VOLUNTEERING AT TUMAINI HOUSE!

Not only do the children of Tumaini require financial support, Tumaini can also put your personal skills to good use working at Tumaini House or within the community where it has long-established, healthy relationships with government agencies, schools, medical/dental facilities, sports, churches and childcare organizations.  There are private quarters at Tumaini House for volunteers where Tumaini has welcomed hundreds of people from different parts of the world over the last decade.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

First things first. If you live in Europe please contact Tine Migerode, (tine.migerode@skynet.be). Otherwise, please send Leslie Butler an email, (leslie@tuchifo.org) outlining your preferred dates (can be a minimum of two weeks but usually up to a maximum of one month), your own set of personal skills, and what it is you are hoping to achieve while with Tumaini.

Many volunteers want to teach, working on English, reading or math skills. Some prefer to work with the two AIDS groups Tumaini is affiliated with.  Some people may wish to work in the gardens  and some of you may wish to help with bettering Tumaini House itself.

Many options are available and you can fine tune your volunteer experience to your own preferences AND, should you wish to tie in a safari (many national parks including the Serengeti are very close), or a climbing expedition (Mount Kilimanjaro is less than one hour away by vehicle), so that you experience both the beautiful, natural elements Tanzania offers AND a most rewarding volunteer experience, a Tumaini graduate Reward Evance Minja of www.bingwasafaris.com can arrange everything on your behalf!

WHAT DOES IT COST?

You will need the required immunizations and malaria prophylactics in order to travel to Tanzania and Tumaini can help you with that. Further, you will need to calculate your air fare, insurance and travel costs to Arusha. Flights are often cheaper into Nairobi, Kenya or Dar Es Salam, Tanzania but if you can find your way to Kilimanjaro Airport or the city of Arusha, Tumaini staff can pick you up!

Please note the following:

All foreign visitors to Tanzania must have a valid visa in order to enter the country.  Fees vary for different countries. Apply for a Visitor Visa online https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/.  The current volunteer fee is $200.00 USD.  You will require a letter of invitation from Tumaini and a copy of its government authorization to upload with your application.  Complete the online form by requesting a Business Visa with the option “volunteer”.

Tumaini Children’s Foundation, PO Box 344 Usa River, Teema Street, Ngyani Village.  Oddo Ndonde (cell 0754829582). Address is PO Box 344 Leganga, Usa River, TZ.

You will make your payment online and once completed will receive a copy of your visa.  This must be emailed to leslie@tuchifo.org before your arrival at Tumaini.  Upon arrival you will clear customs  and pick up your bags which may or may not be inspected. Then you will make your way to the front of the terminal where a friendly Tumaini face will be there to meet you!

When booking flights, it is best to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport, which is about 45 minutes from Tumaini. Please forward your flight details to Leslie so an arrangement can be made for you to be picked up. If you are flying to Dar Es Salaam, you will need to find your way to Usa River.  Please ask Leslie for more specific information about the bus service.

You will pay Tumaini Children’s Foundation $25.00 US per day (or the equivalent), which will cover the costs of modest, but comfortable accommodation, three very good meals per day, plus a small contribution towards the ongoing support of the children.


THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW

Tanzania is considerably safer than many African countries. Mama Dee, who has been to Tanzania MANY times, said she has rarely, in her travels, even into the cities and the hearts of villages, experienced a problem: but you do need to respect the state of the nation. Wazungu, as tourists are called, (non-native Africans) are an obvious minority and often the targets for beggars, pickpockets and snatch and grabs. It is advised that you do not wear flashy jewelry or carry expensive cameras or large amounts of money, and to dress modestly, especially during Ramadan.  Your room at Tumaini will lock and you do not have to give access to anyone else except your roommate(s).

It is your (and your fellow housemates’) responsibility to maintain your room(s) and the house in a satisfactory manner and to follow the rules of Tumaini.  A volunteer manual is provided (see orange box) with all the house rules posted (see box above), but you will be expected to do your share domestically within the house, wash your own clothes and dishes in addition to the volunteer tasks you participate in.

You are encouraged to bring your own computer if you wish (electricity is inconsistent though) so you can stay in touch with home. You can purchase a cell phone for about $50.00 US and purchase time for international texting (calls get expensive but you can call on Skype on the computer for a relatively small fee).  Wireless internet is “usually” available but inconsistent so prepare yourself for breaks in connectivity.  (Please do not plan to stream movies, etc.  If you’d like to watch something, please download it before you come.)  Failing that, there are several internet cafes in the neighbourhood.

SOME OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS

  • There are often times when there is little or no water for showering and “bucket” showers become de rigeur. Laundry too, is done in a bucket and hung to dry.
  • Tumaini’s mamas are just learning English and so can be a bit shy but are very capable and always willing to try a new recipe or two so bring something you love from home. Spices are a problem so bring those too! Please include in your initial email if you have any health issues or allergies.
  • Tumaini has access to a VERY capable doctor who speaks perfect English and whose dispensary is relatively well stocked.  Having said that, feel free to bring a small supply of antibiotics and anti-diarrhea medications.
  • Your bank ATM card and/or Visa/MC should work at most banks in Usa River and Arusha and you can always hook a ride into town once per week for provisions. The local buses or dala dalas are relatively safe alternatives, although it is very easy to get turned around in Arusha or “town” as it is called locally.
  • Tumaini can arrange tours, expeditions, and safaris on your behalf at considerable discounts. And the best part?  You will travel with Tumaini graduate Reward Evance Minja!  Visit www.bingwasafaris.com
  • Tumaini can, as mentioned, pick you up, should you arrive at either the city of Arusha, or Kilimanjaro Airport.

There may be other issues needing further discussion and Tumaini will be happy to provide answers to your enquiries. Please include them in your initial email. Other than that, “Karibu sana”, “Welcome” to Tumaini House and Usa River, Tanzania! Tumaini waits to hear from you!

Asante, (thank you) from Tumaini!
Please click here to read the Volunteer Manual

This manual has been written especially for you, the Tumaini volunteer, for your use before and during your stay. It provides an overview of what you need to do to prepare for your time here at Tumaini, the expectations we have of our volunteers, rules, living arrangements and the things you can see and do close by.

Complete & send this form to get things rolling!

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