Imagine this... a place filled with cheerful children’s voices, colourful classrooms, and a whole lot of love. That’s the Gabriella Children’s Rehabilitation Centre! This unique centre, founded by Brenda, a woman with a heart of gold and enough energy to light up a city, is the place in Tanzania where children with additional needs can truly thrive.
The centre provides a safe space for children from the age of 5 all the way through to adulthood and trust us, everyone here gets exactly what they need. Whether it’s physical support, social-emotional guidance, or help with communication and development, Gabriella is ready to provide it.
With a strong focus on autism, learning difficulties, and other neurological challenges, the centre runs like a well-oiled machine, with classrooms specially adapted to each student’s needs. In short, it’s a heartwarming place where every single day truly makes a difference.
Why are volunteers important?
Due to limited staff, volunteers play a vital role in supporting the children. You won’t replace paid staff, but your extra hands will be warmly welcomed. You’ll be directly contributing to improving the daily care and education of these children, making a real impact on their lives.
What will you do?
As a volunteer, you can make a meaningful difference in the classrooms. Depending on your background, experience, and skills, you may be involved in:
You’ll be volunteering Monday to Friday, for an average of 5 to 6 hours per day. A typical day looks like this:
Your day begins with breakfast at the volunteer house, where you’ll chat with fellow volunteers and discuss plans for the day. Together with a local coordinator, you head to the Gabriella Centre. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by the smiling faces of the children and staff. You’ll chat with the teachers to go over the day’s activities.
In the morning, you’ll help out in the classroom, assisting children with learning activities like maths, language, or creative exercises. You’ll also take part in games and hands-on tasks that help build motor and social skills.
At lunchtime, you can enjoy a warm meal at the centre or head back later to cook your own food at the house. It’s also a great time to relax and share experiences with your fellow volunteers.
In the afternoon, you might focus more on one-on-one support or group sessions, this could include creative therapies, extra help for children with higher needs, or prepping materials for the next day’s lessons.
By the end of the day, you’ll say goodbye to the kids and staff, and check in with your coordinator to reflect on what’s been achieved. Then it’s time to head home, wind down, maybe explore the area or catch up with your volunteer crew.
Every day brings new challenges, learning, and beautiful moments. The smiles of the children make it all incredibly rewarding!
Qinn en Marthe
Doordat het zo leuk was op het project en met de andere vrijwilligers hebben we zelfs een weekje verlengd. Als je twijfelt om te gaan zouden we het je zeker aanraden!!!
Frits
Ik kan iedereen aanraden om hier naar toe te komen. Ik heb echt de tijd van mijn leven gehad, En ook kon ik heel goed opschieten met het contactpersoon Bovan.
Jordy
Kortom, als je jezelf open stelt voor nieuwe mensen en een nieuwe cultuur, en als je ‘open-minded’ dit avontuur aan gaat dan ga je gegarandeerd een top tijd tegemoet 😊.
Dahnée, Lauren en Michelle
Hii! Wij zijn Dahnée, Lauren en Michelle.
Wij hebben ons eigen project opgezet in Tanzania. Vanuit school zijn wij 6 weken naar het prachtige Tanzania gegaan om ons te laten inspireren door de prachtige cultuur. Dit hebben wij gedaan door het geven en nemen van danslessen.
Thijs
Ik heb het onwijs naar m’n zin hier en ik kan het iedereen zeker aanraden om naar Tanzania te gaan. Het land is zo anders dan Nederland en dmv de projecten kun je iets aan de mensen hier leren en leer je ook van de mensen hier.
From 8am to 4pm.
You’ll work Monday to Friday, for approximately 5 to 6 hours a day.
Volunteers can have breakfast in the morning and walk to the project with our project coordinators. You’ll spend about five hours at the project. Lunch can be enjoyed at the project site or volunteers can cook for themselves afterwards at the volunteer house.
Brenda is the project director, and she works alongside five teachers (one teacher per class). Currently, the centre does not have any volunteers, so your presence will be a huge support to the project.
The main language spoken is basic English. Of course, learning a bit of Swahili is useful and fun too!
There are holiday periods in April, August, and December.
Volunteers will stay in the volunteer house located in Moshi Town, with stunning daily views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Rooms are shared with 2–3 same-gender volunteers per room.
The house includes a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, stove, and oven, so volunteers can cook whenever they like, from breakfast to dinner. Fresh groceries are available at local markets and supermarkets at low cost. During the orientation and city tour, you’ll be shown where to shop and find essentials.
Every Friday evening, our team teaches volunteers how to cook a traditional Tanzanian dish. Afterwards, you’ll share the meal with other volunteers and staff. You can end the evening around the fireplace with a campfire, an ideal way to kick off the weekend.
Volunteers can do their laundry by hand at the house in the designated laundry area. If you’re not familiar with handwashing, our team will be happy to show you how. Prefer not to do it yourself? We can arrange laundry service for a small fee.
The house also has a beautiful garden with hammocks, a lounge area, and a fire pit, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing after project days, or enjoying a campfire in the evening.
The project is located in Hai District, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Volunteers will take public minibuses (daladala) from Moshi Town to the project with support from our program coordinator. The cost of public transport is less than $2 per ride.
If you have extra space in your luggage and would like to bring something for the project, they would greatly appreciate it. Please check with us beforehand to find out which items would be most helpful.
We offer two options:
Option 1: You’ll be picked up by our program director at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to the volunteer house in Moshi Town (about an hour away). Although a taxi normally costs between $40 and $80, this airport pick-up is free for our volunteers!
Option 2: You’ll be picked up at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) by our program coordinator. You’ll spend the night in a hostel in Dar es Salaam and take a public bus to Moshi the next day (an 8–9 hour journey).
Hostel stay: approx. $40 per night (depending on the accommodation)
Transport from the airport to the hostel and the bus station: approx. $40
Public bus from Dar es Salaam to Moshi: approx. $40
Total cost for this option: $120
*All prices are in AUD.
Be sure to check out the optional trips we offer. You’ll find some amazing excursions to make the most of your free time! And since you're already in such a beautiful part of the world, it's definitely worth exploring more of the country.
Your local contact in Tanzania is Philipina.
Volunteers must be at least 17 years old and available for a minimum of 2 weeks.
We’re looking for volunteers who are passionate about community care and improving the quality of life for children with disabilities. Daycare provides structure, meaningful activities, and social interaction for this group and your contribution can make a huge difference in their daily lives.
Interest in Community Care
Enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help are essential. Experience in care work or social work is a bonus.
Initiative and Proactiveness
The ability to work independently and take initiative is important. You’ll be expected to organise and run activities, and think creatively to overcome challenges.
Patience and Empathy
It’s vital to be patient and understanding, especially when progress is slow.
Cultural Sensitivity
Respect for local customs and traditions is essential. Be open and willing to learn from the culture you’ll be working in.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Working in Tanzania means facing different conditions, both physical and in the work environment. Adaptability and flexibility are key.
Communication Skills
Good communication is vital for creating a positive work atmosphere.
Team Spirit
Collaboration is key to success. A positive team spirit and the willingness to work alongside local staff and volunteers from different backgrounds are essential.
As a volunteer, you’ll organise activities such as arts and crafts, games, music, and movement exercises for children with disabilities. You’ll work alongside local staff to provide a safe and supportive environment.
If you’re passionate about community care and want to support children with disabilities and you’re ready to commit to a challenging but rewarding environment, this day care project in Tanzania is the perfect opportunity for you.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on these children's quality of life.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
1 week: $649
2 weeks of volunteer work: $1219
Each additional week: $279
*All prices are in AUD.
Before Departure
Online introductory meeting
Information pack covering Tanzanian culture and customs, plus a checklist of preparations including insurance, money matters, and travel tips
Pre-departure training
Help obtaining a police clearance certificate (VOG)
Access to the online community
Visa application support
Assistance with booking your flight (on request)
During Your Trip
Airport transfer to the project, including one hotel overnight stay
On-site introduction
Help extending your visa (if needed)
Support throughout your stay
Accommodation in the volunteer house
After Your Trip
Evaluation session
Certificate (on request)
Opportunity to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Flights
Vaccinations
Visa
Police clearance (VOG)
Travel insurance
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