The main goal of this project is to give young people something meaningful and fun to do, keeping them active, engaged and out of trouble. But sport is so much more than that. It’s great for both your body and your mind. You’ll develop teamwork skills, discipline and resilience, all qualities that not only help on the field but in whatever challenges you take on in life.
If you’re skilled in a particular sport, let us know. We love introducing new sports that aren’t widely known in Africa. They’re usually a big hit with the local kids.
As a volunteer, you’ll help out with a local class and at a community sports field that’s become a hub for children and teens. Here, young people can try different sports while learning about fitness, coordination, flexibility, teamwork, friendly competition, balance and most importantly, having fun. There’s also a strong focus on good nutrition, HIV prevention and creating a space where they can relax, grab some food and water, and feel supported. Sport is closely linked with values like discipline and perseverance, and those messages really come through.
You’ll often see kids inventing their own games with sticks, tyres or handmade footballs crafted from rolled-up plastic waste and string. It’s pretty inspiring and as a volunteer, you might even learn a thing or two from them. They’re incredibly creative and naturally talented at certain sports.
While sport is the core focus, we also organise other community-driven activities for the youth like neighbourhood clean-ups or helping out at the local hospital. There’s also a nearby crèche where volunteers spend time singing songs, playing games, teaching basic ABCs and even running simple health or sport-themed activities with the little ones.
As a volunteer, you can support the local sports centre by helping young kids become future stars, boost their confidence, get active and feel encouraged to join in on team activities.
You don’t need to be a pro athlete to take part in this project. What matters most is that you enjoy playing sports and interacting with local children. Volunteers may also help with handing out meals, as many of these young people live on less than $2 a day. Beyond the sports, you’ll be setting an example and helping them learn important life skills like discipline, teamwork and perseverance.
You’ll have the freedom to organise your day how you like. Kids usually train in the mornings between 6:00am and 8:00am and again in the afternoon from around 3:00pm to 6:00pm. You might also spend some extra time preparing for a tournament or another fun event.
If you’ve got free time between sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with nearby community projects too.
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.
Working hours
In Tanzania, sports sessions usually take place early in the morning from 6:00AM to 8:00AM and again from 3:00PM to 6:00PM. However, this is flexible and can be discussed.
Other colleagues / who you'll work with
You’ll be working alongside teachers and other volunteers.
Language spoken at the project
English is the main language used at the project. Since most people here have had some education, they generally speak a reasonable level of English.
Holiday periods
This project runs all year round.
Accommodation
At the volunteer house, there’s a kitchen where volunteers can prepare their own meals with food bought from the local market. Our housekeeper can also cook something for you. We have a fridge and enough kitchen equipment available. Volunteers can also eat out at one of the many nearby restaurants. For those who prefer staying with a host family and cooking together with the family, that’s also possible. However, in most cases, host families will cook for the volunteers.
At the moment, we don’t offer WiFi, but a local SIM card can be purchased for less than 1 USD, and unlimited 4G data can be added for under 4 USD per week or around 15 USD per month. There are separate dorm-style bedrooms for male and female volunteers, with shared common areas and western-style toilets.
Living conditions are basic, and power outages are common in Tanzania. Most rural village homes don’t have running water, especially during dry seasons. Bottled drinking water is easily available everywhere. Clothes are washed by hand by the volunteer, or for a small fee, the housekeeper can do this for you. Bedding (pillows and sheets) is provided, but it’s recommended that volunteers bring their own towels and mosquito nets.
Transport to and from the project
Volunteers either walk from the volunteer house or host family to the project site, or they take a local public bus (dala dala). If volunteers take part in the more rural village programs during weekends or weekdays to experience Tanzanian village life, this will be done by dala dala and takes around two hours.
Materials the project could use
If you have some spare space in your bag and would like to bring something for the project, it’s hugely appreciated. Just check in with us first to see what items would be helpful and useful to bring.
Pick-up service
You’ll be picked up from the airport and stay one night in Dar es Salaam. The following day, you’ll be taken to the bus station and travel with someone from the organisation by bus to Iringa. You’ll head to the volunteer house first to settle in, unpack, and meet the other volunteers. You’ll also get a full introduction.
We can also help organise the return trip for you. This isn’t included in the price, but the arrival journey is. The return trip with one night in a hotel costs $149.
Free time
Check out the additional trips to see all the amazing things you can do in your spare time! We’ve got some truly beautiful excursions for your free days. And since you’re already in such a stunning destination, it’s the perfect chance to explore a bit more of the country!
Local contact
Bovan is the main contact person in Tanzania.
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers with a passion for sport and youth development. We believe that sport not only contributes to physical health, but also to the personal and social development of children and young people. Your involvement can make a lasting impact on their lives and future.
This project in Tanzania is especially suited to volunteers aged between 17 and 29. For volunteers over 29, the project in Ilula may be a better fit.
Passion for Sport and Youth Development
We’re looking for volunteers who love sport and enjoy working with children and young people. Experience as a coach, sports instructor, or in a similar role is a bonus, but the most important thing is having a positive and motivated attitude.
Initiative and Proactiveness
The ability to work independently and take initiative is essential. You’ll need to be able to organise sports activities and training sessions and think of creative solutions to any challenges that come up. A proactive mindset will help you make a real contribution to the project.
Patience
Working with young people requires a good dose of patience. Every child learns in their own way and at their own pace. It’s important to remain patient, even if progress seems slow. Your patience can have a huge impact on their confidence and development.
Cultural Sensitivity
Working in a different cultural setting means respecting and understanding local customs and traditions. Being open and willing to learn from the culture you’re in is key to working well with the community and having a rewarding experience.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Conditions in Tanzania can be quite different from what you’re used to. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to new situations, both in terms of daily life and sports facilities are important.
Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are essential, not just when working with young people, but also when interacting with your colleagues and the local community. Being able to communicate clearly and respectfully helps create a positive and effective sporting environment.
Team Spirit
This sports project is a team effort, and collaboration is key. A positive team spirit and a willingness to work alongside others, including local coaches and volunteers from different backgrounds, are important for achieving our goals.
As a volunteer in this sports project, you’ll be involved in organising and leading sports activities and training sessions. You’ll work alongside local coaches to deliver training, set up competitions, and inspire children and young people to live active and healthy lives. You’ll also help to develop sports programs and materials.
Your time in Tanzania won’t just allow you to make a difference in the lives of young people, it’s also an opportunity for personal and professional growth. You’ll experience a new culture, make lasting friendships, and have unforgettable adventures.
In short, if you’re passionate about sport and youth development, and ready to take on a meaningful challenge, this sports project in Tanzania is the perfect opportunity for you. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of these young people.
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 per week
1 week of volunteering: $649
2 weeks of volunteering: $1219
$279 for each additional week
Before departure
Online introductory meeting
Information pack with details about Tanzanian culture and customs, plus an overview of all the preparations you’ll need to make, including insurance, money matters, and travel tips
A preparation training session
Help with obtaining a Police Check (VOG)
Access to the online community
Assistance with your visa application
Help with booking your flight (on request)
During your trip
Airport transfer to the project, including one night in a hotel
On-site introduction
Help with extending your visa (if needed)
Support throughout your entire stay
Accommodation in the volunteer house
After returning home
Debriefing/evaluation session
Certificate (on request)
The chance to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Flights
Vaccinations
Visa
Police Check (VOG)
Travel insurance
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