Description

The greater part of Maasailand is now so dry from ongoing droughts that many areas are fast becoming semi-desert. The trees of the savannah are also being cut to make charcoal at an alarming rate, leaving the land vulnerable to further erosion and loss of moisture. Many families have homesteads with no trees. The shade offered by trees in the heat of the day offers some relief to the families. Volunteers with this project will assist planting trees both on homesteads and on the plains of Masaailand in order to help improve life for future generations. Volunteers will also assist with ongoing education programs focusing on the importance of tree conservation. In the Meru community, volunteers can work with a nursery in Tengeru where trees are cultivated and transplanted to areas in need of reforestation. Volunteers will assist with tasks such as sowing seeds, filling the polythene seedling tubes, transplanting trees and assisting with educational programs about the importance of trees in the community.Please note that this project is only available from February to July, during the rainy season.

Highlights

The diversity within Tanzania is stunning. the country is home to over 120 ethnic groups, the equatorial snows of Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti plains teeming with wildlife, and the white sand beaches of Arab and Indian influenced Dar es Salaam. ELI works with organizations within three distinct communities in Tanzania: the Meru Community in the village of Tengeru on the flanks of Mt. Meru, the multicultural city, Dar es Salaam, and the Maasai community in the village of Elkurot north of Arusha town.

Please note that Maasai projects are only for the most adventurous travelers. Conditions are extremely basic. Volunteers working in Maasai Land will stay in a local style mud hut, a typical Maasai abode. Maasai host families do not have running water or electricity.

This is a rare opportunity to experience a traditional way of life.

Qualifications

Participants in this project must be in good health and able to perform manual labor such as digging holes and carrying heavy loads.

Intern Types

• Agronomy
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Studies

Languages

• English
• Swahili

Cost in US$:

starting at USD 795 please contact us for more detail

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels.

* Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the Kilimanjaro airport and provided with transportation to the volunteer house

* In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Tanzania, city tours, and help with transportation.

* In-country Staff Support: ELI's Tanzania coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Tanzania. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

* Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a Maasai family in their traditional kraal or homestead. The accommodations are very basic. Host families do not have running water or electricity, and subsist off a simple diet. Participants must be prepared to adapt to the local conditions.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range

18 and older

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001