The need for childcare for children of kindergarten and pre-school age is huge in Tanzania. While there are also free public schools for children from primary school onwards, there are hardly any comparable offers for younger children. Although there are many private daycares in Tanzania, the majority of families from vulnerable backgrounds cannot afford them.
As a volunteer, you will work with us in daycares that are run by non-profit organizations and offer childcare completely free of charge or for a very small fee. Families affected by poverty and illness know that their children are in safe care while the parents or guardians can pursue an education or work or look after relatives in need of care.
In Tanzania, from the age of around 3, children are prepared for formal schooling and so everyday life consists not only of playing but also of playfully teaching the little ones the basics of reading, writing and counting as well as familiarizing them with the English language.
We have been supporting several Daycare Centers in Arusha for many years, with whom we have built up an intensive and trusting partnership and who are very happy about the helping hands of our volunteers. It is very important to us to support our daycare centers in a sustainable and meaningful way. Many facilities are supported by European partner associations, many of which were set up by our former volunteers. So if you are interested in continuing to support “your” daycare beyond your time as a volunteer and maintaining your new friendships with the team, then you are in the right place with us.
During your preparation, we will work with you to decide which of our daycare programs is right for you. For a longer stay, you are also welcome to combine working in two different daycare programs or other of our meaningful projects. We look forward to welcoming you!
Tasks for volunteersVolunteers can get involved in many different ways. Here we listed some of the tasks volunteers can do:
- taking care of younger children (playing, feeding, singing, learning, …)
- assisting the teachers (planning lessons, preparing learning materials, playful learning, …)
- playground constructions and beautification of the premises
Project needs / Wishlist- Teaching and learning materials
- Games and educational toys
- Food
- Used Clothes in good condition to give to the children and their families
- Renovation and construction work
- painting classrooms
- outside playground
- furniture for classrooms
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Further important Information:
Preparation
Preparing for a volunteering assignment abroad isn't always a simple task as there is a lot to keep in mind. Our team will be there for you along the way. We have our own STEP Africa Volunteer Area. Once you apply and we confirm your application you will get online access to this area where you find a detailed preparation handbook as well as many further updates & information and the contacts of other volunteers travelling at the same time as you. In case of any questions you will always be able to reach us via E-Mail or Phone / WhatsApp.
On the Ground Support and Emergency Availability
The whole STEP Africa Team is on the ground in Tanzania. We are like an extended family and you will always be able to talk to us in case of any problems, questions or if you simply want to have a chat. We are there for you! Of course we are available 24/7 in case of any emergency.
Vaccinations/ Medical Care in Tanzania
We recommend that you consult your trusted travel doctor for individual advice on travel vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. There aren't any mandatory vaccinations for entering Tanzania and the risk of contracting malaria is considered very low in Arusha due to the altitude. If you plan a trip to the island of Zanzibar, you will need to get a yellow fever shot as it is mandatory there.
Arusha has some good private medical facilities, so in case you fall ill you will be in safe hands.
Booking of Flights and Insurances
Booking your flights and respective travel insurance is not included in our fees and will be your own responsibility. This however is an advantage for you, as you will be able to scan for the best and most affordable offers from your home country or country of residence. Of course we are always happy to help and offer advice in case you are unsure what is the best solution for you. Our arrival day is Thursday and our departure day is Wednesday. Please take this into account when booking your flights.
Visa
In order to volunteer in Tanzania you will need a Visa for Humanitarian and Charity Activities which costs $100 for US-citizens and $50 for citizens of all other countries. This visa is valid for 3 months. Those planning to stay for up to 6 months will need a visa extension which costs $300 ($250 for non US-citizens respectively)
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We are STEP Africa – Exchange for Change, a Tanzanian volunteer organization that was founded in German-Tanzanian cooperation in 2014. We organize and supervise meaningful and ethical volunteer placements and internships in Arusha, Northern Tanzania. Till date we have hosted over 1000 interns and volunteers from all over the world.
With our programs we aim to contribute towards international understanding and give our participants intercultural and global ability to act. With the support of our participants we are committed to worthy projects and initiatives in Tanzania. We believe that working together in intercultural teams by exchanging ideas and viewpoints will let everyone involved, Organizations such as volunteers and interns, benefit in the long run.
Our team combines relevant qualifications and many years of experience in project coordination, volunteer mediation and social work in Tanzania and abroad. Our supervisors are available as contact persons on site at any time for our volunteers and projects. We offer our volunteers the opportunity to use their knowledge in Tanzania to get involved in meaningful projects and to gain valuable professional experience in different fields such as Social Work, Women’s Rights, Schools, Daycare Center, Health Care, Animal Welfare and Environmental Protection.
We firmly believe in the power of change through intercultural exchange. With our programs we promote and demand equal rights and cultural tolerance. We place our volunteers exclusively in projects in which they can gain valuable experience for their future. Our volunteers do not replace local employees. Volunteers are assistants who offer support to local staff and, for example, perform tasks for which there is otherwise too little time. It is important to us that we only place our volunteers in projects that share our values towards international volunteering.
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