What inspired you to work for Twiga Vision Tanzania?
Beyond my strong interest in the field of action and advocacy that Twiga represents, what truly inspired me to join is the particular moment the organization is currently going through. I am aware that Twiga is facing a challenging period, a transitional phase that requires resilience, creativity, and renewed commitment. Instead of being discouraged by these difficulties, I felt genuinely motivated to contribute and support the team during this crucial stage.
Having collaborated with Twiga in the past, I know the value of its mission and the real impact it can have on the lives of young people, women, and children. This combination of shared values and the opportunity to stand alongside the organization in a defining moment is what drove my decision.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My academic background combines a Master’s degree in Humanitarian Action and Law with additional training in project management, budgeting, and field operations. This has provided me with a very complete foundation that allows me to approach humanitarian work from both a theoretical and a practical perspective.
In a small NGO like Twiga, where everyone is required to be versatile and contribute across different areas, this combination is particularly valuable. I am able to apply my knowledge of human rights frameworks while also managing concrete tasks such as project design, budget monitoring, fundraising, and day-to-day coordination.
My international background also helps me adapt quickly to new contexts, work with diverse teams, and connect with beneficiaries from different cultural perspectives. Altogether, it enables me to be flexible and effective in my current role.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
One of the main challenges I face in my work is the language barrier, especially when communicating directly with beneficiaries who speak primarily Kiswahili. At times, this can make it more difficult to fully understand their perspectives and to build strong connections.
To overcome this, I have committed myself to learning the language. I currently attend three Swahili classes per week, and my supervisor also encourages us to practice at work in daily interactions. This combination of formal learning and practical use helps me progress quickly. Rather than seeing the language barrier as an obstacle, I view it as an opportunity to grow, adapt, and engage more deeply with the communities we serve.
Tanzania, January 2022: the project was to raise funds and take part in building the daycare’s wall all the way to the painting. The photo was taken on the inauguration day when all of us, young and old, left our handprints.
What are some current projects you are working on?
At Twiga, we are opening a new chapter for the organization, with fresh ideas and a renewed vision for the future. A large part of our current efforts is focused on strengthening our communication and presence on social media, in order to better connect with communities and partners.
In addition, we are developing our own volunteer program designed to stand against “voluntourism” and “white saviorism,” by promoting responsible and meaningful engagement that truly benefits local communities.
We are also preparing to launch our first major long-term initiative: a three-year women empowerment project. This program will combine economic, social, and psychosocial development to support women in building sustainable livelihoods and stronger communities. As part of this process, we are about to begin the important phase of fundraising to make this ambitious project possible."
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
I would tell myself to be patient and open to the unexpected. No matter how much you prepare, living and working in a new cultural environment always brings surprises and challenges. It is important to embrace them with curiosity rather than frustration. I would also remind myself that language learning takes time and that mistakes are part of the process.
Why should someone choose Twiga Vision Tanzania over competitors?
Twiga is a truly local organization, founded by a member of the community who previously worked for an international NGO and then chose to act on a smaller scale to directly serve the people of their own neighborhood. This local foundation ensures that the projects respond to real needs and are carried out with authenticity and trust.
Unlike many NGOs that sometimes operate more like businesses with directors focused on personal profit rather than genuine impact, Twiga is built on transparency and dedication. That authenticity is what first inspired me to return.
Working with Twiga also provides a genuine local experience, as the team is composed entirely of community members. The organization still functions on a small scale, which creates a family-like atmosphere and allows everyone to be involved in many aspects of the work. This makes it both impactful and highly formative.
What hopes do you have for the future of Twiga Vision Tanzania?
Although Twiga is going through a challenging period, I see this moment as an opportunity for renewal. We have decided to almost start again from the ground up, but this time with stronger foundations and a clearer vision for the future. In the past, Twiga was able to achieve meaningful projects and create real impact in the community. Building on those experiences, and learning from our mistakes—such as relying too heavily on a single European sponsor—we are now working to rebuild with more resilience and sustainability.
Many promising initiatives are already being set in motion, and I believe they will open the way for even greater achievements in the coming years. While my internship here lasts only six months, my hope is that someone will continue the work after me, ensuring that Twiga grows stronger and continues to empower the community.
What makes Twiga Vision Tanzania easy to market to potential participants?
What makes Twiga easy to present to potential participants is its authenticity and strong local roots. It is a community-based NGO, created by someone from the neighborhood to serve the people around them. This gives participants the opportunity to live a genuine local experience, not just observe from the outside.
The organization also offers a family-like environment due to its small scale, which makes people feel welcome and involved from the start. At the same time, because everyone contributes across different areas, participants can learn a wide variety of skills and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Finally, Twiga’s mission is both clear and inspiring: empowering young people, women, and children in concrete ways. These values make the organization naturally attractive to anyone seeking meaningful engagement.
Tanzania – March 2022: Then came the moment to say goodbye. Farewells are never easy, but in such unique experiences, everything feels even more intense. Update: I reunited with this family, who have truly become my own, three years later.
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Twiga’s mission is to empower young people, women, and children by supporting their personal development, expanding their access to education, and creating opportunities for long-term growth. At its heart, the organization is dedicated to building stronger communities where individuals can realize their potential and live with dignity.
We continue to work toward this mission by designing and implementing projects that respond to real needs identified within the community. This includes creating safe spaces for learning, developing training programs, and supporting initiatives that combine economic, social and psychosocial empowerment.
Even during challenging times, Twiga remains committed to its vision. By rebuilding stronger foundations, diversifying funding sources, and fostering authentic community engagement, we ensure that the mission is not only sustained but strengthened for the future.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants come away with a deep sense of cultural adaptation and openness. Working in a different environment is not about imposing one’s own way of doing things but about learning to collaborate, share skills and experiences, and grow together. This mutual exchange is what creates the most meaningful impact, both for participants and for the community.
I also hope they carry with them the values of dedication and commitment. At Twiga, we strive to always do more and to always do better for the people we serve. Experiencing this spirit of service firsthand can inspire participants to pursue their own work with renewed passion and humility, wherever they go next.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I believe that every program at Twiga is highly formative and valuable in its own way. However, considering my skills and background, I would choose to participate in the women’s empowerment program, Side by Side. This initiative aims to improve the economic, social, and psychosocial situation of a group of marginalized women in the Arusha region.
I could work closely with the local teacher who leads the sessions on women’s rights, complementing her expertise with my own academic background in humanitarian law. In addition, thanks to my training in mental health, I could also contribute alongside the local facilitators in providing psychosocial support and awareness.
The strength of this program lies in its collaborative spirit: competent local trainers form the foundation, and dedicated volunteers add extra skills and perspectives. Together, we can maximize knowledge, practice, and impact for the benefit of the community."
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
One of the most common questions I receive is why Twiga requires a minimum commitment of one month for volunteers and why we prioritize those who stay longer. My answer is that meaningful impact takes time. Volunteers need at least a month to adapt to the new environment, understand the way the organization works, and begin to build genuine relationships with the beneficiaries. Trust and confidence are not established overnight, and they are essential for achieving real results.
In fact, from my perspective, three months is the ideal minimum. This allows volunteers not only to contribute fully to the projects but also to gain the most from the experience themselves. It is through this longer immersion that they can truly grow, learn, and appreciate everything such an opportunity has to offer.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is essential because it broadens perspectives and challenges preconceived ideas. It teaches us that the way we live and think is not the only way, and that every culture has unique wisdom to share. This awareness fosters humility, tolerance, and empathy.
Beyond personal growth, immersion in a different culture also strengthens adaptability and resilience, skills that are valuable in every aspect of life. Most importantly, it creates opportunities for true exchange: learning from others, sharing experiences, and working together rather than imposing one’s own views.
Experiencing new cultures is not just about discovering differences, but about finding common ground and building connections that enrich both individuals and communities.
Indonesia, 2023 – Without specific teaching skills, our role was mainly to animate the children’s days through games. However, one session turned into an improvised class about emotions. The goal was for the children to teach us in Bahasa Indonesia while we taught them in English.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
In an experience like this, learning the local language is essential to truly connect with beneficiaries. Some community members do not speak English, so speaking their own language is often the only way to communicate. It also makes it easier for them to express themselves on sensitive topics, knowing they can use their native words and still be understood. This creates a stronger sense of trust and openness.
Beyond communication, language learning is also a key part of integration and adaptation. Speaking the language of the place where you are living shows respect and a genuine desire to belong. People immediately feel that you care and want to be part of their world. It completely transforms the experience, making relationships deeper and more authentic.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
"My advice is simple: even if it feels scary, go for it! Traveling abroad can be intimidating, and I understand that hesitation well. Even after having gone abroad many times myself, I still feel a little anxious in the days before leaving. But the moment you arrive, that fear disappears instantly.
Going abroad is one of the most powerful ways to open your mind and see life from a new perspective. You meet incredible people from all backgrounds, and you learn from diversity and create bonds that are often stronger than those formed in your usual environment.
Most importantly, it teaches you about yourself. Stepping out of your comfort zone helps you discover your strengths, your limits, and your ability to adapt. It is an experience that transforms you both personally and professionally.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about going beyond tourism and choosing to engage deeply with the people and the culture of the place I visit. It is about being present, listening, and learning, not just observing from a distance.
Meaningful travel means exchange: giving my time, skills, or support while also receiving knowledge, perspectives, and lessons from others. It is about collaboration rather than imposing, and about leaving a positive impact that respects the community’s own needs and values.
At the same time, meaningful travel is transformative on a personal level. It teaches adaptability, humility, and empathy. It allows you to discover not only a new culture but also new sides of yourself. That combination of growth, connection, and contribution is what makes travel truly meaningful.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located?
One of the main issues I see in the field of international education is the tendency toward 'voluntourism,” where programs are designed more for the benefit of participants than for the communities themselves. Too often, there is little or no real selection of volunteers: anyone can join, even people who are not suited for the work or have no relevant skills. This can lead to participants who add little value, who are more focused on taking photos than on truly contributing. Some programs even encourage this by charging volunteers very high fees, turning the experience into a business rather than a genuine exchange.
Another concern is the persistence of “white saviorism,” where outsiders arrive with the belief that they know what is best for the community, without fully listening to or valuing the knowledge of local people. In my view, true education and exchange must be based on collaboration, humility, and respect for local expertise.