About the Program
Join locally rooted initiatives in Arusha that uplift women and youth by building confidence, skills, and independence. From entrepreneurship training to menstrual health support, these diverse programs are designed to create lasting, meaningful change.
This program truly empowers women and girls and helps them to achieve a brighter future.
Goals of this Project:
- Equip women and girls with practical skills, confidence and sustainable opportunities.
- Support economic independence through entrepreneurship and vocational training.
- Foster health awareness and reduce stigma around sensitive topics like HIV/Aids and menstruation.
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
As a volunteer on this program, you'll play an essential role in a variety of locally led projects that uplift women, and girls in the Arusha community. Your time and energy will directly support women and their children, while assisting dedicated local staff across several important initiatives.
Volunteer hours typically range from 4 to 6 hours per day, depending on the project you’re involved in. There's also flexibility to contribute more time if you're eager—your extra effort will always be appreciated. Outside of volunteering, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore Arusha, connect with locals, and build lifelong friendships.
One impactful initiative volunteers can be involved in includes bi-weekly workshops for girls focused on menstrual hygiene education. Volunteers help teach girls how to sew reusable menstrual pads—an empowering skill that allows them to stay in school, manage their health with dignity, and break the stigma around menstruation.
Areas where volunteers can make a difference:
- Support women in building sustainable income through business training and small-scale enterprise development.
- Contribute to awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS prevention and reproductive health.
- Provide support for young mothers and assist with early childhood education for their children.
- Help teach sewing techniques, product design, and craft-based business development.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help us provide support to some of Tanzania's most marginalized and vulnerable women. While this challenging project does not require participants to have a background in the fields of social work, counselling and/or Women’s studies, as there are many ways you can assist, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
Situated in northern Tanzania, Arusha is the capital of the Arusha Region and is surrounded by some of Africa’s most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate and is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.
Arusha balances well the ‘city life’ with the ‘small town’ feel and that makes it even more attractive in the eyes of tourists and travelers from all parts of the world. The city is surrounded by farm estates growing coffee, wheat and maize. These farm estates are being maintained by the Arusha and Meru tribes since the 18th century. Arusha is commonly referred to as the safari capital of East Africa. This is because it is the main starting point for safaris into Tanzania. It is a vibrant town renowned for its streets filled with tourist vehicles, the Maasai warriors and the famous Central Market. Awesome!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are collected on arrival by the local team and transported to their accommodation for a brief welcome session. The following day a full orientation session is conducted, covering local and regional customs, transport, rules and recommendations as well what to expect from the volunteering experience in Tanzania. The orientation includes a town tour and the opportunity to purchase a SIM card and data package for internet access during the placement.
This is a great opportunity to get to know the hosts, meet fellow volunteers, ask any last questions and perhaps even start to make those safari trip plans before beginning your placement on the Monday morning.
- Program Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania (CODE: JRO)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers in Arusha are accommodated in a modern, comfortable, safe and secure hostel run by our local partner in the Sakina neighbourhood of Arusha, just 25mins walk into the centre of town - or a short ride on the ubiquitous motorbikes or Dala Dala (minibuses).
Volunteers are housed on their own floor in dormitory style rooms shared between 4 - 6 persons. Rooms are split by gender. Each room has a private bathroom with hot showers (water is a scarce resource in Arusha so enjoy the luxury sparingly!), mosquito netting over each bed and individual lockable storage for valuables.
A local team member lives on-site at the hostel and is on-hand from 9am - 8pm on weekdays to assist with anything volunteers require.
Communal areas include a swimming pool, set amongst exotic fruit trees, perfect for cooling off on a hot day and a roof-top terrace where volunteers can relax and enjoy the stunning sunsets. The hostel is set behind a 2 metre high wall and has 24/7 security for peace of mind. Laundry can be done onsite, either in a washing machine for a small fee or by hand.
Volunteers are provided two meals per day at the hostel. A cook prepares vegetables, pancakes, eggs and fruit for breakfast. Dinner will be international as your hosts cook both Tanzanian and Western food.
Don't worry if you are vegetarian, vegan or have any allergies, as the local team can cope with these too. The hostel is also equipped with a fridge and shelves to store your own groceries and you are welcome to prepare some of your own meals if you prefer. Easy!
Prefer a private room?
No problem! We can arrange private rooms at the hostel on request. The additional cost is $120 for the first week and $60 per week thereafter.
Fees
That’s just USD 64 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Important Visa Information
An ‘Ordinary Visa for Humanitarian and charity activities’ is required
to volunteer in Tanzania. It cost US$50 (US$100 for US-citizen) and can
be obtained on arrival. Our local partner will issue an
‘invitation letter’ that you need in order to get the right visa. Please
ensure you have sufficient US$ to pay for the volunteer visa on arrival
(notes must be no older than 2009). The visa, which is valid for three
months, can then be renewed for a further three months if required.
Note: All travelers require return or onward tickets, all documents required for their next destination and proof of funds. Currently visitors arriving from infected areas must hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
Prefer a private room?
No problem. We can arrange private rooms at the hostel. The additional cost is US$120 for the first week and US$60 per week thereafter.