Teach and Inspire - Tanzania

About the project

Working Hours

You’ll generally work from Monday to Friday, from around 9:00am to 3:00pm. This may vary slightly depending on which school you’re placed at and whether you’re combining projects.

Your Colleagues / Who You'll Be Working With

You’ll be working alongside local teachers and other volunteers.

Language Spoken on the Project

English is the main language used on the project. Since most people in this area have had some level of education, they generally speak a reasonable level of English.

School Holidays

Volunteers are welcome year-round, except during the long school holidays in January when teaching in schools is not possible.

Accommodation

At the volunteer house, there's a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals using ingredients bought at the local market. There's also a housemaid who can cook for you. The kitchen has a fridge and all basic cooking equipment. Volunteers are also welcome to dine at one of the many nearby restaurants. If you’d prefer to stay with a host family and cook with them, that’s also possible. However, most families will typically cook for volunteers.

Currently, there’s no Wi-Fi at the house, but a local SIM card can be purchased for less than $2 AUD, and unlimited 4G data can be added for under $10 per week or around $30 per month.

There are separate dorm-style bedrooms for male and female volunteers, with shared common areas and Western-style toilets.

Living conditions are simple, and power outages are common in Tanzania. Most village houses do not have running water, especially during dry seasons. Bottled drinking water is widely available. Clothes are washed by hand, either by the volunteer or by the housemaid for a small fee. Bedding (pillows and sheets) is provided, but we recommend bringing your own towel and mosquito net.

Transport to and from the Project

Volunteers either walk from the volunteer house or host family to the project or take public transport (a dala dala). If you’re participating in one of the more rural village programs on weekends or weekdays, you’ll also use a dala dala. These journeys take about two hours and are a great way to experience rural Tanzanian life.

Items the Project Can Use

If you have a bit of extra room in your bag and would like to bring something for the project, it would be greatly appreciated. Just check in with us first so we can advise you on what would be most useful.

Airport Pickup

You’ll be picked up from the airport and stay one night in Dar es Salaam. The following day, someone from the organisation will take you to the bus station and travel with you by bus to Iringa. You’ll first settle into the volunteer house, where you can relax, unpack and meet the other volunteers. You’ll also receive an orientation.

We can also organise your return trip (this is not included in the price, but the arrival trip is). For the return trip with an overnight hotel stay, the cost is $149 AUD.

Free Time

Be sure to check out our optional trips to see all the amazing things you can do in your free time! Since you're already in such a beautiful destination, it's well worth exploring more of the country while you're here.

Your Local Contact

Bovan is the local contact person in Tanzania.

Volunteer profile

For this project, we’re looking for dedicated volunteers who are passionate about education and child development. We believe that education is the key to a better future, and your contribution can make a huge difference in the lives of many children.

This project in Tanzania is especially suited to volunteers aged between 17 and 29. If you’re older, the project in Ilula may be a better fit.

Qualities That Matter:

Passion for Education and Child Development
We’re looking for volunteers who are passionate about supporting children's learning and wellbeing. Experience in education, childcare or a related field is a bonus, but genuine interest, energy and care are most important.

Initiative and Proactiveness
Being able to work independently and take initiative is essential. You’ll often need to improvise and think creatively to handle unexpected challenges. A proactive attitude will help create a dynamic and effective learning environment.

Patience
Working with children requires a lot of patience. Every child learns at their own pace and in their own way. It’s important to stay calm, even if progress feels slow. Your patience and persistence can have a big impact on a child’s learning journey.

Cultural Awareness
Volunteering in another cultural context requires openness and respect for local customs and traditions. Willingness to learn and adapt will help you build strong connections with the local community and make the most of your experience.

Flexibility and Adaptability
Conditions in Tanzania may be quite different from what you’re used to. Being flexible and adaptable to new environments, both in your living arrangements and at work is essential for a positive experience.

Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are important when working with children, fellow volunteers, and the local team. Being able to express yourself clearly and respectfully will help create a positive and productive work environment.

Team Spirit
This is a collaborative project. Teamwork is key to success. A positive, team-oriented attitude and a willingness to work alongside local teachers and volunteers from different backgrounds will help us reach our shared goals.

What to Expect:

As a volunteer, you’ll be involved in a range of educational activities: teaching classes, assisting local teachers, running after-school programs, and helping develop learning materials. You’ll play a vital role in creating an engaging and supportive environment for the children.

Living and volunteering in Tanzania isn’t just an opportunity to make a difference, it’s a chance to grow personally, explore a new culture, make lasting friendships, and have unforgettable experiences.

If you’re passionate about education and child development and ready to take on a rewarding challenge, this teaching project in Tanzania could be the perfect fit for you. Together, we can help create lasting change in the lives of these children.

For parents

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

Costs

Average cost for a 5 week stay = $410/week

• 1 week = $649 AUD

• 2 weeks of volunteering = $1,219 AUD

• Each additional week = $279 AUD

*All prices are in AUD. 

What’s included in the price:

Before departure

• Online introduction meeting

• Information pack about Tanzanian culture and customs, as well as a checklist for everything you need to prepare, including insurance, money matters and travel tips

• Pre-departure training

• Assistance with applying for your police check (VOG)

• Access to our online volunteer community

• Support with your visa application

• Help booking your flight (upon request)

During your trip

• Airport pickup and transfer to the project, including one night in a hotel

• On-site orientation

• Support with extending your visa (if needed)

• Full support throughout your stay

• Accommodation in the volunteer house

After your trip

• Evaluation moment

• Certificate (upon request)

• Option to stay active in our WhatsApp community

• Memories for life!

Not included in the price:

• Flight ticket

• Vaccinations

• Visa

• Police check (VOG)

• Travel insurance