English (US) ▾
Nederlands
English (UK)
Deutsch
Italiano
Português
Español
Special Needs Care Volunteer Program in Arusha – Tanzania
Support children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome at a Special Needs Care Center in Arusha, Tanzania. Volunteers assist with daily activities and educational support, helping a center that urgently needs additional resources and care.
You work at a center for children with disabilities in Arusha, Tanzania, which opened in 2023 and accepts children with a range of conditions, including cerebral palsy (around 80 percent of children), autism, Down syndrome, and children who are deaf and blind. Day to day you help with caregiving, general supervision, playing and activities such as singing, dancing, and coloring, and support at meal times, since many children with cerebral palsy cannot feed themselves. The program suits volunteers aged 18 and over; no experience is required, though special education or therapy backgrounds let you take on more.
Placements run 1–12 weeks, with starts every week (sundays) (next start 20 Sep 2026). You live at the Volunteer House in Arusha, with breakfast and dinner cooked there and lunch usually packed for the project, from $624 (deposit included). The center is short on resources and staff, since many parents volunteer their own time due to funding gaps, so qualified volunteers (special education, physiotherapy, occupational therapy) can also assist with physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and parent training.
Your role on this program
- Assist local staff with caregiving and general supervision of children at the center
- Help children at meal times, including feeding those who cannot feed themselves due to cerebral palsy
- Play with children through singing, dancing, coloring, and other activities using items available at the center
- Help prepare and serve meals, then clean up afterward
- Help local staff with daily chores around the center
- Interact with and help train family members and the community on supporting the children
- If qualified in special education, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy, assist with physiotherapy and rehabilitation activities
- If qualified, help provide training to parents of children with special needs
Exact duties vary with the placement's needs, the season and your experience.
Role boundaries
You support the center's trained staff and are never left in sole charge of children; local professionals carry out home visits, which happen only on Fridays. Therapy, rehabilitation, or clinical activities are only for volunteers with the relevant qualifications, stated in advance, and all work is supervised by local staff; duties may vary with the placement's needs.
A typical day and week
The general schedule for volunteers in this program would be as follows :–
-
Sunday – Arrival at the destination (Arusha)
-
Monday – Orientation + Local Tour of area and visiting projects
-
Tuesday to Friday – Volunteer work at the placement
-
Weekends – Free to explore the city / Head out for wildlife safaris and much more
-
Breakfast – 07:30 am onwards
-
Working hours at the placement – 9am to 4pm (divided between morning and afternoon shift). Home visits are done by Professionals on Friday only
-
Lunch – 12:30/1pm onwards
-
Dinner – 7pm onwards
The same work schedule continues from the second week onwards (Monday – Friday).
Note: Please note, the schedule may vary and can change depending on local circumstances.
Timings are the placement's usual pattern; the local team confirms your hours at orientation, and they can change with school terms, clinic rotas, weather and the project's needs.
Who can join and what you need
- Minimum age 18
- No experience necessary; qualifications in special education, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, or social work are valued for expanded tasks
- Clean criminal background check report required before joining, issued within 12 months of the start date
- Open-minded, flexible, and patient attitude, since many children do not speak English and may not read facial expressions or social cues
- Willingness to work in shifts and pace yourself, taking a morning or afternoon shift only if that suits you better
- Travel and medical insurance is compulsory, either your own policy or the one Volunteering Solutions arranges
The placement, its limits and your part in it
The placement is a center for children with disabilities in Arusha that opened in 2023 and accepts children with a range of needs, including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and children who are deaf and blind. The center runs on limited resources and many parents volunteer their own time because of funding shortages, which shapes what volunteers are asked to do.
Local staff run the center and supervise all volunteer activity; volunteers are never left in sole charge of children. Home visits are carried out by professionals, only on Fridays. Any physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or parent training work is limited to volunteers with the relevant qualifications, stated before arrival. For most volunteers, the contribution is hands-on: playing with children, helping at meal times, and supporting daily routines and staff, within a center that is still building up its facilities and resources.
Our standards
- Responsible volunteer travel policyHow we choose, run and review every project
- Safeguarding policyBackground checks, supervision and our code of conduct with children
- Child & vulnerable adult protectionThe rules every volunteer follows on placement
- Certified B CorporationSocial and environmental performance verified by B Lab
- How we volunteer responsibly in TanzaniaCountry-level partner context and standards
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
Prices include your $249 booking deposit — which is deducted from your total program fee. Your deposit stays valid for one year, during which you may enroll in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Total price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $624 | |
| 2 weeks | $799 | |
| 3 weeks | $974 | |
| 4 weeks | $1,199 | |
| 5 weeks | $1,424 | |
| 6 weeks | $1,644 | |
| 7 weeks | $1,869 | |
| 8 weeks | $2,094 | |
| Each additional week | +$225 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're 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 at Volunteer House
- Assistance in booking weekend safari trips and other tours
- Travel & Medical Insurance(Available at an extra cost)
- Certificate of Participation(On Request)
Not included
- Airfare
- Visa and Work Permit Fee
- Return Airport Drop(Can be arranged at extra cost)
- Local Transportation
- Vaccinations
- Personal Expenses
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
You will be met by our representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Kilimanjaro region from where you are transferred to the volunteer house accommodation 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.For those participants arriving from Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar, pickup can also be arranged from the much smaller Arusha airport, which serves only domestic flights currently.
Accommodation
Volunteering Solutions offers accommodations for volunteers in a dedicated volunteer house located in Arusha.The housing consists of shared rooms, with options for private upgrades available.The volunteer house includes several rooms and apartments where volunteers can live together comfortably. A well-equipped kitchen is staffed with cooks, and security personnel ensure a safe environment.
Conveniently situated about a 25-minute walk from the main clock tower, the heart of Arusha Town, the house features a spacious common area where volunteers can unwind, socialize, and engage in games like snooker or table tennis. Wi-Fi access is also provided throughout the house.
For laundry needs, there is a designated washing area for volunteers where you can hand wash your clothes. Alternatively volunteers give their clothes for washing to house helpers at an extra charge or give it to the laundry.Safety is prioritised with CCTV cameras installed and a security guard on duty. The volunteer house has the capacity to accommodate over 50 volunteers.
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 and given a tour of the local area and town.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with 3 meals in a day. Typical meals include a mix of western and Tanzanian dishes. Sample of meals at the volunteer house are :-
-
For Breakfast : Hot water with option of black tea and coffee,Toasted Bread with Butter, Jam and Seasonal Fruits, and Eggs
-
For Lunch and Dinner : Rice,Spaghetti, Salad,Mashed Potato,French Fries, Chapati as well as other Tanzanian dishes and fruits.
Breakfast and dinner are at the volunteer house while lunch is usually packed for you to eat the placement or can be taken if you are back at the accommodation from the project.
During your Free Time
While in Arusha you will also be interested to travel around and see some of the best and most popular tourist locations. Majority of the participants travel to Masai lands as well go for a safari trip. Going on a safari trip is a must on the trip to Tanzania. The country offers some of the best Safari and wildlife trips in the world. You can travel to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. Some other local sightseeing options include snake park,Arusha National Park,Lake Duluti,Chemka Hot Springs and Materuni Waterfalls.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Life on the program
Getting there and who looks after you in Tanzania
Airport or bus station pickup
You are met at Kilimanjaro International Airport, or at the Arusha bus station if arriving by shuttle from Nairobi, or at Arusha's domestic airport, then transferred to the volunteer house.
First night at the volunteer house
You settle into shared accommodation at the volunteer house in Arusha, with cooks, CCTV, and a security guard on site.
Orientation and local tour
On Monday the local coordinator runs an orientation covering safety, locations, and transportation, followed by a tour of the local area and town.
First project day and ongoing support
Volunteer work at the placement runs Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 4pm in morning and afternoon shifts, with the same schedule continuing each week. Coordinators provide 24-hour assistance throughout your stay.
From volunteers in Tanzania
Frequently asked questions
What will I actually be doing at the center?
You help with caregiving and general supervision, play with children, assist at meal times (including feeding children with cerebral palsy who cannot feed themselves), help prepare and serve meals, and support local staff with daily chores.
Do I need experience or qualifications to join?
No experience is required, but volunteers with backgrounds in special education, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, or social work can take on more tasks, including physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and parent training.
What are the working hours and typical day?
Volunteer work runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, split into morning and afternoon shifts, with breakfast at 7:30am, lunch around 12:30-1pm, and dinner at 7pm.
How long can I volunteer and when do programs start?
Placements run 1–12 weeks, with new starts every week (sundays); the next start date is 20 Sep 2026.
What does the program cost and what is included?
Prices start from $624, deposit included. This covers airport pickup, accommodation at the volunteer house, meals, orientation, 24-hour staff assistance, and help booking weekend safaris; flights, visa fees, vaccinations, and personal expenses are not included.
Where do I live and what will I eat?
You stay at the Volunteer House in Arusha in shared rooms, with private upgrades available. You get three meals a day: breakfast and dinner at the house, and lunch usually packed for the project.
How do I get from the airport to the accommodation?
You are picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the Arusha bus station if arriving by shuttle from Nairobi, or Arusha's domestic airport, then transferred directly to the volunteer house.
What safety and support is in place?
The volunteer house has CCTV and a security guard, coordinators are based in Arusha, and you have access to 24-hour emergency assistance throughout the program.
Do I need a visa, vaccinations, or insurance?
Visa and vaccination requirements are not covered in the program price; guidance on both is sent before departure. Travel and medical insurance is compulsory, either your own policy or one arranged by Volunteering Solutions.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report issued within 12 months of the start date, since the placement involves working with children.
Will I be left alone with children or asked to do medical or therapy work?
No, you always work under the supervision of local trained staff and are never in sole charge of children; therapy or rehabilitation tasks are only for volunteers with the relevant qualifications.
Who is this program a good fit for?
It suits volunteers aged 18 and over with a flexible, patient attitude who are comfortable with children who may not speak English or read social cues, whether or not you have professional experience in special needs care.
Related pages
Schedule a meeting with a program advisor
We're here to help — a 20-minute one-on-one with detailed info, expert advice and application guidance.
Book a free meetingMore projects in Tanzania
Medical Volunteer Program in Tanzania – Arusha
A hospital placement in Arusha for qualified doctors, nurses and midwives. Work with Tanzanian clinicians across a busy…
Coral Restoration & Sea Turtle Conservation by Scuba Diving in South Tanzania
Volunteers work in the project in Mikindani Mtwara are involved in all activities performed to restore the coral…
Women Empowerment in Arusha – Tanzania
Help a local NGO in doing tremendous work to give a second chance to young women who couldn't…