Our Philosophy: Volunteering in Africa is a Privilege

Africa is ancient, it is beautiful and it is wild. It is a collection of growing nations struggling to acquire the advantages of the developed world.  Many volunteers for African projects have developed images and expectations of what Africa, and what working in Africa, is like. In almost every case they find that their dream is not the reality. What they find in Africa is not part of their expectations. They experience ‘culture shock’.

One thing should be clear from the start: No matter how skilled or well intentioned you may be, you are going to learn more form the Africans than they will from you. Volunteers are important to us but our chief consideration is the schools and the students. This is the purpose of our existence.

We are fully aware that this is a once in a lifetime experience for most volunteers and we do all possible to make this experience valuable and full of wonder.

We are all volunteers here and we stay because of the great beauty that the Africans give us. What we have to give is less than what we take.

Africa is vast and we are small. It is arrogance to believe that we have more to offer than we can accept. Therefore we ask you to come with the attitude of humility and gratitude and with the knowledge that you will receive great kindness and affection. The greatest gift you can give, and receive, is love. 

The Requirements 

We do not accept volunteers for less than three months; even that period is very short for the adjustment to cultures as diverse and different as those found in Africa.

Volunteers must be over 25 years old with at least five years relevant experience in the task for which they are applying. Teaching qualifications are essential where the volunteer wishes to teach. There is opportunity to assist in pre-primary, primary and secondary schools as a teacher; please indicate which level you would like to teach when you submit your application.

Volunteers should be in good health and prepared to adjust to the school and the culture.

They must be able to speak English and be competent in the profession or trade for which they are volunteering.

It goes without saying that volunteers should demonstrate the highest moral standards particularly in sexual matters. Recreational drug use is not permitted and use of alcohol is discouraged.

The following are intake dates, which correspond to the public school terms. All volunteer teachers are required to be ready to start working on the first day of the term.

Your Volunteer Experience – How to Apply 

If you are interested in volunteering with Adopt a School, please fill out our application form and attach a photograph of yourself and the people who are accompanying you. All applicants are required to pay a $100 processing fee, which goes directly to the program as a donation.

You will be notified by email the status of your application within four weeks. Upon acceptance, six weeks prior to departure, the applicant is required to submit his/her accommodation and safari deposit. An email confirmation will be sent upon receipt. 

Your Volunteer Experience – Arriving in Tanzania 

All volunteers are met on arrival by AaS staff, and accommodated for two or more days at the Arusha Rest House. Here you will meet teachers from the school and enjoy an informal look around Arusha. Most of your questions will be answered and you will have time to rest after your travels.

Soon after you arrive, your safari will commence. You will be accompanied by one of the teachers from the school where you will be posted; this teacher will be your mentor. He or she will help with any personal or professional needs for the duration of the volunteer experience. Your mentor will also be your friend and you will likely develop a life-long bond. 

Your Volunteer Experience – Living in Tanzania    

All volunteers working at schools in and around the capital city of Arusha are housed at the Arusha Rest House on arrival and, if they choose, while in Arusha. The cost is $25 per day for adults, and $12 for children under 12.

Volunteers working at schools in more remote locations are housed in homes that have been renovated by AaS. The rent per month is $400; this is easily shared amongst 3-4 volunteers. The accommodation is basic: electricity, if available, is intermittent, and there is no TV or access to Internet.

School hours are from 7.30 am to 3.00 pm. Volunteers are required to work at least one morning or afternoon shift each day, or a minimum of four hours.

Volunteers may be asked to assist the tutoring of teachers or students with special needs outside of normal school hours. 

Your Volunteer Experience – Breakdown of Costs