Volunteers would be useful in lending their support and manpower to these initiatives using whatever skills and knowledge they have that may be useful to this project.

PROGRAMME LEGNTHS

Volunteers need to be on the programme for at least 2 months up to 6 months.or more  Working hours are from 8am  4pm.

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

Volunteers will be accommodated at the Orphanage Project Site or Project Coordinator direct where Hotel is good for Volunteer . Meals are available at the Orphanage Project Site  and will include both western and traditional dishes.

TRANSPORT

The volunteers will be transported by public transport, also public transport can also be used during free time as it is safe, reliable and reasonably priced.

VOLUNTEER ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Volunteers will be picked up from the Mwanza airport, which is 12-14 minutes away from the project by car. The volunteers will be picked up by the Project Leader or another member of the project. The volunteers can arrive any day during the week. On the day of departure, volunteers will be transported back to Mwanza Airport in order to catch their plane home.

VACCINATIONS AND MEDICATION

Volunteers need to obtain a valid yellow fever certificate, no less than ten days prior to travel. It is imperative that volunteers obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Tanzania. Volunteers are also strongly advised to bring with them any other precautionary items. E.g. insect repellent and mosquito nets. Volunteers are also advised to get immunized against cholera, polio, hepatitis A & B, typhoid and tetanus before coming to Tanzania.

It is strongly advised that volunteers obtain medical insurance prior to entering Tanzania. Furthermore, if volunteers are on medication, it is advised that they bring this medication with them rather than trying to purchase it in Tanzania.

FACILITIES

There is a doctor / medical facility very close to the project. Banks and Foreign exchange facilities are available at the airport and in all major towns. Banking hours are from 8:30 12:30 pm Monday to Friday. And 8:30 - 13:30 on Saturdays. Visas and Mastercards are accepted at most hotels and shops. Volunteers are advised to bring US Dollars cash or traveller’s cheques. Tipping is forbidden, but is still accepted as a friendly gesture.

Please note: Volunteers must only drink boiled or bottled water, or bottled or canned drinks.

LANGUAGE & CULTURE

The official language is Swahili (Kiswahili), which is spoken predominantly with a few other local languages. Kiswahili is the language the primary schools teach in. English is the second official language and the country’s commercial language. English is also the teaching language for all the scientific subjects in secondary schools and higher education institutions. Arabic is widely spoken in the coastal areas of Tanzania, particularly in Zanzibar. It is advised that volunteers try to learn a few KiSwahili words before coming over, as this is greatly respected by the local people.

Some useful KiSwahili Greetings:

Greetings (to locals)  = Habari gani

Greetings (to foreigners)= Jambo, shikamu

Thank you (correct reply to greeting) =Marahaba

Thank you  = Asante

Rafiki (ma) = Friend (s)

Goodbye = Kwaheri / Tutaonana

You are welcome = come in Karibu

Tanzania’s culture is a result of African, Arab, European and Indian influences. The African people of Tanzania represent about 120 tribal groups. The largest groups are of Bantu origin including Dukuma, Nyamwezi, Haya and Chagga. Traditional African ideals are deliberately adapted to modern life. The Tanzanians are friendly people, to foreigners and amongst themselves. Politeness, respect and modesty are highly valued. Handshakes are very important and you may continue holding hands during conversation. Note that the right hand is usually used for eating, while the left is traditionally used for toilet duties. Immodest attire, public affection and open anger are disrespectful to the Tanzanian people. In Zanzibar it is important for women to dress modestly out of respect to the Muslim cultural beliefs. Men should not wear shorts on the main island, and women should wear dresses that cover their shoulders and knees.