Although Zanzibar is a beautiful tropical paradise, its local communities are badly affected by poverty, lack of education and training and unemployment. By getting involved in local nursery, primary and secondary school education, tourism training schools and environmental programmes to help the local communities, volunteers have many opportunities to make a real impact on the lives of the people affected by these problems. Volunteers to this project should have a good command of the English language as much of the project work involves teaching English and in particular the adult literacy lessons can be quite advanced.
Duration & Fees
- £855 - 2 weeks
- £1,095 - 3 weeks
- £1,295 - 4 weeks
- £1,695 - 6 weeks
- £2,095 - 8 weeks
Start Dates
2012: 2 Jan | 16 Jan | 6 Feb | 20 Feb | 5 Mar | 19 Mar | 2 Apr | 16 Apr | 7 May | 21 May | 4 Jun | 18 Jun | 2 Jul | 16 Jul | 6 Aug | 20 Aug | 3 Sep | 17 Sep | 1 Oct | 15 Oct | 5 Nov | 19 Nov | 3 Dec | 17 Dec
Payment
£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure
What's Included
- Airport transfers from Zanzibar Airport or ferry port/harbour on arrival and departure
- Full on site orientation and support from project staff
- Daily transport to and from project if required
- All accommodation including three meals a day in Jambiani (apart from one night per week at a local restaurant)
- Weekly laundry service
- A contribution to the project itself to help fund equipment, supplies etc
What's not included
- Personal travel insurance to include cover for repatriation
- Transport by air or ferry to Zanzibar Island
- All items of a personal nature, travel goods, clothes
- Email, internet and telephone calls
- Soft drinks, wines and spirits
- Any visas required for border crossings
- Any extra excursions over and above planned itinerary
- Transportation not related to the project
Zanzibar Island, situated just off the Tanzanian coast in East Africa, is a beautiful place renowned for its white-sand beaches and turquoise-blue seas and amazing sea-life. The capital, Stone Town, is a mix of Indian, Arab and African influences with narrow winding alleys, bustling markets and mosques, and the famous amazingly crafted large wooden doors which are a must-see for volunteers who will enjoy a visit to this fascinating town.
The project is based at Jambiani, about one hour's drive south from Stone Town and it is a long village, stretched along the coastline with a community that operates at a leisurely pace in the sunny, tropical climate.
Volunteers have the opportunity to:-
- Gain teaching experience in various nursery schools and a tourism training institute
- Assist with teaching English to children and students, and also to their teachers and community leaders
- Help with building and improving the educational facilities in the community
- Enjoy cycling to and from the volunteer projects and on the beach
- Play developmental games with pre-school children and take part in sports afternoons on the beach
- Help with keeping the beach/marine and village environment clean and tidy
- Glimpse life on the island and make a real difference to the poor community
- Experience the local culture – and even learn a bit of Kiswahili
- An opportunity to explore the island, try some water sports and experience some of the finest safari destinations on the African continent
Volunteer Projects
Pre-Schools
There are four pre-schools in Jambiani and volunteers will support local teachers in educating and playing with the children. Volunteers with a TEFL qualification are most welcome. Volunteers will get involved in:
- Teaching English to the children, teachers and local adults (a TEFL qualification is useful although not essential)
- Singing and dancing with the children
- Helping to develop the children’s creative skills through painting and drawing, and other crafts
- Playing developmental games with the children
- Helping with the general upkeep of the school
Primary and Secondary Schools
With so many children to educate and very limited resources, two school sessions are run each day. Although the schools are ill-equipped, the children are so keen to learn and the volunteers will assist the teachers, helping them to provide the children with a better education, especially helping with English language lessons. Volunteers will assist by:
- Teaching English in all the classes (qualified teachers only and pre-arranged before the trip)
- Taking extra English classes before and after school for teachers
- Organising sports afternoons for the children and helping to maintain and re-build the run down school facilities
Volunteers with TEFL qualifications are really helpful on this part of the project. However this is not essential.
Ramadan and School Holidays for 2012
Term 1: 2 January - 5 April 2012
Holidays: 6 April 2012 - 15 April 2012
Term 2: 16 April - 20 July 2012
Holidays/Ramadan: 21 July 2012 - 26 August 2012
Term 3: 27 August -30 November 2012
Holidays: 1 December 2012 - 1 January 2013
Please note that these dates are subject to change and that Ramadan will begin on 16 July 2012 and end on 26 August 2012.
During school holidays volunteers are likely to do more manual tasks in the mornings and perhaps play sports with children in the village in the afternoons, or help with the adult literacy classes.
Ramadan is an Islamic religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This is a time of fasting and during this month school children will be on holiday and the schools closed. There will be NO volunteer work associated with the schools during this month, but there is still plenty of work to be done and volunteers could get involved in some of the following activities:
- providing manual labour such as painting, repair work or even some building depending on the needs at the time;
- environmental maintenance such as litter collections and tree planting;
- making new resources for the schools such as posters and lesson plans
- hopefully adult literacy classes will continue - depending on the energy of the students while fasting!
During Ramadan volunteers cannot eat, drink, smoke or chew in public. However normal meals will be provided at the project house. Volunteers should be aware that everything will be slower on Zanzibar during this period as all locals will be fasting, and hence tired!!
Tourism Training Centre
Tourism is felt to be the activity with most potential in Zanzibar and it is hoped that developing this industry will help to deal with the issues of reducing poverty and improving the environment . The Jambiani Tourism Training Institute was set up to address such problems and tackle the issue of "foreigners" (mainly from the Tanzanian mainland and Kenya) being employed in local tourism initiatives, rather than the local villagers. The Centre aims to train local villagers from Jambiani so that they can gain employment at local hotels and other tourist attractions - volunteers will help with this training by teaching English and keyboarding, providing life-skills coaching and helping with basic administrative tasks. In addition help with basic computer skills, perhaps writing a CV and helping to supervise the trainees in simple tasks such as handling money, customer care etc, will be extremely useful.
Please note that the Tourism Training Centre is seasonal and does not run all year round.
Whenever there is a Zanzibar Public Holiday, volunteers will have the day off to either relax or take part in any of the tourist activities on the island. Zanzibar Public Holidays for 2012 are:
| New Year's Day |
1 January |
Saba Saba |
7 July |
| Zanzibar Revolution Day |
12 January |
Farmer's Day |
8 August |
| Chama Cha Mapinduzi Day |
5 February |
Id al Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
19 August |
| Eid al-Moulid |
5 February |
Nyerere Day |
14 October |
| Good Friday |
6 April |
Naming Day |
27 October |
| Holy Saturday |
7 April |
Eid al-Hajj |
29 October |
| Easter Sunday |
8 April |
Independence Day |
9 December |
| Easter Monday |
9 April |
Christmas Day |
25 December |
| Union Day |
26 April |
Boxing Day |
26 December |
| Worker's Day |
1 May |
|
|
A typical day in the life of a volunteer ...
| 6.00am |
Wake up and join the Project Manager for a sunrise job on the beach - well worth it! |
| 7.30am |
Breakfast of fruit, eggs and toast |
| 8.45am |
Head off by bicycle to adult English class at Jambiani Tourism Training Institute |
| 10.30am |
Start teaching a themed class at one of the local nursery schools |
| 12.00 |
Leave school and cycle back to the volunteer house for some sun and time out |
| 1.00pm |
Lunch |
| 3pm |
Time for some community work such as painting or gardening or English teaching in small groups or working with the women in the kanga shop or the teachers from the local nursery schools |
| 5.30pm |
Home time – volunteers will make their own way back to the volunteer house where they may swim, have a cool drink, visit the internet cafe, socialise with other volunteers – or just relax and unwind on the beach. The evenings are a great time for all volunteers to get together and talk over the events of the day over supper or perhaps go for a drink at one of the hotels on the beach. There will also be time to prepare teaching material for the next day. |
Volunteers should see this as a typical day but itineraries may differ depending on the needs of the project and number of volunteers at any one time, but this is a good example.
Please note: Zanzibar is a Muslim country where drinking alcohol is not looked on favourably. Therefore alcohol is not permitted during the week and drunkenness and drug use is forbidden in Jambiani at all times.
The number of volunteers at each project will be approximately 17 people.
Volunteers will be accommodated in Jambiani in bungalows set just off the beach - but one can see the ocean from the front door! They will share rooms with up to 4 volunteers per bungalow and each room has an en suite bathroom. However, please note that there is no hot water for showering - this is the same all over Zanzibar. Water is a precious commodity in Zanzibar and should be used sparingly. Rooms are fully furnished with bunk beds and shelves for volunteers' possessions, and mosquito nets and fans in all rooms. Meals, prepared by the chef, will be enjoyed at the communal outside eating area overlooking the sea and housekeeping and laundry will be done on a regular basis. Bedding is provided but volunteers should take their own towels. Beach recliners are provided in the back garden and volunteers may sleep outside on hot evenings if they wish. The Project Manager is resident at the accommodation and the office is also based there. There is also a resource room to keep items needed for project work and for lesson preparation. Volunteers will be able to take advantage of a fantastic private stretch of sand and palm trees between the accommodation and the public beach. A wonderful place to soak up the sun, have a swim, read a book or take part in some beach games - as well as watch the magnificent sunrises over the ocean. There is an internet cafe in the village just a short distance from the volunteer accommodation.
Three nutritious meals a day are provided (except for one night a week at a local restaurant). Breakfast consists of bread, fruit, eggs, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are full meals and prepared by the chef and will be simple, but nutritious. Packed lunches may also be available or local lunches at the placement.
Tanzania
Why visit Tanzania
Tanzania is unsurpassed for its magnificent scenery: from the snow-capped heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the "Crown of Africa", to the exquisite floor of the Ngorongoro Crater; the jewel-like coastal islands of Zanzibar to the awe-inspiring Great Rift Valley, the natural splendours set the stage for the astoundingly diverse wildlife. Within the space of several hours it is possible to go from lazing on idyllic beaches and diving on exquisite coral reefs to exploring the narrow alleys of Arabian influenced Stone Town, from climbing mist-covered slopes in the Southern Highlands to trekking through barren landscapes around Ol Doinyo Lengai, guided by spear-carrying Masai warriors. Turtle season is between December and May, and these prehistoric creatures can be seen laying their eggs on the beaches.
Yet, despite its attractions, Tanzania has predominantly managed to remain unassuming and low-key. It has also remained enviably untouched by the tribal rivalries and political upheavals, and this makes it an ideal choice for both first-time visitors and Africa old hands.
Tanzania's natural endowment as a wildlife safari destination is unrivalled. Wild animals roam in vast uncrowded and unspoilt areas. The magnificent collection of game sanctuaries to the north of the country, near the border with Kenya, is referred to as the Northern Circuit. This is the most popular and accessible wildlife safari route in Tanzania, and is considered as one of the finest game viewing areas anywhere in the world. Arusha, a city of northern Tanzania is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Beautifully situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley, it has a pleasant climate and is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.
Highlights of Tanzania
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.
- Bordered by Africa's three largest lakes - Lakes Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria.
- Zanzibar Island, exploring bustling Stone Town, a World Heritage Site, and idyllic beaches, snorkelling, and picturesque fishing villages on Mnemba Island.
- Ngorongoro Crater - the largest intact caldera in the world, where wildlife are specifically protected.
- Olduvai Gorge - said to be the birthplace of man.
- The 20-million-year-old Great Rift Valley.
- The vast game-filled plains of the Serengeti and hot air balloon safaris.
- The annual Great Migration of millions of herbivores is a once-in-a-lifetime experience can be viewed between Tanzania and Kenya.
- More than twenty-five percent of Tanzania is dedicated to conservation areas.
- Possible to view the elusive "Big 10" in Tanzania - elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, hippo, zebra and giraffe - plus the famous chimpanzees on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
- Tanzania boasts over 1,000 bird species, with Lake Manyara National Park alone being home to over 400.
Climate
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (November -May) |
31 °C |
20 °C |
| Winter (June – October) |
22 °C |
15 °C |
| Rainfall: March - May (Long Rains “Masika”), November - December (Short Rains “Vuli”) |
Tanzania has a generally comfortable, tropical climate year-round, where temperatures rarely fall lower than 20°C. The coolest months countrywide are from June to October (15–20 °C), when it is also dry, and the warmest from December to March (25–31°C), although there are significant regional variations:-
- Along the warmer and humid coast, the average daily temperatures hover in the 30°C range, and only go as low as 25°C due to sea breezes from June to September. The climate here is determined in large part by the monsoon winds, which bring rains in two major periods. During the “masika” (long rains), from mid-March to May, it rains heavily almost every day, although seldom for the whole day, and the air can get unpleasantly sticky. The lighter “vuli” (short rains) fall during November, December and sometimes into January. July and August have the lowest rainfall.
- Inland, altitude is a major determinant of conditions. The central plateau is somewhat cooler and arid, while in the mountainous areas of the northeast and southwest, temperatures range between 10 and 20°C during cold and hot seasons respectively, and it can rain at any time of year. In the Kilimanjaro area, temperatures vary from 15°C in May-August period to 22°C over December - March. As one heads to the peaks of Kilimanjaro, temperatures can drop to below freezing, especially at night. The best climbing on Mount Kilimanjaro, which is surprisingly easy, is from August to October and from January to March.
Key Facts
Population – 43.7 million
Capital – Dodoma is the political capital, and Dar Es Salaam is the principal commercial city
Currency – Tanzanian shilling
Language – Swahili is the most widely spoken language, although English is the official language
“karibu tena” – welcome again
Peoples and Culture: there are over 120 tribes in Tanzania. However, the majority of people on Zanzibar follow the Muslim faith. Dress code to them is of particular importance and it is suggested that women try to dress fairly conservatively in order not to offend the local people. An Arabic influence is also evident in the people, who are a mix of Shirazia (from Persia), Arabs, Comorians (from the Comoros Islands) and Bantu from the mainland. The official language of Zanzibar is Kiswahili. Most residents have a good knowledge of English, Italian and various Arabic dialects.
Zanzibar's most world famous musician is Freddie Mercury! He was born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5th 1946 in Zanzibar, to parents Bomi and Jer Bulsara, who were Parsees - members of the Zoroastrian faith.
Time difference – GMT +3 hours
Telephone – country code 255
Thank you for your help throughout my booking. It was an incredible experience, made up of moments which I will remember for a very long time. The project was not only an integral part of the community in Jambiani but also incredibly valuable. It made me wonder why I hadn't done anything like it before!
Amy Rosier, England, aged 18 (Zanzibar Island Rural Teaching Volunteer)
Everyone that has the chance to do something like this should definitely take the opportunity. It was the best part of my year out, and wish I could have done it for longer.
Alice, Scotland, aged 19 (East African Discoverer - 15 Days, Zanzibar Island Rural Teaching Volunteer, Zambia Teaching Volunteer, East African Discoverer - 15 days)
I really hope you know how much of a wonderful time I had. This trip was more than I could ever ask for and everything that you did truly made it perfect. I miss the kids SO MUCH.
Annie, USA, aged 20 (Zanzibar Island Rural Teaching Volunteer)
I loved my time here in Zanzibar and would love to stay longer to work with the new volunteers and see the project progress. I haven’t done a volunteer project before, but am very happy that my first one was here.
Sue, UK, aged 25 (Zanzibar Island Rural Teaching Volunteer)
The group I was in was filled with such great people! I feel we made lifelong friends and being right on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world was really incredible. Meeting and working with Mr Okala was definitely a highlight , we learned so much about his native home and way of life from him.
Veronica, USA, aged 24 (Zanzibar Island Rural Teaching Volunteer)
This great project is based in Jambiani Village which stretches along the coastline in the south east of the Island. Volunteers fly into Dar-es-Salaam and then either have a 20 minute flight or take the ferry to Stone Town, the capital of the Island, where they are met and taken to the volunteer house which is about one hour’s drive. Volunteers all live together in this house – in the centre of the village and just 20 yards from the beach – great for a cooling swim at the end of a busy day. All volunteers set off for work together – on bicycles – and although there is not a lot of motor traffic to worry about, the cattle that wander through the village during the day and settle for the night in the middle of the road must be avoided at all costs! But this is real Africa and it doesn’t get much more rural than this. Volunteers spend their days helping in one of the local schools – pre-schools, primary schools or secondary schools where they help to teach the children, sing with them, play games and generally help with their development. They may also help out in the tourism training school – a great venture set up to improve the chances of the local population in getting employment in the fast-growing tourist trade on Zanzibar Island. They help the students with basic computing and admin skills, perhaps help them write a cv as well as with customer care and, of course, helping them improve their English.
The “working day” normally ends around 5.00 pm and then everyone returns to the house – perhaps making a detour for stamps or a cold drink on the way. The evenings are usually spent having a meal together, chatting over the events of the day or perhaps going along the beach to one of the local hotels for a cold beer – which is enjoyed sitting on the veranda listening to the waves gently lapping on the white sands.
There are lots of exciting things to do at the weekends. Stone Town itself is a fascinating town with a strong Muslim influence and lots of interesting buildings to visit. The Africa House Hotel – situated on the seafront – is a very famous hotel that was originally the British Club and all visitors to the Island should come to this hotel at least once to view the fantastic sunset from the hotel balcony. One exciting outing is to go and swim with the dolphins and there are other fabulous beaches on the Island that are well worth visiting.
The food is very good and everything is “home made”. Fish is caught on the beach and is very fresh but the cook – who prepares lunch and the evening meal - also makes great pancakes, samosas and even chips.
Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful places in Africa to visit and the chance to take part in such a worthwhile project puts it high on the list for anyone wanting a great experience this summer.
Patricia, UK, aged 62 (Zanzibar Island Rural Teaching Volunteer)