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GVS organizes language- culture- and volunteer work stays in Tanzania in collaboration with local NGOs. Volunteering is a unique way to discover a country, its culture and people while doing a meaningful job. You must be at least 18 years old, independent, outgoing and have a sincere desire to do volunteer work. Participants come from many different countries.
HIV/AIDS Project
Despite global concerns and efforts, this deadly disease is still epidemic in Africa. HIV/AIDS prevention and counselling projects in Tanzania are an attempt to prevent further transmission through education. The projects also provide moral support to those affected and help them to build self-esteem and hope in life. Volunteers in this program will care for HIV/AIDS infected children and adults and get them involved in educational activities, with focus on safe sex. Educational materials are provided.
Volunteers help with the following activities:
Medical training is not necessary for all aspects of the program, but a background in HIV/AIDS and basic health care is preferred. Volunteers without medical background will help to educate and entertain children and other practical tasks. You will almost certainly be asked to help with informal teaching for children and adults. Your role could include activities in nurseries, children’s homes, with HIV/Aids victims, helping adults to practice their English and arranging fun activities. Volunteers will need to be pro-active in organizing activities they particularly want to get up and running.
Volunteers generally are accommodated with host families in local communities or they stay at the volunteer house. Host families are active community members who are trained and experienced with international volunteers. You will get a single or shared room with another volunteer. Your host will provide three meals a day.
The program
Programs start every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, with arrival Sunday prior to the program start at KIA (Kilimanjaro International Airport) or Dar es Salaam airport. Upon arrival you will be picked up at the airport and driven to the volunteer house or coordinator’s place. During 1-3 days, depending on the length of your voluntary work, you will get a general briefing. These first days will offer you glimpses into the Swahili language, as well as Tanzania's various cultures, religions, and local ways of life. This introduction will be held in Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Bagamoyo, depending on your work area.
Food and accommodation during volunteering
Accommodation is with host families or in volunteer houses where volunteers share a room and sanitary facilities with other volunteers. There is local food 3 times a day. Tanzanian food includes meat, chicken, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Showers do no not always have hot water.
Country
Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. Tanzania is bordered by Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia. Tanzania’s surface is 886,037 sq km, including the islands of Mafia, Pemba and Zanzibar.
Climate
The climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands. The coastal region is tropical with relatively high humidity. The average temperature is moderated by the sea breeze, especially on the islands, and ranges between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius. In the mountainous areas of the Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Mara regions the temperature occasionally drops below 15 degrees Celsius at night during the months of June and July. There are two rainy seasons — from mid March through May and in November – December, when it rains only a few hours during the day.
Population
Life expectancy is only around 45 years, due to the many deaths from AIDS. UNAIDS and WHO figure that nine out of ten children under the age of 15 carry the virus. 99% of the mainland population is African; 95% are Bantu from more than 130 tribes. The remaining 1% consists of Asian, European and Arab.
Religious beliefs are African Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35%. The island of Zanzibar is mainly Arab and has more than 99% Muslims.
Language
Kiswahili or Swahili is the official language, while English is the official language of commerce, administration and higher education. Arabic is widely spoken in Zanzibar. The first language of most people is a local language.
Before you travel
Even though GVS always tries to give the best service, also in Tanzania, don’t expect European living standards or precise work schedules. Upon receipt of your enrolment, we will mail you a confirmation, an invoice, and a pre-departure handbook.
It is a big challenge to live and work in a poor country. It demands courage, some experience and the ability to adapt. It can be overwhelming, especially at first, to have to adjust to completely new conditions, communicate in a foreign language etc. Things are not as you are used to, the climate, the food, the atmosphere – everything is different. During your work you will be faced with a harsh social reality and experience things a tourist would never see.
To take part in the voluntary work program, maturity, flexibility, independence and the desire to do social work are necessary. Your stay is an experience you will never forget. Volunteering in Tanzania enables you to experience this great country up close and personal.
Get to know the smiling, friendly people in tiny villages, nearly untouched by modern life, or tour the busy, bustling cities of Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Moshi.
