Volunteer in Women's Education in Tanzania

Volunteered in Arusha, Tanzania with IVHQ and had a great experience from start to finish. Booking and pre-departure prep were clear and easy, so I knew exactly what to expect before I left. Arrival logistics were sorted, and the in-country team was responsive the whole time — any question I had got answered fast. Teaching English and math there was challenging in the best way and genuinely rewarding, and I left with a lot more than I expected to. Highly recommend IVHQ to anyone thinking about it.

If you don't only wanna go travelling but really immerse into a totally different culture, there you go! It's one of the best ways to travel and not only travel but make a little impact as well. I can only recommend!

I feel like I didn’t really know what to expect before I came but it was so amazing. My hesitations were around the support I’d get whilst being there and making friends with people. I got a lot of support and a lot of flexibility especially in terms of the excursions. I’ve made friends with everyone at the volunteer houses and and everyone was amazing. I have definitely made an impact during my programme but I could have made more of an impact if I’d stayed longer. As I was working with women, it takes time to build relationships with them so I felt like I had to leave as soon as we became closer which was a shame as they were all absolutely incredible and I would have loved to hear more about their stories. All the staff in the house were incredible! The mamas, coordinators, cleaners, security guards etc made me feel so welcome! Of course with the windows being open to keep the house cool but the mud and dust could get a little dirty, however the cleaners were very on top of it. I felt completely safe in the house and appreciated the 24/7 security. The food was incredible! There was a lot of food, a lot of flavour, it was kept warm and the fruit was covered. The cinnamon rolls were amazing! It was so great to speak to people from all over the world and learn about different countries and cultures on top of learning about Tanzania and Africa. I am in touch with a volunteer who is soon coming to the program helping her with recommendations, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone else that was looking for an experience like this.

Doing lessons about Japan to girls in my placement was the best moment. This experience has definitely broadened my perspectives about life. Volunteering abroad gives you precious experience. You can make new friends and you can understand new cultures, society and yourself more.

What an amazing experience this has been. I could have never imagined the change that has happened within me after this trip. IVHQ gave me the opportunity to be totally immersed in the life and culture of Tanzania. I am certain that my contributions to the women in my placement and those of my fellow volunteers have created a sustainable impact in the lives of the people we taught, laughed and cried with in Tanzania. I will forever be thankful for the friendships I have made and both the professional and personal development that I will carry with me through the rest of my life.

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Volunteering with the women at Lifted Strong was emotional and completely eye opening. All of the women we were helping had beautiful hearts and were so generous and grateful, if not the most generous and grateful people I have ever met. Once you meet and interact with these women, you can’t forget them. It really puts your life into perspective when you hear all that these women have gone through and you see how strong and beautiful they are after everything. I would definitely recommend this placement to other volunteers, especially if they are interested in helping women work towards successful futures where they can support themselves and become self-sustainable. It was amazing. It’s hard to leave by the end of your trip, but the women there are always open to volunteers returning.

Before going to my placement, Lifted Strong, I thought I would only provide health education to women. There was so much more for me to do than teach! Although I was only there for a week, I was able to work on a project with a nursing student which may have a large impact on the organization. Whether you're in the health care field, business, media and marketing, planning and implementation, or general education, there's something for everyone. The organization began earlier this year, and volunteers are helping the founders, and the mamas who are in the program, build a solid foundation. There really is something for everyone, and the mamas make sure you know that even the small things you do matter. Great opportunity for people who are open-minded, self-motivated, and have a passion to serve others.

I am Roy from Costa Rica. My volunteering in Tanzania is one of the best experience in my life. I left my country full of fears but once I get Tanzania the TVE made me feel like home. During the project with HIV program, I discovered that I am so fortunate of what I have and how I am in my country and that taught me to say thanks everyday. The experience of living in Tanzania gave me the opportunity to reach my dream about being in Africa and now I can say that I really lived the best spirit of Africa, walking their particular streets, eating amazing street food, doing a Safari in Serengeti and receiving the best of this lovely people. If I would have the opportunity to repeat this experience again, I wouldn't think it twice, for sure. I am close to go back home, but the person that left the country is not the same that is coming back, having in my heart lots of fun, lovely moments, more than 1000 photos and thousands of stories to share with family and friends. Thanks IVHQ for joining to the trip of my life.

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