ARUSHA, TANZANIA
Program Overview:
Many children in Tanzanian orphanages have faced loss or hardship. Your role? To bring joy, stability, and care into their daily lives.
Our Goals:
- Provide Emotional Support: Give children the love and attention they need to heal and thrive.
- Boost Learning: Help with homework, teach basic English, or spark creativity through art and play.
- Assist Caregivers: Lighten the load for local staff by helping with meals, hygiene, and daily routines.
- Create Safe Spaces: Foster environments where kids feel secure to laugh, learn, and just be kids.
How You’ll Help
Play & Learn: Organize arts and crafts, teach simple English songs, or kick a soccer ball around the yard.
Daily Support: Assist caregivers with meals, hygiene routines, and bedtime stories.
Create Safe Spaces: Lead fun activities that let kids just be kids—dancing, drawing, or storytelling.
Where You’ll Work
Orphanages in Arusha and Mwanza, surrounded by friendly staff and kids eager to meet you.
Who Can Volunteer?
Ages 18+ (no upper limit! Retirees and gap-year travelers welcome).
Compassionate, patient, and ready to play, teach, or simply listen.
Arrival & Orientation
Arrive on Saturday at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) – we’ll pick you up!
Sunday orientation: Learn local customs, safety tips, and what to expect.
Town tour included (grab a SIM card, explore markets!).
Fees
| Weeks | Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $550 | Accommodation (shared hostel), 3 meals/day, airport pickup, orientation. |
| 2 | $800 | All of the above + 24/7 local support. |
| 3 | $1,050 | Extended stay discount. |
| 4+ | $1,300 | Each extra week: +$250. |
Please note: Program fees for this program include a donation to the homes for much needed support in consumables and other items.
Other Information
An ‘Ordinary Visa for Humanitarian and charity activities’ is required
to volunteer in Tanzania. It cost US$50 (US$100 for US-citizen) and can
be obtained on arrival. Our local partner will issue an
‘invitation letter’ that you need in order to get the right visa. Please
ensure you have sufficient US$ to pay for the volunteer visa on arrival
(notes must be no older than 2009). The visa, which is valid for three
months, can then be renewed for a further three months if required.
Note: All travelers require return or onward tickets, all documents required for their next destination and proof of funds. Currently visitors arriving from infected areas must hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
Prefer a private room?
No problem. We can arrange private rooms at the hostel. The additional cost is US$120 for the first week and US$60 per week thereafter.
What to Expect:
- Daily Tasks: Helping with meals, hygiene routines, and organizing playtime activities like arts, crafts, or soccer. Volunteers often bring books or toys to engage kids.
- Cultural Immersion: Interacting with local caregivers and learning Swahili phrases to connect with children.
- Challenges: Emotional moments, as many children have faced trauma or loss. Flexibility is key—school holidays may reduce attendance, but centers remain open year-round .
- Support: Orientation includes safety tips, cultural norms, and a town tour. Accommodation is in volunteer houses or homestays with meals provided.
- Weekends: Free time for safaris, visiting Maasai villages, or exploring Zanzibar
OTHER FEATURED PROGRAM
Community Projects Program
This hands-on program lets you work alongside locals in Arusha to build classrooms, plant trees, or install water tanks. Your sweat and dedication create tangible, lasting change for villages.
