Community Development Program
OPEN NOW!
Tanzania has reopened to international arrivals. See the 'Additional Info.' section for procedures in place during the pandemic.
This is an amazing grassroots project that anyone can participate in and makes a real difference to those who need it most. Volunteers on this project can become involved in tree planting, sustainable gardening, water hygiene and recycling projects, and many other amazing community-based initiatives. A lot of this work occurs in schools where the program works to make them as self-sufficient as possible. The sustainable gardens are designed to contribute to school lunches for the students, the water tanks mean the schools can store water during the dry season to maintain their crops, and clean drinking water and toilets improves the health and wellbeing of students and teachers. The program also has strong links with the local Maasai tribe in the region and where possible, time is spent in remote villages, teaching about the environment, healthy eating and basic hygiene which is often a highlight for volunteers. These communities suffer great hardships, from low education rates to high disease and poor health rates. Volunteer work within these communities and schools is hugely rewarding and makes a true difference to the lives of those less fortunate.
Goals of this Project:
- Create self-sufficient, healthy schools in some of the most impoverished communities of Tanzania
- Improve the future prospects of some of Tanzania’s most marginalized citizens
- Improve the health and wellbeing of impoverished communities
- Create inter-cultural understanding which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
This program provides volunteers to work with program staff on essential community development programs to help marginalized communities in Northern Tanzania. Volunteers will spend their time working on programs and initiatives that will benefit communities and help to create a better quality of life for them. From creating healthier schools to work on delivering health education programs in impoverished communities, volunteers could work on a huge range of initiatives and use their skills to help in many ways. The program funds and delivers the community development projects through grants and support from fundraisers. Volunteers could find they help with educating the local people, working on grant applications, fundraising, and planning and building/gardening at projects alongside local villagers and students. For volunteers who wish to help these populations gain a better life, this program will deliver.
Volunteers on this program will participate in a variety of tasks and could expect to:
- Work on grant applications or fundraising initiatives
- Educate communities on health issues
- Assist on infrastructure projects in schools and communities
- Assist program staff with administration and program development
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for people living in marginalized communities of Tanzania. While this project is best suited to those pursuing a career in the fields of anthropology, social work, social entrepreneurship and/or economics, volunteers who simply wish to be involved in a more ‘varied’ project are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist and individual projects can often be tailored to suit the particular skills and interests or each participant. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
Situated in northern Tanzania, Arusha is the capital of the Arusha Region and 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.
Arusha balances well the ‘city life’ with the ‘small town’ feel and that makes it even more attractive in the eyes of tourists and travelers from all parts of the world. The city is surrounded by farm estates growing coffee, wheat and maize. These farm estates are being maintained by the Arusha and Meru tribes since the 18th century. Arusha is commonly referred to as the safari capital of East Africa. This is because it is the main starting point for safaris into Tanzania. It is a vibrant town renowned for its streets filled with tourist vehicles, the Maasai warriors and the famous Central Market. Awesome!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to their assigned accommodation where they will join a short welcome session. On Monday, volunteers attend the full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Tanzania. You will be taken on a town tour where you can purchase a SIM card so you can access the internet during your placement (you will need to ensure you have had your phone unlocked before your arrival). This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, ask any last questions you may have, and perhaps even start to make those safari trip plans...oh yeah!
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania (CODE: JRO)
Accommodation & Meals
Safe and comfortable accommodation will be provided during your stay in Tanzania. Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a hostel run by our partner organization. The hostel includes shared rooms with either 2 or 4 people per room and a shared bathroom. There is wifi available at the hostel but remember it is unlikely to be as reliable as you are used to. As with most parts of Africa, laundry facilities are basic and most volunteers simply use the services of a local laundromat.
Volunteers are provided 2-3 meals per day at the hostel and depending on where they are working, lunch may need to be bought at a small cafe during the day. The meals provided are mostly vegetarian, local dishes. Conveniently, there is also a fridge and basic cooking facilities if volunteers would occasionally like to prepare their own meals. Easy!
Fees
That’s just USD 28 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
COVID-19 requirements:
All international arriving flight passengers will need to adhere to the following:
- Travellers are required to complete an online Health Surveillance Form (https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz/) within 24 hours of arrival. Travellers will receive a Unique Health Code (UHC), which they must present to health officials upon arrival.
- All travelers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival. The test must be a Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, with the sample collected within 72 hours before arrival in Tanzania.
- All travellers entering Tanzania will be subject to enhanced screening for COVID-19, including through a rapid test. The rapid test cost is $25 per traveler.
Important Visa Information
An ‘STP’ or ‘Volunteer’ visa is required to volunteer in Tanzania and costs around US$100 depending on where it is obtained. Some nationalities can apply in advance from their local Tanzania Embassy, but most volunteers will obtain the volunteer visa from the airport on arrival in Arusha. Please ensure you have sufficient US$ to pay for the volunteer visa on arrival (notes must be no older than 2009). The STP-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.