Description

Volunteer abroad in Tanzania. Like other countries in East Africa, Tanzania has been seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Thousands of orphans and widows are left to rebuild their lives in the wake of the disease. We work with several grassroots organizations focused on providing services for people directly affected by the epidemic. The organizations provide health education within the communities, vocational training, counseling and support services for families who have either lost members or who have HIV+ members. Volunteers assist with a wide variety of projects within the organization. In the past, participants have presented seminars on HIV prevention, initiated community garden projects, established income generation projects and assisted with adult education projects.

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. International Volunteers 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.

The Meru are a Bantu tribe who inhabit the foothills of Mt. Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The Meru people are predominantly farmers both cultivating crops and keeping livestock. The Meru area is flanked by hills that support abundant banana and coffee plantations and many trees. Volunteers can work with a wide variety of community-started initiatives here. All Meru programs are based in a village a few miles from the hustle and bustle of Arusha, giving volunteers the chance to experience life in a Tanzanian village.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varies by duration. Contact us for details.

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure Support: Our 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: Our 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 in a volunteer house with the coordinator and his extended family. The house is very comfortable and a refuge from the stresses of village life. At the same time, volunteers get a taste of Tanzanian family life.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Aids
• Health
• Health Education

Typical Volunteer

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

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

International Volunteers's Mission Statement

International Volunteers is the volunteer branch of ELI Abroad, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded in 2001, that partners with organizations from around the world making a difference in their communities. We work closely with these groups to ensure that our volunteers get meaningful experiences at reasonable prices. We have something for everyone: whether you want to teach in Ghana, work in an orphanage in Nepal, animal rescue in the rainforest of Ecuador, medical clinic in South India, or study in a university in Buenos Aires.

Year Founded

2001