Orphanages in Dar es Salaam

  Tanzania

Dar Es Salaam

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
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 cities like Dar which are experiencing a large rural to urban migration, the traditional social network of extended family no longer exists. Many children are forced to turn either to orphanages or the streets for survival. ELI works with several orphanages that put a big emphasis on education. The orphanages are constantly looking for volunteers to lead daily activities and motivate the children to continue their studies. This year 6 secondary school graduates from one of the orphanages are starting classes at the University of Dar es Salaam.

Highlights: Dar es Salaam is the bustling economic and political center of Tanzania. The mix of African, Arab, and Indian cultures typifies the distinctive Swahili culture found along the coast of Tanzania. Dar es Salaam began as a small fishing village until Sultan Seyyid Majid of Zanzibar started developing the harbor to attract more trade. German colonists later found the harbor perfect for their large steam ships. Through the centuries, the white Giraffe, Serengeti National Parkbeaches of the Swahili coast have seen countless merchants, conquerors, slaves, explorers and refugees pass by, Each group leaving its mark on life in the colorful city.

Qualifications: Participants in the Tanzania programs must be ready for the challenges of living in Africa and have the flexibility to adapt to simple living conditions. Orphanage volunteers must be prepared to work with a lot of children at once. Tasks will vary from day to day depending on the specific needs of the orphanage. Participants should also be flexible, adaptable, and open to experiencing a new culture.

Knowledge of Swahili is not required but it will be very helpful.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Starts at USD 885 for two weeks. Please contact us for details

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Dar es Salaam and provided with transportation to their host family.

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 Dar es Salaam, city tours, help with transportation, and assistance with volunteering permits

In-country Staff Support: ELI's coordinator in Dar es Salaam has years of experience working with economic development projects. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Tanzanian life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants. Host families are eager to welcome volunteers and are a fantastic resource for learning about the local culture and sights.

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, South African and Worldwide Participants.

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