Children affected by HIV Program

ARUSHA, MWANZA & KILIMANJARO TANZANIA

Program Overview:
HIV/AIDS has devastated Tanzanian communities, leaving countless children orphaned and families fractured. This critical program partners with local initiatives to provide comprehensive support for HIV-affected children through healthcare, education, and community empowerment. As a volunteer, you’ll join frontline efforts to combat stigma, ensure treatment adherence, and restore hope to vulnerable lives in the Lake Victoria region.

Why We Do This:

• Provide holistic care for children orphaned/affected by HIV
• Combat devastating stigma through community education
• Ensure consistent access to life-saving medication
• Support grassroots initiatives saving thousands of lives

What You’ll Do Daily:

• Morning: Medication tracking at clinics + nutritional meal preparation
• Midday: Home-based care (hygiene assistance, emotional support)
• Afternoon: Educational support (tutoring, school accompaniment)
• Evening: Awareness workshops (prevention strategies, stigma reduction)

Core Responsibilities:
✅ Conduct counseling sessions and support groups
✅ Organize community seminars on prevention
✅ Provide first aid and basic medical support
✅ Assist with fundraising initiatives
✅ Facilitate behavior change discussions

Project Locations:

• Mwanza: Lakeside communities near Lake Victoria
• Arusha: Gateway to safari circuits with cooler highland climate
• Kilimanjaro: Base for Kilimanjaro climbs with vibrant local markets

Duration & Pricing

Weeks	Cost	What’s Included
1	$250	Medical facility contribution included
2	$500	Full support package
3+	$200/wk	Ongoing support

Arrival & Orientation:

• Pickup: Saturday at Mwanza Airport (MWZ) or Kilimanjaro (JRO)
• Accommodation: Shared hostel with lake views
• Orientation: HIV confidentiality training & community introduction
• Work Hours: 8am-4pm (flexible based on community needs)

Human-Centered Tips:

1. Use bead bracelets as discreet medication reminders
2. Create “strength tree” art showing support networks
3. Always ask “Unahitaji nini?” (What do you need?) before assisting
4. Share success stories from other regions to inspire hope

What to Expect:

• Emotional home visits with affected families
• Collaborative work with local healthcare heroes
• Strict confidentiality protocols in all activities
• Deep cultural immersion in lakeside communities
• Transformative moments challenging stigma

Program Impact Areas:

Focus Area	Activities
Education & Care	Tutoring • School support • Play therapy
Awareness & Prevention	Youth education • Public seminars • Counseling
Community Support	Foster program assistance • Fundraising • Advocacy

Note: No medical qualifications required – only compassion and willingness to learn. Volunteers work alongside local professionals in all medical-related activities.

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Key Additions Across All Programs

Universal Booking Requirements:

• $350 registration
• Minimum 2 months advance booking
• Background checks for child-focused programs

Weekend Activities:

• Materuni Coffee Tour: $75 (waterfalls & traditional brewing)
• Lake Victoria Island Trip: $120 (fishing communities & rock art)
• Safaris: $220-$350 (Arusha National Park)

Included for All Programs:

• Shared accommodation & breakfast/dinner
• Airport pickup
• 24/7 local support
• Pre-departure guidance