What inspired you to found Viva Tanzania?
My Tanzanian husband and I founded this organization in order to support different communities in need, as well as to provide safe and affordable volunteering opportunities for interested people from all over the world.
Enjoying the beautiful nature in Tanzania
Describe a typical day at work.
The awesome thing about my job is that there is not a typical day. However, usually I am answering volunteer inquiries and questions via email, working on their registration, and Skyping and doing all the pre-support people need before they arrive. I am also responsible for the marketing and advertising of our NGO to spread the good word. In the afternoons and evenings I am visiting projects or meeting our volunteers, checking progress, and just being there in case I am needed.
We are also doing different activities with our volunteers, like yoga at the slopes of Mount Meru
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is meeting people from all over the world and helping them find a project where they can unfold their full potential and empower local communities through their knowledge and intercultural exchange.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I have a Bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology and Gender Studies, and I can use my background in many different ways. Volunteering is about intercultural exchange, but challenges can accrue—that's where my background helps me mediate between local people and volunteers from abroad. Since I have lived in Tanzania for almost six years, I understand both points of view.
What are some current projects you are working on?
We have a lot of exciting stuff going on right now. Probably the biggest project is the fundraiser for our kindergarten/preschool. We are planning to build a center for Maasai children in the outskirts of Arusha. We need help from people all over the world to raise money for this project; when enough money is raised with the help of volunteers, we will build the preschool!
Sadly, saying "goodbye" is also part of my job!
What makes Viva Tanzania special?
We are able to offer affordable and safe placements since we all are on-site, living just three walking minutes from the volunteer house. Furthermore, meaningful voluntary work is very important for us, which is why we are in constant contact with our projects to know their needs and challenges they are facing.
Why should someone choose Viva Tanzania over competitors?
Volunteers should choose us because we really care for both our volunteers and our projects. Volunteering with Viva Tanzania means becoming part of our family and making a difference in some of the most beautiful places on earth.
What hopes do you have for the future of Viva Tanzania?
For the future, we hope to be able to help more people in need through volunteers we receive from all over the world. We plan to build our own preschool to educate marginalized Maasai in Tanzania’s North, Arusha.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We hope that participants will have life-changing experiences, make new friends, and create everlasting memories. We want our volunteers to really make a difference and truly connect to the people and Tanzania itself.
On the way to a waterfall with our volunteers
If you could participate on one of Viva Tanzania's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would find it very hard to choose just one of our awesome projects, but I would go for women empowerment. Since I studied Gender Studies and identify as a feminist, I find it important to empower women within their families and the community. Women are oppressed and marginalized in many places of the world, and I want to join this fight to improve women's lives in Tanzania.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language broadens your horizons. It helps you to interact and engage with locals and opens up a totally new world: the world of those in need of your help!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me means to try and leave this world a little better than I found it. I choose local accommodations, tour operators, restaurants, and shops to give back to the community and make locals profit from my travels.
