Volunteer Program in Tanzania: Go Volunteer Africa

In November 2023 I spent about a month in Tanzania as a volunteer for the Rafikisana Foundation. I got a nice room with a shower at the volunteers house, where also good, typical meals were provided for those staying over. Together with his wife, the headmaster of the school I was assigned to, took good care of me. They took me from and to the airport, regularly invited me to a restaurant or bar and, most importantly, agreed with me on what I should do at the school site. I opted for the set-up of a reading class, a dedicated room for the kids to have a separate session, at their specific level, to improve their English reading and writing skills. The kids really liked it, being away from their classroom and getting the full attention of a teacher! :-) On the weekends I also got the occasion to visit the country as a tourist: we walked to the Kilimanjaro waterfalls, visited a Masaai village, went on safari and even flew to Zanzibar! I can strongly recommend this to other possible volunteers: it's a perfect combination of adventure and giving back to society!

At my volunteer internship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania my life was changed. I had one of the most eye opening experiences possible. Day-to-Day I worked under the doctors and nurses at the local government hospital. I was able to assist and learn from the staff and over time felt completely at home there. My host family went above and beyond to make me feel welcomed and safe. Through them, I was able to experience the true culture of Tanzania. The staff of Go Volunteer Africa were always there to make you feel safe and have fun with. They planned outings for all of the volunteers and were a good ear to listen to our worries and expectations. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in volunteering or learning about medical procedures in Africa.

I loved my volunteering experience with go volunteer Africa, I only wish I had volunteered for longer than just 3 weeks! It's left me wanting more and I’m already hoping to return. I stayed in Arusha, with 2 other volunteers (younger than me) and this children support care project made me realize how blessed I was and how great it was to make an impact in the lives of other children, after raising my 2 children. I came home knowing that I truly made a difference in the lives of the children I was involved with. The group leaders did a great job of keeping us informed of what was going on and I didn't feel out of the loop as some people might feel when starting on a new project. I was very involved with everything and my group leaders were there every step of the way to help the volunteers out. If you are looking for a volunteer experience that is legitimate, sustainable and enjoyable all whilst making a truly valuable impact then look no further, than this organization. I spent half my time supporting teaching at a children’s centre in a local Arusha township and the other half - a truly incredible project that supports grandmothers to provide after-school care, fun and food to children. I learnt more than I could have imagined, not just about the culture and lifestyles of the communities, but also about the nature of volunteering abroad itself. It's about offering support whilst remaining completely sustainable, less about the hand outs and more about enabling and empowering others. This means that your impact is truly lasting and unforgettable. At the children’s centre you will meet some very special children who will fall in love with you as soon as you walk in through the front door! Their squeals of joy and the songs they will teach you will buzz around your head forever. I spent most mornings reading stories, teaching English and supporting their play. I do have a lot to share and I don’t think this space will be enough, all I can say, I recommend this wonderful organization for connecting me to the perfect volunteering experience. Although I am 54 and most of the other volunteers were young people, I enjoyed my time with everyone.

I really did have such an amazing trip in Tanzania with Go Volunteer Africa and would absolutely recommend it to anyone. I chose them primarily as they were the cheapest organisation I found, but honestly they cut no corners. Go Volunteer Africa were very helpful with my questions beforehand and managed to get me sorted even though I only enquired 3 weeks before my departure date! Everything needed was given to me in writing which was a comfort and was very accurate information. The pre-departure support from Paul and his local team was so useful. Arrival was very easy on my part and the volunteer house in Dar-es-Salaam is perfect! I settled in so quickly as all the in-country Go Volunteer Africa staff were so lovely and helpful as well as the other volunteers being amazing. I spent 4 weeks in Tanzania and I wish I had gone earlier and stayed longer as the experience just gets more enjoyable as you get to know the other volunteers and the staff. The accommodation is relatively basic - there was no Wi-Fi while I was there (not always the case) and the showers aren't consistently warm - but it was extremely social, comfortable and I wouldn't change anything major. The staff in-country are fantastic and there is always someone available to chat to and ask any questions or reports any concerns. I did a Childcare and Urban Farming placements and a member of local staff escorted us on the first day to show us the journey and introduce us to projects staff. I made some great friends in the time I was there, as we spent loads of time together in the house and on the weekend trips. All I can say is the more you put in, the more you get out of your experience. I would definitely recommend this experience if you're willing to be spontaneous and settle into the 'pole pole' lifestyle in Tanzania :) I also think that going in June/July time is perfect as there are always other volunteers around and the weather isn't too hot. It's difficult to describe how it's so enjoyable but it is definitely worth doing through Go Volunteer Africa. Go Volunteer Africa will totally look after you, so go with a totally open mind and you'll have a trip you will not forget.

We have just come back from our amazing trip to Tanzania. Leaving on the ferry to our first stop, then a bus ride to the fantastic village of --- it was right by the beach and the kids went to get us coconuts while we watched the local rugby game at the school. We went to church, all dressed up in our kitenge on the Sunday, we all introduced ourselves and sang with the choir. After the kids took us around the beach and showed us the fish, we came back to a feast! Tanzania has been an eye-opening experience for us. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time there and made some amazing friends with the other volunteers and staff alike. The medical camp is right on the beach which means we have amazing views of the sunset. All the staff are very welcoming and the locals are friendly and always willing to teach you some swahili. Joanna & I, had one of the most enjoyable and exciting times of our lives. We have learnt a lot about the healthcare in Africa and doing rounds at the hospital which was very useful to us. Overall Tanzania is an amazing place to be a Go Volunteer Africa volunteer and we have had a brilliant time here. Traveling with Go Volunteer Africa was the best choice and its best and most affordable volunteer company

My initial impressions and thoughts of this trip have been surpassed by what I have experienced in these past six weeks. As soon as I arrived at the airport in Arusha I felt a warm welcome, with my fellow travelers, friendly staff and an impressive accommodation. I arrived in the country early so had a few days to relax before I met up with the others on the project site. We spent a couple of days with the coordinator who took us around and showed us the community and the projects supported by Go Volunteer Africa. For me the experience of being on a project in a group and with the young people was much better than what I thought it would be, the project was very well run and there were lots of activities available to do in the evening if you chose to. The most enjoyable part of the project was being with the youth soccer team preparing for the regional tournaments. The project is not only for youngsters there is no age limit and no matter what age you will love it here. I was impressed by the organization of the sports and athletics project, and straight away I was involved in coaching activities. Thanks to Paul my contact at Go Volunteer Africa, who made everything possible.

AIRPORT COLLECTION The collection from the airport was well arranged, and very helpful in showing me where to exchange currency. The project briefing was informative and clearly explained the main objectives of the project and how activities were carried out. ACCOMMODATION Very good, any issues/problems I had with the homestay were dealt with professionally. Amir was a great help in supporting everyone with any queries. Location was great, could walk to work (if the sun wasn't trying to melt me that day) and was even walking distance to the city centre - but again I’m lazy and relied on Taxis. Our home mother at the homestay made the place very special, and the family was wonderful. Really appreciated the cold shower. Bring extra money for your own meals though, breakfast is very basic - toast. Dinner is interesting, a bit different but any future volunteers should push themself to try it all! Nothing ever tasted bad and even meat eaters were asked if they wanted seafood or not which was greatly appreciated - I feared, I would be eating fish with heads the whole time I was there but it was largely vegetarian meals. The food and living conditions were much better than I expected and overall, I had a brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed my time on project. WORK I worked with school in Dar-es-Salaam. The school is a little all over the place, but you get used to it and settle into TZ time - aka, slow paced life. The school project for me was very rewarding I made a real connection with the kids and was really sad to leave. Ubungo is a lovely town and all the people are so welcoming I didn’t feel unsafe once throughout my whole time on project. SUPPORT 10++ for this one, Amir kept an eye on any illness or injury I had, from the tiniest little scrape to a suspected case of strep throat. My health seemed so important here and had a high priority as did my safety. OVERALL Amazing experience. So much free time and flexibility for you to go and explore the Tanzania. You learn so much about the culture here. I'd recommend it to all, just be prepared for a difference in setting as it is a low-income nation. This was my first ever time in a low-income (developing) country and it has really opened my eyes but in a positive way. The entire project for me was an experience I will never forget I loved every minute of it. I couldn’t tell you the best aspect as it was all amazing.

I spent 2 weeks volunteering in Tanzania working on the childcare project. It was an incredible experience which has given me an insight into their different culture and way of life. The pre departure information was informative and helpful. The host family was very accommodating and couldn’t have been more welcoming. The accommodation was okay you get used to the cold showers. The childcare project was very enjoyable although not what I expected. There were a lot of volunteers which meant making friends and traveling together. I went on the weekend safari trip and Go Volunteer Africa also organized a trip to Zanzibar. This was definitely amazing and we can’t thank them enough. I am looking forward to go back to Tanzania. I definitely recommend the program.