This is a wonderful and very versatile community project that does amazing things for the people and children in a quiet area just outside Iringa. It is an ideal project for volunteers who enjoy a peaceful environment and don’t just want to work with young people. Volunteers of all ages are involved here.
All the projects are located on the project grounds, so most of them are within walking distance. If you need to go to a further outreach project, the project will arrange transport. Here are a few great examples of this project:
Education:
Education is a very important part of what this project aims to achieve. Every child should have the opportunity to receive good education. However, state education is poor, with unmotivated teachers, poorly maintained buildings, and almost no teaching materials. This project has established 4 schools over the 20 years they’ve been working in the community. The school year in Tanzania runs from January to December. The kindergarten is a school that follows the Montessori method. There are two groups, one for younger children and one for older children. The ages range from 2½ years to 6 years old. Each group has 2 teachers, and there is a cook who prepares lunch for the children.
Tasks:
Sponsorship Program:
HIV/AIDS has wiped out an entire generation. Many elderly people have to raise their grandchildren or siblings take in the children of deceased family members, while they themselves often face difficulties. Education in Tanzania is "free", meaning guardians don’t pay school fees, but they must provide school uniforms, shoes, notebooks, pens, and other learning materials.
Almost no one in this region has a paid job; they live off the produce from a "shamba" (a small plot of land), which doesn’t bring in much money. The sponsorship programme was set up for orphaned children (but also for very poor parents).
In many countries worldwide, people have been found (and we are still looking for sponsors) who are willing to financially support one or more children. We have 2 full-time staff members for this programme.
Tasks:
Carpenter/Furniture Maker/Seamstress:
Tanzanian students who have completed carpentry or sewing training can gain experience with the project. They can work in the carpentry and sewing workshop for a small salary and use the tools/sewing machines.
The carpenters, for example, make beds for the foster families, tables and chairs for the schools, frames, doors, and windows for various construction activities.
The seamstresses make school uniforms, custom clothing, and items such as bags and aprons for sale to visitors to the project. This allows them to save money and later set up their own business.
In both workshops, there is a supervisor who also teaches the students how to manage their money and create a business plan.
Tasks:
Construction and Maintenance:
For this project, we are always looking for people who are good with DIY. Because it is such a large project, there is always something to build, replace, or improve.
Working in the Garden:
You can also work in the gardens for this project. This project partially provides its own food, so you can help a lot in this area 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
This is a very versatile project. You can choose to combine several different tasks or focus on one area, it’s completely up to you. Because of this flexibility, your schedule can vary a lot depending on what you’d like to do. On average, volunteers work about 6 hours per day, though this can be more or less based on your own preferences.
Your Colleagues / Who You’ll Work With
You’ll work alongside local project staff, with a dedicated team supporting volunteers depending on the activity. You’ll also have the chance to work with other international volunteers.
Language at the Project
The main language spoken is English. Most locals involved in the project have received a solid education and usually speak English quite well.
Holiday Periods
This project runs throughout the year. However, education-related activities are not available during school holidays.
Accommodation
You’ll stay in specially designed volunteer cabins. Depending on how many people are staying, you might have your own room. The cabins are well-equipped with a private bathroom that includes a shower, sink, and toilet. Each bed comes with a mosquito net, and towels are provided. Cabins are cleaned nearly every day.
Meals are served buffet-style three times a day in the communal Hall. Volunteers can hang out in the common area near reception, known as Berit’s Corner, which has a comfy couch and a small fridge for drinks.
The orphaned girls live, eat, and sleep in their own wing, separate from the volunteers. However, you’ll still have opportunities to connect with them by helping with homework and playing games.
You can also choose to stay with a local host family, where you’ll sleep and have dinner. Breakfast, lunch, and the daily program take place at the orphanage grounds.
Transport to and from the Project
All project activities take place on-site, so you can walk to everything.
Supplies for the Project
If you have some extra room in your bag, bringing along useful supplies for the project would be very much appreciated. Please check with us first to see what items are most helpful.
Pick-Up Service
You’ll be picked up at the airport in Dar es Salaam and stay one night in the city. The following day, someone from the organisation will travel with you by bus to Iringa. When you arrive, you’ll go straight to the volunteer house to unpack, get settled, and meet the other volunteers. You’ll also receive a full orientation.
We can help organise your return journey too, though this part isn’t included in the project fee. The return trip with hotel accommodation costs $140. The arrival transfer is included.
Free Time
Check out our optional excursions to see what you can do in your downtime. There are some incredible trips available. Since you’re already in such a beautiful country, it’s a great chance to explore a bit more.
Your Contacts
In Tanzania
Your local contact is Enicka.
In the Netherlands
Your iOP contact is Annelies.
She’s 67 years old, a mum of three and a grandmother of two, and a former kindergarten teacher.
Annelies has been involved with the project since its beginning in 1998. She ran it solo for the first 10 years and has served as the treasurer on the board since 2008.
She’s visited the project 12 times and personally welcomes all new volunteers with an introductory email. She also invites them to her home to share more detailed information before departure.
For this project, we’re looking for versatile and motivated volunteers who have a passion for community development and are willing to contribute in various areas. Whether you’re interested in education, sports, handy work, gardening, supporting teenage mothers, or helping in a hospital, there’s always a way you can get involved and make a difference.
This project is suitable for volunteers of all ages.
Passion for Community Development: We want volunteers who enjoy working with different groups and who truly care about the wellbeing of others. Experience in areas like education, sports, healthcare, or construction is a bonus, but enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help are the most important.
Initiative and Proactivity: Being able to work independently and take initiative is essential. You’ll need to organise and carry out activities and come up with creative solutions when unexpected challenges arise. A proactive attitude helps create a positive and encouraging environment.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Conditions in Tanzania might be very different from what you’re used to. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to new situations are important, both in terms of living conditions and the work environment. You should be willing to take on different roles and pitch in wherever needed.
Cultural Sensitivity: Working in a different cultural setting requires respect and understanding of local customs and traditions. Being open and willing to learn about the local culture is key to successful collaboration and a positive experience for everyone involved.
Patience and Empathy: Patience and empathy are essential when working with diverse groups, from children to teenage mothers and hospital patients. It’s important to be understanding and patient, even if progress seems slow. Your empathy can make a big difference in their lives.
Communication Skills: Good communication is vital, both with the community and your colleagues and fellow volunteers. Being able to communicate clearly and respectfully contributes to a positive and productive working environment.
Team Spirit: This community project is a team effort, and working well with others is the key to success. A positive team spirit and willingness to collaborate with local staff and volunteers from different backgrounds are important for achieving our goals.
As a volunteer in this diverse community project, you’ll be involved in various activities, including:
Education: Assisting with lessons, supporting local teachers, and helping organise after-school activities.
Sports and Recreation: Leading and organising sports, games, and other fun activities for kids and youth.
Handy Work and Construction: Doing repairs, painting, carpentry, and other maintenance tasks to support the community.
Gardening: Helping out in community gardens by planting, harvesting, and maintaining the green spaces.
Supporting Teenage Mothers: Providing guidance and support to young mums, including educational and life skills programs.
Hospital Assistance: Helping with basic healthcare tasks, admin support, and assisting medical staff.
Your stay just outside Iringa not only gives you the chance to make a real difference in the community’s life but also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. You’ll discover new cultures, build friendships, and create unforgettable memories.
In short, if you have a passion for community development and are ready to commit to a challenging yet rewarding experience, this versatile community project near Iringa, Tanzania, is the perfect opportunity for you. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of this community.
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 (based on 5 weeks) = $480
1 week: $890
2 weeks volunteering: $1419
3 weeks volunteering: $1769
$315 for each additional week
Included in the price:
Before you go
Online introductory meeting
Information pack about Tanzanian culture and customs, plus a checklist of everything you need to prepare, including insurance, finances and other travel tips
A preparation training
Assistance with obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (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’s hotel accommodation
On-site introduction
Assistance with visa extensions (if needed)
Support throughout your entire stay
Accommodation in the volunteer house
After your return
Evaluation session
Certificate (available on request)
Opportunity to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Not included in the price:
Flights
Vaccinations
Visa
Police Clearance Certificate (VOG)
Travel insurance
Meals ($90 per week)
Welkom op onze website! Mocht je iets niet kunnen vinden of wil je ons iets vragen stuur dan even een berichtje via WhatsApp. We helpen je gelijk verder!
