This project runs a daycare and preschool for children aged 0 to 6. Sadly, many children later drop out of school due to poverty, long distances between home and school, domestic issues, or because they need to help support their families. This project aims to raise awareness among young children and their parents about the importance of early education. By showing kids from a young age that school can be fun and meaningful, the project hopes they’ll stay in school longer and keep learning throughout their lives. Its long-term mission is to improve the quality of life for children in Tanzania.
There are loads of ways you can get involved, all centred around babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. This includes fun creative activities like arts and crafts, singing, music, and dance, as well as teaching important life skills like hygiene, environmental awareness, culture, and how to express emotions.
The schedule may vary slightly day to day and between placements, but here’s what a typical day might look like:
7:00am - Breakfast.
8:00am - Head to the project and start your day working with the kids.
10:00am - Tea break.
10:00am - 12:00pm - After the break, there’s time for more structured lessons or playful learning sessions.
2:00pm - 5:00 pm - Parents start arriving to pick up their children. You can use this time to connect with the parents, chat with teachers, or help with lunch and clean-up.
From 6:00pm - Your official workday is over and it’s time to relax. Head into town, do some shopping, or cook dinner with fellow volunteers.
Volunteering here is a great way to make a real impact while soaking up Tanzanian culture. You’ll walk away with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and plenty of stories to tell!
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.
You’ll usually work from Monday to Friday, from around 9:00am to 4:00pm. However, this is flexible and can be discussed with the project. Working more or fewer hours is possible. The projects in Iringa are also easy to combine.
You’ll work alongside teachers and other volunteers.
English is the main language used at the project. As most people here have had access to education, they generally speak English reasonably well.
Volunteers are welcome all year round. However, there is a long holiday in January, during which schools are closed and this project also shuts down. There are definitely other options in Tanzania during this time.
At the volunteer house, we have a kitchen where volunteers can prepare their own meals using ingredients bought at the local market. Our housemaid can also cook something for you. We have a fridge and enough kitchenware. Volunteers can also eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants. For volunteers who prefer to stay with a host family and cook together with them, this is possible. However, host families will usually do the cooking for you.
At the moment, we don’t offer Wi-Fi, but a local SIM card can be purchased for less than half a US dollar, and unlimited 4G internet can be added for less than USD $5 per week or around USD $15 per month. There are separate dormitory-style rooms for male and female volunteers, and they share common areas and western-style toilets.
Living conditions are simple, and power outages are common in Tanzania. Most rural houses in the villages don’t have running water, especially during dry seasons. Bottled water is widely available for drinking. Volunteers can hand-wash their clothes themselves, or have them done by the housemaid for a small fee. Bedding (pillows and sheets) is provided, but we recommend that volunteers bring their own towels and mosquito nets.
Volunteers either walk from the volunteer house or host family to the project, or take a public bus (dala dala). If volunteers participate in the more rural village programs on weekends or weekdays to experience Tanzanian village life, this will also be by dala dala, and the journey takes around two hours.
If you’ve got some extra space in your luggage and would like to bring something for the project, it would be greatly appreciated. Just check in with us first to find out what useful and practical items you could bring.
You’ll be picked up from the airport. You’ll spend one night in Dar es Salaam. The next day, you’ll be taken to the bus station and travel with someone from the organisation by bus to Iringa. You’ll first go to the volunteer house, where you’ll have time to settle in, unpack your things, and meet the other volunteers. You’ll also receive an orientation.
We can also organise the return journey for you. These costs aren’t included in the price. The pickup on arrival is included. For the return trip, including a hotel stay, the cost is $149.
Check out our extra trips to see what you can do in your spare time! We have some amazing excursions you can join in your free time. And since you’re already in such a beautiful destination, it’s a great chance to explore more of the country!
Bovan is your local contact person in Tanzania.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about supporting communities and improving people’s quality of life. Day care plays a crucial role in providing structure, meaningful activities, and social interaction for a range of groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and children. Your contribution can make a big difference in their daily lives.
The projects in Tanzania are especially suited to volunteers aged between 17 and 29. For volunteers over that age, the project in Ilula may be a better fit.
Interest in Community Care:
We’re looking for volunteers who enjoy working with different groups and who care about the wellbeing of others. Experience in care, social work, or a related field is a bonus, but enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help are essential.
Initiative and Proactivity:
The ability to work independently and take initiative is important. You’ll be expected to organise and carry out activities, often coming up with creative solutions to unexpected challenges. A proactive attitude helps foster a positive and engaging environment.
Patience and Empathy:
Patience and empathy are vital qualities when working with people who need extra support. It’s important to be understanding and patient, even when progress seems slow. Your empathy and care can make a real difference in the participants’ lives.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Working in a different cultural context requires respect for and understanding of local customs and traditions. Being open and willing to learn from the culture you’re working in is key to a successful collaboration and a rewarding experience for both you and the community.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Conditions in Tanzania may be very different from what you’re used to. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to new situations are essential — both in terms of living conditions and work environment.
Communication Skills:
Good communication skills are crucial, whether you're interacting with participants, fellow volunteers, or the local community. The ability to communicate clearly and respectfully helps create a positive and productive workplace.
Team Spirit:
The day care project is a team effort, and cooperation is key to success. A positive team spirit and the willingness to work with others — including local staff and volunteers from various backgrounds — are important for achieving our goals.
As a volunteer on this day care project, you’ll help organise and run various activities such as arts and crafts, games, music, movement exercises, and other creative and therapeutic activities. You’ll work alongside local staff to provide a safe and supportive environment where participants feel valued and encouraged.
Your stay in Tanzania not only gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, but also offers personal and professional growth. You’ll discover new cultures, make new friends, and have unforgettable experiences.
In short, if you’re passionate about community care and supporting diverse groups, and you're ready to commit to a challenging but rewarding experience, then this day care project in Tanzania is the perfect opportunity for you. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the quality of life of those we support.
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
Average cost for a 5 week stay = $410/week
1 week: $649
2 weeks of volunteering: $1219
$279 for each additional week
Included in the price:
Before departure
Online introduction meeting
Information pack with details about Tanzanian culture and customs, plus a checklist of everything you need to prepare, including info on insurance, money matters and travel tips
Pre-departure training
Assistance with applying for a police check (VOG)
Access to the online community
Help with your visa application
Help booking your flight (on request)
During your trip
Transfer from the airport to the project, including one night in a hotel
On-site orientation
Assistance with visa extensions (if needed)
Support throughout your entire stay
Accommodation in the volunteer house
Upon return
Evaluation session
Certificate (on request)
Option to stay involved via our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Not included in the price:
Flight
Vaccinations
Visa
Police check (VOG)
Travel insurance
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