Under 18 and looking to volunteer abroad? Read about Arabella's highlights as a childcare volunteer in Tanzania at 17 years old.
My name is Bella, and I signed up to volunteer with the Mighty Roar on the childcare programme, in Tanzania. Being only 17 years old, my parents were obviously very worried about the prospect of me going alone for 2 weeks to a country I have never been to before. But, the pre departure support from TMR, especially the video call, was invaluable in settling their nerves (and mine).
I arrived in Kilimanjaro airport and was immediately greeted by Emmanuel (the smiliest man I have ever met), and myself and the other volunteers were driven to the volunteer accommodation. On the first day, we visited a breathtaking waterfall, which was equally an amazing experience and a great chance to get to know the other volunteers.
"I could not fault a single part of the experience, there was not a single moment where I felt unsafe or uneasy."
The programme itself was life changing. The children at Remiti Kindergarten are so happy and joyful, and throughout the course of the 2 weeks, I really got to know so many of them. I bought donations from home; pens, books, clothes, sanitary products, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap and toys, and I really feel these made a difference.
I helped teach vowels and days of the week to the nursery class, assisted with lunch preparations and generally played games and interacted with all the kids.
During the weekend, we visited Zanzibar! By this point in the trip, all the volunteers were so close which made it really fun and enjoyable.
The 2 weeks flew by so quickly, the food was yummy every day, (especially the pancakes at breakfast), the accommodation was clean and the staff were so helpful and friendly. One highlight was definitely the karaoke night- I’ve never laughed so much in my life.
To anyone contemplating booking a trip with the Mighty Roar; DO IT! I could not fault a single part of the experience. There was not a single moment where I felt unsafe or uneasy, I have made friends for life (we are all still in contact 4 months later), and I will never forget my time at the Remiti Childcare Centre.
If the above information isn’t testimony enough- I am going to Ghana in 2 weeks with TMR because I loved my first experience so much.
