Orphanages in the Meru Community

  Tanzania

Arusha

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: In 2007, UNICEF estimated the population of orphaned children in Tanzania to be around 2.6 million. Almost a million children have been orphaned due to AIDS alone. Other diseases such as TB, Malaria, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever have left over a million children with no one to turn to. Traditionally, orphaned children rely on extended family to care for them, but in many cases extended family members are unable to provide children with the care and support they need to thrive. Many children are forced to turn either to orphanages or the streets for survival. Orphanages are always in need of volunteers to help with the day to day care of the children as well as assist with taking care of the orphanage facilities. Volunteers serve the important role of giving the children one on one attention which is necessary for the healthy development of any child.

Highlights: The diversity within Tanzania is stunning. the country is home to over 120 ethnic groups, the equatorial snows of Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti plains teeming with wildlife, and the white sand beaches of Arab and Indian influenced Dar es Salaam. ELI works with organizations within three distinct communities in Tanzania: the Meru Community in the village of Tengeru on the flanks of Mt. Meru, the multicultural city, Dar es Salaam, and the Maasai community in the village of Elkurot north of Arusha town.

The Meru are a Bantu tribe who inhabit the foothills of Mt. Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The Meru people are predominantly farmers both cultivating crops and keeping livestock. The Meru area is flanked by hills that support abundant banana and coffee plantations and many trees. Volunteers can work with a wide variety of community-started initiatives here. All Meru programs are based in a village a few miles from the hustle and bustle of Arusha, giving volunteers the chance to experience life in a Tanzanian village.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Starts at USD 795 for 2 weeks. Contact us for details.

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the Kilimanjaro airport and provided with transportation to the volunteer house

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Tanzania, city tours, and help with transportation.

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Tanzania coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Tanzania. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in a volunteer house with the coordinator and his extended family. The house is very comfortable and a refuge from the stresses of village life. At the same time, volunteers get a taste of Tanzanian family life.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Tanzania Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001