Become a volunteer at a child care center in Zanzibar

Ready for sun, sea and making a difference? Join our childcare program in beautiful Zanzibar and help shape young lives while creating unforgettable memories! 🌴✨

Accommodation: Dorm room
Location: Tanzania
Category: Childcare and Au Pair
Language: English, English, English
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Minimum duration: Min. 1 month

About the project

Fursa Projects Tanzania focuses on sustainable, ethical community development that creates lasting impact. This pre-primary school program supports low-income families by providing quality, inquiry-based education to children in their most crucial developmental years. Run by three qualified local educators, the daycare uses play-based learning methods to develop literacy, numeracy, and cognitive skills. The project requires a minimum 4-week commitment to ensure consistency for the children, but volunteers can stay up to 20 weeks to maximize their impact. Unlike typical 'voluntourism,' this program emphasizes long-term sustainable solutions, with volunteers working alongside permanent teachers to develop resources and activities that will benefit the community for years to come. The Mboje family, who run both the project and the White House hostel, ensure volunteers receive comprehensive support while experiencing authentic Tanzanian culture.

What you bring

Minimum age of 18 years (exemptions possible with guardian permission)
Intermediate level English language skills
Clean criminal background check required
CV, certificates and proof of qualifications
Relevant work experience with children preferred but not essential
Heart for working with children and passion for education
Commitment to minimum 4-week stay for consistency

What you do

Support qualified teachers in inquiry-based early childhood education
Lead exploration activities to promote wonder and curiosity in children
Assist with play-based literacy and early math sessions
Organize games, songs and fun winding-down activities
Help during porridge break and meal supervision
Develop teaching resources and activity plans in afternoons
Work Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm with qualified local teachers

Gallery

What you get

Shared accommodation at the cozy White House hostel in Njiro area
Daily breakfast and dinner with communal meals
Airport pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Comprehensive orientation and town tour on arrival
In-country program support and guidance
Program certificate upon completion
Access to weekend safari tours and day trips
WiFi access for staying connected with home

What you don't get

Flight tickets to Tanzania (assistance provided to find cheap flights)
Travel insurance (quotes available through partners)
Required vaccinations for Tanzania
Lunch during working days
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional safari tours and day trips (additional cost)
Visa fees if required for your nationality

Program fees

Min 4 weeks

€165

Per week

Program availability: April 01, 2025 - November 30, 2026

Flight and airport

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for convenient pickup service. The program assists with finding affordable flights to Tanzania. Airport pickup is included and arranged closer to your arrival date.

Visa

Check Tanzania visa requirements for your nationality. Most visitors need a tourist visa available on arrival or online. Ensure passport validity of 6+ months. Consult your embassy for current requirements.

Free time

Your afternoons and weekends in Tanzania are packed with incredible adventures! Join group safari tours to world-famous destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Park. For the ultimate challenge, attempt a Mt. Kilimanjaro day hike or explore Mt. Meru trails. Day trip options include relaxing at Maji Moto hot springs and waterfalls, touring coffee and banana plantations in Moshi, exploring Chugga Caves, and visiting authentic Masai villages. In Arusha, discover the Cultural Heritage Museum, browse Masai Market for souvenirs, visit Snake Park, or unwind at hotel pools. The hostel's evening communal dinners become planning sessions for weekend adventures with fellow volunteers. Whether you're into yoga and meditation, shopping for African crafts, or simply sightseeing around this vibrant city, Tanzania offers endless possibilities. All activities can be easily arranged through the White House hostel, where the experienced staff help you make the most of your African adventure!

Activities

Safari/Zoo

Shopping/Souvenirs

Swimming

Yoga/Meditation

Hiking

Concert/Music

Climbing

Sightseeing

Sports

A typical day

Your day starts with breakfast at the White House hostel before heading to the nearby pre-primary school around 8am. Begin with fun exploration-based activities designed to spark wonder and curiosity in the children. Next, dive into play-based literacy sessions where learning happens through games and exploration rather than traditional teaching methods. Mid-morning brings porridge break - a lovely time to chat with the kids and help with supervision. After the snack, continue with early childhood math activities, again using play-based approaches that make learning enjoyable. The morning wraps up around noon with games, songs, or other fun activities before the children head home. Your afternoons are free to explore Arusha with fellow volunteers, develop new teaching resources, or simply relax at the hostel planning weekend adventures. Evening brings communal dinner where volunteers and staff share stories and plan safari trips together. This flexible schedule allows you to gradually take on more responsibility as you settle in!

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