We are so excited to now accept volunteers at the Chakuwama Children’s Home!
Our vision is to create an ethical program that is mutually beneficial to both our volunteers and the project.
The Basics
Who Can Volunteer?
Our program is open to anyone who has graduated high school (18+). Many volunteers come solo, but you can also come with a friend or as a couple.
How Long Can I Volunteer For?
We ask that volunteers stay for a minimum of 4 weeks. This requirement is intended to lessen the risk of children developing the attachment disorder indiscriminate friendliness (see Research page for more info). Accommodation is arranged for the entirety of your time in Dar es Salaam. A tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days, and can be extended to six months. Residents permits are available to those looking for a long term project.
When can I volunteer?
Whenever you want! Please reach out at least 4 weeks in advanced so we can prepare for your arrival. In Tanzania, schools close in December and June, so those are the busiest months at Chakuwama. The rainy season is March - May.
Program Structure
“Voluntourism” is a difficult world to navigate. In many instances, volunteers pay a large sum of money to have an incredible experience, but are left feeling like they did not make a genuine impact on the community they visited. At the same time, hosting projects welcome volunteers but do not receive any support or long-lasting benefit from them. This is where we hope to be different.
Our goal is to create a program that is mutually beneficial for everyone involved. As a volunteer, you can think of your time in Tanzania as a cultural exchange. During your time spent at the Chakuwama Children’s Home, we hope you will provide the children with an experience / opportunity they would otherwise not enjoy. This might be teaching them your favorite hobby or native, working on arts and crafts, playing football together or perhaps a new sport, and creating shared memories together. We want to play into your strengths and what you feel you can offer to Chakuwama to create an enjoyable experience for you and the kids. Additionally, there are opportunities to teach English lessons, help with homework, and help prepare children to enter Elementary school. Ideally, volunteers would spend their afternoons at the project 4-5 days a week.
The children at Chakuwama are so excited to have volunteers back at the center! While the memories made and lessons taught could last a lifetime, a successful volunteer program also leaves a positive impact on the project. For this reason, we ask that all volunteers fundraise to make a contribution to a current need at Chakuwama. Most notably, we are working to build a new center in Kigamboni (see Chakuwama Mpya page). Past volunteers have paid for a water tank to bring clean and accessible water and purchased school shoes for all children. The money you fundraise will be paid directly to the Chakuwama Children’s Home and will be spent on your stated goal during your time as a volunteer. That way, before your time in Tanzania comes to an end, you will be able to see exactly where and how you impacted the Chakuwama Children’s Home.
Accommodation
All volunteers will be placed with a host family for the entirety of their stay in Dar es Salaam. (If you choose to travel outside of Dar, you will be responsible for your own accommodation. Our main host mom Asha has over 20 years hosting volunteers from around the world. She provides volunteers with so much more than meals a place to sleep - she truly creates a home away from home.
Volunteers will pay their host directly - the fee is $20 per person per day.
This fee covers:
A safe and reputable homestay (with security)
A bed in shared room (Note: If you come with a friend or partner, you will be placed in a private room together) with 1 -2 other volunteers
Bedrooms are air-conditioned!
Breakfast and Dinner daily (lunch if you are home)
Drinking water when you are at home
Free Unlimited Wifi
A caring host
A friendly living environment with other like minded volunteers
Group activities (combination of free at-home and help coordinating private tours / activities) with other volunteers
Free Laundry
Additionally, all volunteers are asked to pay a one-time $50 fee. This is paid to our in-country support team. They will meet you at the airport upon arrival and take you to your accommodation and project. They are available to help should you encounter and questions or issues. They can also help in coordinating travel plans including a safari tour in Morogoro or Arusha as well as trips to Zanzibar.
