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Volunteer at an Orphanage in Tanzania

Volunteer in Tanzania orphanage programVolunteers in the orphanage program work in different orphanages and street children projects in and around the region of Arusha. Due to the widespread disease of HIV/ AIDS, many children have become homeless in Tanzania and other African countries. The extended families of these children are forced to send the children to the orphanages.

As a volunteer your main role would be to work alongside the existing staff to care for the children in orphanages. The work in a children’s home involves feeding, dressing and keeping the children active within the homes. Volunteers will also help the children in their homework and play games with them to engage them in playful activities. You can also assist in the office of the orphanage if you think you can contribute to make them more organized and run in a more efficient manner. Volunteers normally teach the kids, play with them, prepare their daily records, get involved in preparing their dishes, help in washing their cloth and some administrative work also. 

In a typical project placement, there are around 30-40 children in the age group of 4-15 years. Volunteers work for generally 5-6 hrs in a day for 5 days in a week.
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Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. You would need lots of patience since you are working with children.
 

Project Location

Volunteering Solutions provides volunteer placements in and around Arusha city in Northern Tanzania. Arusha is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate and is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.The area is very popular among the tourists especially those taking safaris as well as climbing Mt. Meru or Mt. Kilimanjaro.
 

During your Free Time

On the weekends most of the volunteers take Safari trips to nearby national parks and reserves. The most popular parks are Arusha National Park and Serengeti. You can also walk around the city of Arusha. The area is not very big and volunteers love to walk around the area.

What we provide

Airport Receive/ Transfer: You will be met by our representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Kilimanjaro region from where you are transferred to the accommodations in Arusha. Volunteers can also arrive in Nairobi and take a direct shuttle or bus to Arusha. They will be picked up at the bus station in Arusha.
 
Orientation: All volunteers will be provided with an orientation session by the local coordinator. Areas like safety, locations, transportation, things to see etc will be  covered in the Orientation. After your orientation is over, you will be introduced to your project.
 
Lodging: Volunteer Accommodation is provided in a Volunteer Housing / Hostel type of accommodation. The accommodation will be shared along with other volunteers. The Volunteer housing is well equipped with comfortable facilities for the volunteers. Accommodation can also be arranged in host families on request.
 
Food: Volunteers are provided with 3 meals in a day. Typical meals include Salads,Sandwiches,Ugali, Chapatti, Chai (Tea) , Bread and rice with vegetables and fruits.Breakfast and dinner are at the volunteer house while lunch is usually packed for you to eat the placement.
 
Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

In country Travel Assistance: Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinators for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements. The local staff and coordinators will be happy to assist you in making arrangements for any safaris or trip to Masai lands.
 
Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.
 
In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.
 
 

Start Date

Volunteers can begin their project placement on any Monday of the month. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.
 

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference. 
USD GBP
1 Week2 Weeks3 Weeks4 Weeks5 Weeks6 Weeks7 Weeks8 WeeksExtra Weeks
$270$390$480$580$690$820$940$1060$150
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
1 Week2 Weeks3 Weeks4 Weeks5 Weeks6 Weeks7 Weeks8 WeeksExtra Weeks
£189£273£336£406£483£574£658£742£105
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

    What are you Paying For ?

    •  24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
    •  Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
    •  Airport Pickup at Kilimanjaro Airport or Bus station in Arusha
    •  Orientation
    •  Food 
    •  Accommodation
    •  Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

    What's NOT Included ?

    • Airfare
    • Visa and Work Permit Fee 
    • Return Airport Drop( Can be arranged at extra cost)
    • Local Transportation
    • Vaccinations


What are the Program locations in Tanzania?

Volunteering Solutions offers volunteer placements in and around the region of Arusha, which is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley .It has a mild climate and is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Tanzania. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.All volunteers working in Tanzania need to get a Class C Permit while in Tanzania. The Work permit costs $120 and you will be provided assistance by the local coordinator in Arusha to get the necessary work permit.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Tanzania?

We are able to offer placements from any Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

When do I need to arrive in Tanzania for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Tanzania?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers going to Arusha need to book their flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).Volunteers also have an option of arriving in Nairobi and then taking a shuttle bus to Arusha. This option is chosen by many volunteers. Volunteers should note that airport pickup is not provided from Nairobi airport.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

Volunteer Accommodation is provided in a Volunteer Housing/Hostel type of accommodation. The accommodation will be shared along with other volunteers. The Volunteer housing is well equipped with comfortable facilities for the volunteers. Accommodation can also be arranged in host families on request.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Tanzania-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -
 
-- Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -

  1. Yellow Fever
  2. Hepatitis A and B
  3. Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Tanzania?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. However, you should carry around $50 - 75 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well. Weekends are free for the volunteers to travel and go on safaris. You can take an organized safari trip to Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park or even fly down to the beautiful Zanzibar Islands.

Where can I change my money in Tanzania? Are there ATM's in Tanzania?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around the city, Arusha.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Tanzania?

Volunteers need to book their flights to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. The major airlines flying into this airport are KLM , Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Condor. Volunteers also have the option to arrive to Nairobi and taking a shuttle bus to Arusha. The bus journey from Nairobi to Arusha is for around five hours.

Jannik Schaefer (Germany)
Jannik Schaefer-Orphanage Program Everything was great but i really enjoyed working and playing with the kids at the orphanage. The Pre departure booklet was really good , very helpful to prepare myself for the whole program. The staff was very good , helpful , friendly and above all quick...... read more
Hongyi Yuan (Canada)
Hongyi Yuan-Orphanage program I really enjoyed working at the placement. Our coordinator was very nice and friendly. Frequently visited us and cared for us. He gave me lots of help...... read more