Volunteers Activities

Classes:

The boys are split into classes according to their age and levels. Volunteers are expected to teach a small group from 3 to 5 pm each afternoon from monday to friday. There are updated folders of each class at the project, so volunteers know the level that the boys are at and what has previously been taught in the classes. English and maths are generally the focus of the lessons as these are both very important subjects for the boys in school.

However, many volunteers include different subjects such as science, art, drama, geography, computer etc. These extra classes are vital to the boys education so they can catch up in school, as many of them have spent years of their childhoods out of school. Some of the younger boys aren't able to read and write and need lots of extra attention. Lessons are usually good fun for both the volunteers and the boys, in which volunteers have the opportunity to teach in creative ways such as using role plays, art projects, and educational games.

Activities and Trips:

After lessons or at weekends, volunteers can co-ordinate or partake in fun activities for the boys, such as a sports day, dancing, games such as musical chairs, badminton, volleyball, basketball, team building games, treasure hunts and any other imaginative ideas volunteers can think of. The volunteers also enjoy taking the boys out of the centre, and previous trips have included taking the boys to the beach, football matches, boat trips and safaris. Smaller trips are also possible for instance going to the park to play football.

HIV and Behavioral change programmes:

The boys regularly partake in a HIV programme and behavioural change group counselling sessions. These programmes are run by local qualified Tanzanians. The issues that are brought up in these programmes are extremely important to the boys in their daily lives. Many of the boys have lived on the street or with abusive families, meaning that the boys are very vulnerable and the tools that they learn in these programmes are vital to theirlives. To coincide with these projects, volunteers also provide positive learning programmes and workshops using worksheets, roleplays, posters, art, etc.

Caring for the boys:

The boys get sick on a regular basis. This is usually due to malaria, worms or amoeba. There is a clinic just across the road from the orphanage that the boys can be tested for these illnesses. Volunteers take the boys to the clinic and once the illness is known, volunteers buy the appropriate medicine at a local pharmacy and use accordingly. This is generally a morning activity for volunteers, to care for a boy who has stayed at the centre who is too sick for school. There are two boys currently living at the centre who are HIV postive. They need to go to the hospital regularly and they are provided with an extra nutritious diet.

Fundraising tips:

If volunteers get the chance to do some fundraising before coming out to volunteer at the project this would be greatly appreciated. The project is always struggling with funds, especially when new boys are regularly turning up at the centre. If you have any questions about fundraising please do not hesitate to contact us. Previous fundraising activities carried out by volunteers are backpacking, sponsored runs, charity dances and dinners, raffles and coffee mornings.

Accomodation:

Volunteers will stay in a shared, secure volunteer house a short dala dala (mini bus) ride from the project. There is a tv and a western toilet at thehouse. The house is regurlarly cleaned, but volunteers are expected to keep the house tidy and wash their own clothes. Breakfast and dinner are provided for volunteers, and there is the option of having lunch at the house or eating lunch at a cafe in town. A mosquito net will be provided for you.

Mwanza is situated in North Tanzania, right on lake Victoria. It is called Rock city, as there are huge rocks placed all over the city. There is a beach nearby and a pool at a local hotel in the town which volunteers can relax at during the weekend. Volunteers also have the opportunity to go on safari to the serengeti or rhubondo island. The project can help to organise this for volunteers who want to arrange a safari during their stay.

If you would like to volunteer please email us by clicking here and we will send you
a volunteer form.