Organic farming for sustainable livelihoods in Zanzibar
Mpapa, Zanzibar
Volunteer project: Agriculture is the main sector of Tanzania's economy providing livelihoods for about 70 percent of the population. However, many local farmers struggle to make a profit and produce an adequate supply of food for their communities. As a volunteer on this project, your focus will be on providing support to small-scale local farmers, resulting in improved livelihoods for farming communities and more resilient and sustainable agriculture practices.
The team will work with a local farmers cooperative in Zanzibar formed to sustain livelihood of its members through agriculture, dairy farming and environment conservation. With 100+ members they are working together in horticulture production, dairy cow, processing of dairy products and tree planting.
The volunteer tasks will include:
• Agriculture: Preparing fields, planting and harvesting of fruits and vegetables, planting grasses to feed animals.
• Dairy farm: Cow milking, cleaning the animal sheds, feeding animals, and helping in processing yoghurt juices.
• Environment: Tree planting and environmental education and awareness.
• Educational activities (Study part): Sustainable livelihood for small scale farmers.
Special requirements: Potential volunteer in this project shall be the one who is interested in agriculture and sustainable livelihood issues, interested in outdoor and field activities; a person who is flexible, open minded, and open to learn and contribute.
Leisure activities: Exploring Zanzibar's historical, natural and cultural sites. These include museums, local markets, stone town, etc. Enjoying wildlife and marine life. Jozani forest National Park, swimming, tour to small islands, variety of water sports, spice tour among many other options.
Language: English
Accommodation: Local residential house in the village. Mattresses will be provided in shared rooms. Vegetarian meals will be available for the entire duration of the project.
Orientation: On arrival, all volunteers will attend an orientation session. The aim of this session is to help the volunteers build a team and also to share with them some practical information about the country, the host community and their volunteer project.
Location: Mpapa is a community of approximately 1,500 inhabitants in the rural area of Unguja Island, Zanzibar. The community is located about 25km from Stone and is accessible by both public and private transport. Convenient shopping places, market, health centers, telecommunication services are available. Mpapa community is strategic recreation point since it is very close to some of the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar among other attractive destinations.
Terminal: Zanzibar International Airport
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 250 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.
School renovation and health education for children on Pemba Island
Wambaa, Pemba Island, Zanzibar
Volunteer project: Some studies have recorded that children spend more time in school than at home. The physical environment of school buildings and school grounds is therefore a key factor in the overall health and safety of children. School buildings and grounds are expected to be designed and maintained to be free of health and safety hazards, and to promote learning. Safe and healthy school facilities influence the academic and personal development of children and contribute to their bright future.
This project is focusing on renovation of school classrooms and beautification of school compound. It is a great opportunity to connect volunteers and children, teaching staff and non-teaching staff in cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and best practices in creating a healthy environment and sustainable future for children.
Volunteers will be engaged in the following activities:
• Renovation of a school building (fixing walls, wall painting, etc.).
• Beautification of a school compound (cleaning, tree planting and waste bin installation).
• Health Education: Providing basic education on hygiene, sanitation and public health care to children and teenagers in the school.
• Assisting in the organization of extracurricular activities after school hours (sports, games, educational activities and help with homeworks).
• Study Part (Educational activities): Sustainable development goals in supporting healthy child development for brighter future. Please bring information from your own community, region and country for sharing.
The expected outcomes of the project are improved school facilities contributing to health, safety and security for children and staff in school; increased knowledge on realities of children’s life in schools; contributing to the realization of the global sustainable development goals.
Special requirements: Volunteers should be comfortable working outdoors and doing manual work. They are also expected to be motivated to work with children and young people (teenagers), open minded, flexible, and interested in other cultures.
Leisure activities: Pemba Island known as the “Spice Island” is rich with various natural, cultural and touristic attractions. There are some important sites or activities you may not want to miss: Ngezi Forest, Vumawimbi beach, Misali Island, Eco and spice tour including Clove farms.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in a local residential house in the community. Some might stay in the beach cottage (subject to availability). Mattresses will be provided in shared rooms. Vegetarian meals will be available for the entire duration of the project.
Orientation: On arrival, all volunteers will attend an orientation session. The aim of this session is to help the volunteers build a team and also to share with them some practical information about the country, the host community and their volunteer project.
Location: Pemba Island, known as "The Green Island" in Arabic, forms part of the Zanzibar archipelago and lies within the Swahili cost of the Indian Ocean. With a land area of 988 square kilometers, it is situated about 50 kilometers to the north of Unguja, the largest island of the archipelago. The Island is accessible through fast ferries and flights from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and Tanga towns. All necessary facilities you might need in a small town are available, from banks, markets, cell phone signal, shopping centers, etc.
Terminal: Pemba Airport
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 250 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It has to be transferred no later than seven business days before the start of the project.
Sustainable living in Magole eco village
Magole
Volunteer project: In Tanzania, as in other countries around the world, sustainable living is a hot topic. Lack of knowledge and exposure has significantly increased lifestyles that cause more environmental damage for future generations to deal with. Sustainable living applies to almost every part of daily life hence there is an importance to be addressed. In responding to the issue of sustainable living, the eco village host of this project was initiated. The Eco Village initiative is a community designed to address challenges to attain sustainable development. Village members are united by shared ecological, socio-economic and cultural values. The village is characterized by efficient energy use, enhanced recreational opportunities, encouraging biogas and local food production, sustainable reliance on local resources and investing in environmental conservation. The overall goal is to build an ecologically balanced society.
The project activities include:
- Establishment and management of tree nursery;
- Management of the herbal and medicinal plant garden for education and demonstration;
- Maintenance of the demonstration organic vegetable garden;
- Composting activities for organic gardening and education;
- Organizing educational activities on sustainable living and healthy eating.
Special requirements: No special or particular expertise/skills required. However a potential participant for this project should be interested in outdoor activities, nature and agriculture.
Leisure activities: The project is organized in a way that provides opportunity for the volunteers to utilize their free time by enjoying what the region offers in terms of cultural and natural attractions. During the first weekend participants will have an opportunity to explore Dar es Salaam’s historical, natural and cultural sites. These include museums, local markets and beach. During the second weekend we will have an opportunity to enjoy a wildlife safari (Mikumi National Park) and a cultural tour at the Maasai village.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated at the Youth hostel in the community. Be ready to share a room with other volunteers. Vegetarian meals will be available for the entire duration of the project.
Orientation: On arrival, all volunteers will attend an orientation session in Dar es Salaam. The aim of this session is to help the volunteers build a team and also to share with them some practical information about the country, the host community and their volunteer project.
Location: The project will be hosted in the eco village in Magole community. It is located in the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, about 40 km south of the city centre. It has a beautiful landscape and natural attractions where some wild animals (monkeys, rabbits and birds) can be seen.
Terminal: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 250 Euros
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.
Health education and improving school sanitation in Jambiani
Jambiani, Zanzibar
Volunteer project: Some studies have recorded that children spend more time in school than at home. Therefore, health and sanitation are one of the key factors in the wellbeing of children. Health and sanitation are also contributing factor in academic and personal growth of the children and teenagers in schools. This project is focusing on renovation of boys’ and girls’ toilets, making them accessible hence improve hygiene.
Volunteers will be engaged in the following activities:
• Renovation (fixing walls, water system installation, sanitary appliances, wall painting, etc.).
• Providing garbage collection bins and training children and teenagers on how to use them.
• Health Education: Providing basic education on hygiene, sanitation and public health care to children and teenagers in the school.
• Assisting in the organization of extracurricular activities after school hours (sports, games, educational activities and help with homeworks).
• Study Part (Educational activities): Workshops, discussions, debates and education tours focusing on sustainable development goals topic’s related to health and sanitation. Please bring information from your own community, region and country for sharing.
Special requirements: Volunteers should be comfortable working outdoors and doing manual work. They are also expected to be motivated to work with children and young people (teenagers), open minded, flexible, and interested in other cultures.
Leisure activities: Jambiani is the best destination in Zanzibar Island to get a good insight of the local way of life and everything is in walking distance. The beach is located 2 min away from the accommodation. Possibilities for free time activities includes: Spic tour and Zanzibar stone town tour; Visiting Islands (Prison, Pongwe, Mnemba, Uzi, etc.); Dolphin tour, Blue lagoon; Jozani Forest with cultural and eco tours; Sunset at Kae Funk; Jambiani Village tour and Jambiani snorkelling.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in a local residential house in the community. Mattresses will be provided in shared rooms. Vegetarian meals will be available for the entire duration of the project.
Orientation: On arrival, all volunteers will attend an orientation session. The aim of this session is to help the volunteers build a team and also to share with them some practical information about the country, the host community and their volunteer project.
Location: Jambiani is an old fishing village on the southeast coast of Zanzibar between Paje and Makundichi. Jambiani has a laidback vibe with friendly local people who mix with tourists. The community has a strong seaweed culture with many farms dotting the coastline and employing a good number of locals, mainly women. Their main source of income is fishing and seaweed farming.
Terminal: Zanzibar International Airport
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 250 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It has to be transferred no later than seven business days before the start of the project.