabilities in Tanzania. Founded in 2017 by special needs experts, our Arusha, Mwanza and Kilimanajaro center provides comprehensive care for 20 resident children while supporting 120+ through community outreach. As a volunteer, you’ll join our frontline team delivering physiotherapy, educational support, and stigma-reduction initiatives to create a more inclusive future. No prior experience needed – only your compassion and willingness to make a difference.
Why We Do This:
- Provide essential care for children excluded from mainstream services
- Combat harmful cultural stigma through community education
- Empower families with practical care techniques
- Create inclusive learning environments
- Advocate for disability rights in Tanzania
What You’ll Do Daily:
| Time | Center Activities | Outreach Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Physiotherapy assistance • Daily care (feeding/dressing) | Home visits to remote families • Caregiver training |
| Midday | Educational games • Reading/writing support | Community workshops • Disability rights education |
| Afternoon | Life skills training • Creative play therapy | School inclusion programs • Stigma reduction campaigns |
| Evening | Next-day planning • Progress documentation | Outreach strategy development • Cultural exchange |
Core Responsibilities:
✅ Assist therapists with physiotherapy sessions
✅ Support daily care routines (feeding, dressing, mobility)
✅ Facilitate educational activities tailored to abilities
✅ Conduct home visits for bed-bound children
✅ Lead community awareness workshops
✅ Document child progress with care team
✅ Help prepare nutritional meals
Project Location:
The Sure wave Foundation Center – Arusha:
- 🏠 20 resident children • 120+ outreach beneficiaries
- 🏥 Facilities: Therapy rooms • Sensory play area • Learning spaces
- 🌍 Outreach radius: 15km around Arusha (serving rural communities)
Duration & Pricing
| Weeks | Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $250 | Therapy materials fund |
| 2 | $495 | Full outreach support package |
| 3+ | $195/wk | Extended impact discount |
Arrival & Orientation:
- Pickup: Any day at Kilimanjaro, Arusha Or Mwanza
- Accommodation: Secure volunteer hostel (2km from center)
- Orientation:
• Disability care certification
• Swahili basics for caregivers
• Cultural sensitivity training - Hours: 9am-1pm core (flexible afternoon outreach)
Human-Centered Approach:
- Use “Uwezo” (Ability) framework focusing on capabilities
- Apply “story stones” for non-verbal communication
- Always ask “Unawezaje?” (How can you?) to encourage participation
- Incorporate local songs into therapy sessions
What to Expect:
- Emotional breakthroughs during therapy
- Transformative home visits in rural compounds
- Collaborative planning with Tanzanian specialists
- Stigma-breaking community conversations
- Joyful moments in sensory play sessions
- Deep cultural immersion in disability advocacy
Impact Areas
| Focus Area | Volunteer Activities |
|---|---|
| Therapy Support | Physio exercises • Hydrotherapy • Mobility training |
| Education | Sensory learning • Communication skills • Life skills |
| Daily Care | Feeding assistance • Hygiene support • Emotional care |
| Community Outreach | Family education • School inclusion • Rights advocacy |
| Wellbeing | Nutritional meals • Play therapy • Confidence building |
No qualifications required! Training provided. Minimum age: 18
Key Requirements
- Traits: Patience, empathy, adaptability
- Registration: $350
- Booking: Minimum 4 weeks advance notice
- Vaccinations: Yellow Fever
- Transport: $1 daily budget for tuk-tuk (or 25-min walk)
Weekend Enrichment (Optional)
- Inclusive Safari: $250 (wheelchair-accessible Arusha NP tour)
- Therapeutic Arts Workshop: $65 (collaborate with local artists)
- Sign Language Immersion: $90 (3-day Swahili SL certification)
Included in All Placements
✓ Shared hostel accommodation (private room +$80/wk)
✓ Breakfast & dinner daily
✓ Airport pickup (JRO)
✓ 24/7 local support
✓ Therapy materials
✓ Crisis management training
OTHER FEATURED PROGRAM
Community Development Volunteer Program
Roll up your sleeves in Tanzania! Repair a classroom roof, plant a school vegetable garden, or paint murals with locals. It’s not just about the work—it’s about laughing together under the Tanzanian sun.

