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Tanzania - FAQTell me more about TanzaniaWhat is the climate like in Tanzania? What kind of volunteer work is available? Do I need to be from New Zealand? What age do you have to be to volunteer? Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer? When will I know specific details on the placement? Where will I be located? Tell me more about flying into Tanzania When do I need to arrive in Tanzania? How do I get to the project? Tell me more about the accommodation? Do you make provision for special diets? Are there holidays or festival I should be aware of when traveling? What immunizations/vaccinations will I need? What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? Do I need to speak English to volunteer? Can I bring my own family with me to the program? Are there more expenses once I arrive? How safe is it to volunteer in Tanzania? How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? What is the course content of the orientation? What hours am I expected to take part in the program? Is there the opportunity to take classes such as language or more cultural activities while on the program? Are we able to do any sightseeing? What clothing is appropriate for the program? What resources will be available? Can you tell me more about your partner in Tanzania? Who organises my Visa for my volunteer placement? Do I need travel insurance? How do I pay my program fee? ------ Tell me more about Tanzania The land of the famous Swahili saying "Hakuna Matata" ("no worries"), Tanzania is a rare combination of diverse people and natural wonders. Tanzania is home to Africa's tallest peak Mount Kilimanjaro, the 9,500 km of The Great Rift Valley which can be seen from space, and the spicy Arabian island of Zanzibar. Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa with a population of 38 million, and lies on the equator, bordering the Indian Ocean. The population is as diverse as its landscape. Theres over 120 tribes, the well known Masai tribe make up over half the population. The population is also made up of Bantu tribes from West Africa, Indian immigrants, and Islamic Arabs in Zanzibar. What is the climate like in Tanzania? As it sits on the equator, Tanzania has a tropical type of climate, and the main variation in climate is found with a change of altitude. The coastal areas are hot with an average daytime temperature of 30�C (86�F). Sea breezes make the climate very pleasant from June to September. The central plateau experiences hot days and cool nights. The hilly country between the coast and the northern highlands has a pleasant climate from January to September, with temperatures averaging around 20�C (68�F). Temperatures vary around Kilimanjaro according to the season registering a low 15�C (59�F) during May-August rising to 22�C (72�F) during December-March. On the whole, the hottest months are from October to February. The main, long rainy season is from mid-March to late May. What kind of volunteer work is available? Volunteers can work on various programs for the arts, education and school programs, at orphanages and centers for vulnerable children, as well as being involved with computer and small business training. Do I need to be from New Zealand? No, volunteers come from all over the world. To volunteer in Tanzania you just need to be eligible for a visa to enter Tanzania. What age do you have to be to volunteer? Volunteers must be 18 years old unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no age limit, but volunteers do have to be in good health. Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer? Volunteers are able to participate in the Tanzania program all year round. When will I know specific details on the placement? The specific details of your placement are determined during orientation. You will consult with the program manager in Tanzania so that requests and specific needs can be met with regards to both the volunteer and the needs of the community. Where will I be located? This program is located in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. Tell me more about flying into Tanzania Volunteers will fly into Dar es Salaam (Dar es Salaam International Airport) and will be met at the airport on arrival. When do I need to arrive in Tanzania? Volunteers can start the Tanzania program on the 1st or 15th of each month. Volunteers fly into Dar es Salaam and will need to arrive so they are ready to take part in a orientation program by the 1st of the month. It is suggested that volunteers arrive a few days earlier to settle in before training begins. Accommodation can be arranged for you if you arrive earlier than when the training begins. You will have to pay your own expenses for any time you stay in Tanzania outside of training and volunteer time. How do I get to the project? Volunteers are taken to the program location by a member of staff after arriving at the airport. Tell me more about the accommodation? Volunteers will be accommodated together at a house in Bagamoyo. The house will have at least three bedrooms, where two volunteers live together in each room. The house will be situated in a safe and secure area, and there will be a guard watching the house at night. It can be expected that the house is in good condition, with electricity, running water and fans. However, volunteers must be prepared for frequent cuts in water and electricity supply as this is an ongoing problem in all of Bagamoyo. Three nutritious meals per day will be provided. There will be one housekeeper and a cook at the house. Do you make provision for special diets? It is possible for special arrangements to be made if you have a vegetarian diet or other special dietary requirements. Are their holidays or festival I should be aware of when traveling? There are many festivals in Tanzania. However, this will not hinder your volunteering, as you will most likely be invited to celebrate with everyone. There are Art festivals in Bagamoyo at the end of September and two Zanzibar festivals in February and July that lasts for about one week. If a volunteer wants to join the Zanzibar festivals, they need to pay for additional transport and accommodation costs. What immunizations/vaccines will I need? This is a suggestion of what may be needed - please consult with your medical professional or travel specialist for more details.
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision. Do I need to speak English to volunteer? Yes, you need to speak English to volunteer. You may have English as your first or second language. Tanzania's two main languages are English and Swahili. Unless you are hopelessly lost in the bush somewhere, you will probably be able to find someone who speaks English. It is also useful for volunteers to have a working knowledge of Swahili, especially outside the urban areas and in remote parts of the country. Can I bring my own family with me to the program? Family members over the age of 18 can volunteer together and couples can be placed together. In some cases it may be possible to volunteer with your children as well, provided they will not require additional supervision. Due to the type of work you will be involved in and the current environment it is not advised that you bring young children with you. Are there more expenses once I arrive? The program fee covers your entry visa(resident permit), accommodation, meals, supervision, and transport during the program. You will need to have additional money for bottled water, extra food, for days off, airport departure tax, any personal shopping you may do. How safe is it to volunteer in Tanzania? Tanzania is a peaceful country between turbulent neighbours. Safety is paramount to us and we endeavor to ensure the safety of volunteers. The people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be well looked after. However, basic common sense needs to be used - don't go out wandering the streets at night alone. How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? There will be no more than 10 volunteers on this program at one time. Volunteers will be spread out among different projects, so the number of volunteers on any specific project site will vary. What is the course content of the orientation? On volunteer's arrival, a day of introduction will include:
What hours am I expected to take part in the program? Volunteers will be required to work between 4 and 6 hours per day. Weekends and school holidays are free time. Is there the opportunity to take classes such as language or more cultural activities while on the program? Yes, there are several opportunities for these types of activities. Specifically, at this program you might have the chance to take Swahili language lessons, Tanzanian dance lessons, drumming lessons, a Batik course, or a carving course. You should discuss this with staff if you are interested in using spare time to participate in activities outside of the program. Are we able to do any sightseeing? Zukri Foudation expect you to be committed to the project during weekdays. Private traveling must take place in weekends, public holidays or prior to or after volunteering period. What clothing is appropriate for the program? Considering the temperature, we recommend light coloured, cotton clothing that covers your whole body. Comfortable, sturdy footwear, as well as a pair of sandals for light walking is recommended. Don't forget sunglasses and a hat. What resources will be available? In most cases resources are limited. You may like to take donations of goods with you to distribute or use in the program. If you do choose to fundraise or donate items it is a good idea to check with our partner organisation as to what will be of use to your particular program. Can you tell me more about your partner in Tanzania? Our partners in Bagamoyo are Kristin Hake and Douglas Kabada. Kristin is a Norwegian citizen who has been living in Tanzania since 2003, and has experience working with international volunteers in Bagamoyo. Douglas Kabada, a Tanzanian national, is the founder and manager of The Moyo Mmoja Childrens Home, and has extensive experience in development and working with local NGOs and charitable organizations in Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam. They are in the process of registering for their own local NGO designed to do various types of community development work within Bagamoyo. Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? The Zukri Foundation will arrange a resident permit for you. The permit process will be done before you leave for your placement. We have a detailed program guide which includes links to Tanzania Embassies through out the world, if you require their assistance. Do I need travel insurance? As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident cover as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers all fees paid to GVN, Airlines etc (up to US$10,000). The cost is US$150.00 for the first month and then US$100.00 per month after that. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/. How do I pay my program fee? Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. there is a 5% surcharge on credit card payments. Bank transfers also incur a bank fee at the point of origin that is at the expense of the volunteer. The program fee is non refundable. ------ Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please submit your question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours). Click here to apply for the Tanzania program. |
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