Volunteer in Tanzania

The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to help develop communities through our partner organization in Tanzania, to build a better future in Sub-Saharan Africa. Volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of different projects described below.

The Program

Volunteers will have the opportunity to work at various arts, music and dance projects, pre-schools for vulnerable children, as well as women's groups. They may also be involved in computer training or helping small businesses. Please note that all projects require volunteers who are self-starters and can conduct their daily activities with minimal supervision. The language barrier may also prove challenging but it will be part of the volunteers role to help improve the English spoken in the community. Specific daily schedules and activities will be determined between volunteers and their team leader upon arrival. As none of the Tanzania projects are full-time, volunteers will take part in a flexible schedule, which includes the following activities offered by the program:

Arts: Volunteers can help at a local art gallery and workshop and teach artists and youth aged 18-25 artistic skills and techniques; sculpturing, painting, photo, art history, music and dance - anything new will benefit them in the future. The local artists would appreciate assistance with promotion and developing marketing ideas. Volunteers can take part by helping the artists find a way to be self-sustainable. Also, at a school for potential young artists, volunteers can teach art history, English, drawing, painting, and related subjects. Alternatively, you can help women in tailor shops sustain their livelihood by teaching them new fashions and styles of sewing.

Pre-Schools and Tutoring: Local pre-schools in the village, working with children ages 4-6, are in need of volunteers to help teach basic English reading, writing and pronunciation. Simple math and counting, body hygiene, crafts and educational games for younger children is taught as well. Volunteers act as assistants to the local teachers and take part of the general caretaking like handing out porridge and brushing teeth as well. Volunteers are also needed to teach the teachers English and computer skills.

Teaching Computer Skills: There is insufficient computer training in Bagamoyo due to a lack of computers and qualified teachers. Computer skills are a necessity in the modern world and strongly benefit those who get the opportunity to learn. Our partner in Bagamoyo currently has 3 computers with Internet connections available for teaching purposes, with the intent to set up a computer training centre. Volunteers who are Microsoft Office proficient have the option of teaching computer skills to local teachers in pre schools, as well as local project staff.

Small Scale Business: Volunteers have the opportunity to get involved with local tailor shops and assist the women in these small scale businesses with marketing, accounting, English language and other related areas.

Accommodation: Volunteers on this project will live together in a house in Bagamoyo. The house is in good condition, has running water and electricity, and is located in a safe area. Three meals per day will be provided by the house cook.

Program Location

The program is located in Bagamoyo, Tanzania in Eastern Africa. Bagamoyo is on the coast, with a beautiful beach and opportunities for outdoor activities such as biking and hiking. An active arts community, Bagamoyo also has a rich history, as it was one of the most important trading centers in East Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Program Requirements

Volunteers for the Bagamoyo program must:

• be 18 years or older
• have no major health problems
• be able to walk or bike a distance of an hour per day (30 min each way to work)

Program Schedule

Volunteers can stay from a period of one month to 3 months, starting on the 15th of each month. Your stay can be extended beyond three months on a case-by-case basis (depending upon our partner's requirements). The hours of work per day might vary depending on the projects, but volunteers should be prepared to work from 4 to 6 hours per day. Working days will be Monday to Friday.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee will secure your place on the program, with the remainder of your fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Tanzania Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the Tanzania program is:

• Cost for 1 month - US $947
• Cost for 2 months - US $1347
• Cost for 3 months - US $1747

To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend you look here.

The in-country fee covers administrative charge, resident permit (visa), airport pickup, meals and accommodation during placement, and supervision.

The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, vaccinations, travel insurance, and airports taxes. You will also need a weekly budget of up to US$20 to cater for all your other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages and entertainment and transport fees at the end of the program to the airport.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• All Safe Travel Alert Service
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the Tanzania Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a money back guarantee on your application fee up to two calendar months before the month your placement begins.
Click here to apply for the Tanzania program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently in Tanzania, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will refund your application fee if you decide not to go (refer to our Terms of Service for details on the refund policy).

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here