Childcare volunteer wanted in Tanzania!

Ready for a life-changing adventure that makes a real difference? Join our childcare program in vibrant Tanzania and help shape young minds while experiencing authentic African culture! 🌍✨

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

This childcare program partners with a local pre-primary school in Arusha, supporting quality inquiry-based education for children from low-income families. Run by three qualified educators, the daycare was established to provide play-based learning opportunities that promote cognitive and physical development. The program emphasizes sustainable impact – requiring minimum 4-week commitments to ensure consistency for the children. Unlike typical voluntourism, this placement focuses on long-term beneficial impact through collaboration with permanent teachers. Volunteers work within an established educational framework, gradually increasing their involvement as they develop understanding of the school's challenges and teaching methods. The program welcomes anyone with a caring heart for children, regardless of formal education background, though previous childcare experience is advantageous. Based in vibrant Arusha, volunteers live at the White House hostel alongside like-minded individuals, creating a supportive community atmosphere while making meaningful contributions to Tanzanian children's futures.

What you bring

Minimum age of 18 years
Intermediate English language skills
Clean criminal background check
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
A genuine passion for working with children
Flexibility and cultural sensitivity
Ability to commit for at least 4 weeks
Enthusiasm, patience, and creativity
Previous experience working with children is advantageous but not required
An open mind and willingness to embrace new experiences

What you do

Support children's physical and cognitive development through play-based learning
Assist qualified teachers in running daily educational activities
Help organize exploration-based activities that promote wonder and curiosity
Contribute to literacy and early childhood math sessions
Lead fun games, songs, and other engaging activities
Work Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Develop resources and activities for future lessons during free time
Immerse yourself in local Tanzanian culture and community

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What you get

Shared accommodation at the lively White House of Tanzania hostel
Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
Airport pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Orientation and town tour to help you settle in
In-country program support throughout your stay
Program certificate to boost your CV
Access to weekend safaris and day tours 🦁
Wi-Fi access to stay connected with home
An unforgettable cultural experience in beautiful Tanzania
Like-minded travelers to share experiences with

What you don't get

Flight tickets to Tanzania (assistance provided to find affordable flights)
Travel insurance (quotes available through partners)
Required vaccinations for Tanzania
Lunch during weekdays
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional weekend tours and safaris (additional cost)
Visa fees if required
Transport to city center outside of orientation

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. Organization assists with finding affordable flights to Tanzania. Airport pickup is included - just provide flight details and arrival information for seamless transport to accommodation.

Visa

Check Tanzania visa requirements for your nationality. Most visitors need tourist visa obtainable on arrival or online. Ensure passport validity of 6+ months and consult embassy for current requirements and processing times.

Free time

Tanzania offers incredible free-time adventures right from Arusha! Weekend options include the popular hot springs and waterfalls day tour to Maji Moto, comprehensive Moshi tours featuring coffee plantations, banana farms, Chugga Caves, and Mt. Kilimanjaro base waterfalls. For wildlife enthusiasts, enjoy walking safaris in Arusha National Park, one-day safaris to Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Cultural experiences include authentic Masai village tours and visits to the Cultural Heritage Museum. Adventure seekers can tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro day hikes or explore Mt. Meru trails. Around Arusha city, discover the Snake Park, vibrant Masai Market for souvenirs, numerous cafes, and hotels with swimming pools. The two-day Mto Wa Mbu tour offers deeper cultural immersion. Your hostel easily arranges group bookings for these activities, making it simple to explore with fellow volunteers. Evening communal dinners become planning sessions where you'll get inspired by others' adventures and organize your own unforgettable Tanzanian experiences!

Activities

Safari/Zoo

Swimming

Sports

Shopping/Souvenirs

Climbing

Concert/Music

Hiking

Yoga/Meditation

A typical day

Your day begins with breakfast at the White House hostel before heading to the nearby pre-primary school around 8:00 AM. Initially, you'll focus on understanding the school's operations, working alongside qualified teachers and observing the inquiry-based learning environment. As you develop familiarity, you'll gradually increase involvement in daily activities. The morning is structured into five engaging blocks: starting with fun exploration activities that spark children's curiosity and questions, followed by literacy sessions using play-based learning methods. Mid-morning brings porridge time – a social break where children refuel. After this, the focus shifts to early childhood mathematics through games and interactive activities. The day concludes with songs, games, and winding-down activities before children head home at noon. Afternoons are yours to explore Arusha, develop lesson resources, relax with fellow volunteers, or plan weekend adventures. The White House hostel becomes a hub for sharing experiences and organizing group activities, from cultural tours to safari expeditions. This balance of meaningful morning work and free afternoon exploration creates the perfect volunteer experience!

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Volunteer work

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April 11, 2025