How long have you lived in Tanzania? What is your favorite part of living there?
I have been living in Tanzania my whole life. I was born and raised in Arusha, the city I am currently working in. There are so many great things about living in Tanzania. For example, the people and their hospitality—everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Another awesome thing about living in Tanzania is the vast nature and the wildlife. We have Mount Kilimanjaro, National Parks like the Serengeti, and also the island Zanzibar belongs to Tanzania.
Theresia teaching Swahili to the volunteers.
What is the mission of Viva Tanzania, and how does your role contribute to that mission?
Our mission is to establish an environment in which intercultural encounters can take place. Our participants, mainly young people from all over the world, will be enabled to gain first-hand experience in totally different surroundings from what they know. We want to show them the diversity of people, cultures, and lifestyles, and to ensure a meaningful and well-targeted experience that takes into account the participant's interests and talents. Since I am the Volunteer House Manager, my role contributes to our mission in that I am always around and available for the for the volunteers, organizing their placements, answering all their questions, organizing excursions, safaris, and weekend trips, and making them feel welcomed!
Me at the waterfalls.
Describe a typical day at work.
In the morning, I go to the volunteer house, discussing with the other staff members which volunteer is coming so that everything is prepared for their arrival. On arrival, I welcome them and organize activities. Furthermore, I make short films about our projects and do video editing.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Communicating with the volunteers about their work on their projects, and everything around here overall. I also like making films about our projects with our volunteers.
How can future volunteers prepare for a trip to Tanzania?
Going overseas to a foreign country to volunteer is a very unique and exciting experience. Of course, now I could put a packing list here, but way more important than taking your tooth brush and pants is to be open-minded to a new culture. You will have good days in Tanzania, make friends for a lifetime, and have experiences you will never forget. On the other hand, there will be times when you miss family and friends, or simply have a bad day. Be prepared for it, but don't be scared of it. The most important things are to be open to a different way of living, different people, and different food; then you are very well prepared!
What is your best advice for first-time volunteers?
My best advice for first-time volunteers is that they should really be determined in their work on projects, and really prepare themselves to have a great time in Tanzania. They will have lots of adventures like trips, safaris, mountain climbing, and so much more.
Why should volunteers be excited to work with Viva Tanzania?
Volunteers should be excited to work with Viva Tanzania because we a small family-like organization. We know all our volunteers by name, where they come from, and what they do in their home countries. We are also in very close contact with our projects to ensure a safe and meaningful volunteer experience. Furthermore, it will never be boring with us! On the weekends we have movie nights, BBQs, go to markets, organize safaris, mountain climb, and take many different day trips in and around Arusha.
Theresia assisting a video shoot.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am working on making some short films about our projects with full content in order to promote our organization, and to let people know exactly what we are doing.
What makes Viva Tanzania special?
We are really determined to satisfy our volunteers, and that's our daily goal. In our projects you will really feel at home, and the people you'll work with are very welcoming. You'll have a lot to do and gain too. Apart from that, you will be able to take a break from volunteering by participating in different activities.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It’s important to be open to new things and learn about different cultures because it’s rewarding to be able to understand how people live and understand their surroundings. It’s an important way to make new friends too!
Me in our volunteers house garden.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
It's important for increasing your knowledge. It’s also very helpful to learn a new language in the place where you'll be staying, for the communication with people and their community.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
Like Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We should really invest in education for children who are our future leaders.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means to go somewhere not only for the adventure, but also to learn something new, gain new experiences, and help out the communities you’re visiting in order to make our world a better place.
