Read about some of my highlights whilst volunteering on the childcare project for 4 weeks in Tanzania.
I signed up to do the childcare programme in Tanzania. I chose this programme and country as I wanted to go somewhere new in the world with a different culture to that of the UK but also, I wanted to go somewhere that I felt I could help make a difference within a community.
The support prior to heading out was fantastic. I received updates and emails closer to my time of departure and always felt that if I had any questions there was someone to contact or to look at the Facebook group for advice.
"During my 4 weeks in Tanzania, I created a bunch of memories that most definitely will last a lifetime!"
After arriving in the country and collecting my visa me and a few others were picked up by one of the drivers and taken to the accommodation where we were kindly greeted and then showed to our rooms. Later, we went and had food and met everyone else who was already at the accommodation.
On our second day we were taken on the waterfall hike and trip which was the perfect way to bond with lots of different people and after we all made our coffee and drank it.
During my time doing the childcare programme I got the opportunity to bond with the children at the school and help them to write and draw numbers and letters. I helped assist the teachers with games and songs for the kids and almost daily I helped prepare their lunch and serve it to them. The programme allowed me to connect with the kids but also the women and adults of the Maasai tribe within the village and I had the chance to create jewellery with them which I still wear to this day. As well as going to the school every day most mornings I would get up early to go the markets with a driver to buy fruit for the kids so they could have a banana at breakfast and melon with their lunch. This is a routine that was created by a prior volunteer and was carried on as a legacy by everyone after them, including me.
During my free time in Moshi, we were able to explore the city and what it had to offer. I explored the many souvenir shops and tried multiple cafes and restaurants across the city. Some days we also went to a nearby hotel and used the pool for a day when the weather was perfect. Not only this but I went on 2 weekend trips as well as afternoon activities. I went to Zanzibar for 3 days and on the 3-day safari. I also went on the waterfall hike, visited the hot springs and even walked to Kilimanjaro base camp one of the days. There were always lots of excursions to do during the day and people to spend time with at the accommodation.
During my stay of 4 weeks the number of volunteers fluctuated with there being around 35-40 at my accommodation during the peak. Within this I made some friends who I can gladly say will be friends for life. Everyone was so friendly, and I felt so lucky that I got along with everyone and met people that I instantly clicked with.
The accommodation of Comfy Stay Hotel was very good. I was in a room of 4 girls, and we shared a bathroom. Each bed had a mosquito net, and the room and bathroom were cleaned almost daily with our bed being made and sheets changed also. The staff were also so lovely, and I made good friends with many of them. They were always open to talking and would answer any questions we had about Tanzania and even helped us learn Swahili better. The food at the accommodation was so nice and there was always a choice of what to eat so that there was something for everyone.
During my 4 weeks in Tanzania, I created a bunch of memories that most definitely will last a lifetime, and I feel so lucky for the experiences that I had while out there. My favourite memories consist of the 3-day safari and getting to witness so many animals in their wild habitat, I feel particularly lucky that we were able to see the Big 5 during our trip. I also loved the blue safari in Zanzibar and loved snorkelling in such clear water with so many fish.
One of my favourite memories however would have to every morning getting out of the van at the school and being greeted by many kids all so happy and smiling just wanting to be picked up and given attention. Nothing makes you feel more loved than a group of kids excited to see you every morning and wanting to play with you during their break times.
Another special memory that I created was going to visit a little boy called Joshua who lived with his grandmother in the village. I went to meet Joshua and see his house to tell him the news that I am sponsoring him so that he can go to school and his family are going to be supported by me for the long-term future. It was so special to tell someone that they can finally have the opportunity to learn and that I am changing their lives for the better.
If you are looking to volunteer somewhere out of your comfort zone, then I would strongly recommend The Mighty Roar Tanzania!
