Volunteer in Tanzania: Introduction

Volunteer in Tanzania! The Tanzanian orphanage for abandoned or simply homeless Tanzanian children is known as Tabasamu, which is a small children’s organization in Arusha, Tanzania. You probably wondering what is the significant meaning behind the name “Tabasamu” well it simply means Smiles in Swahili. 

This children’s organization was created and founded by David Joseph Wella who is an educator in philosophy, and friend to the young caste-away youngsters who seek refuge to Tabasamu. For 4 consecutive years, we have been hosting more than ever.

Worldwide Volunteers at Tabasamu

The total amount that our members hosted was about 300 volunteers from different regions around the world.

Tabasamu cooperation is very dedicated to giving the utmost aspiration of hope to the unfortunate children of Tanzania from our communities, elders, in their homeland, one parent households of children who come from poor dilapidated communities. Within the near future, our goal is to connect separated and neglected foster children with their families.

Also, within our very organization itself, we have approximately 35 mixed young orphans, who are destitute of saving that come from as I said impoverished communities with either single mothers or fathers who are too poor to take care of their children. These families depend on Tabasamu for guidance to nurture their children to sustainable health physically and spiritually.

Helping children at Tabasamu

Working with the children at Tabasamu has truly been a blessing and I am always happy to see the children growing healthily every day.
The children taught me how it once felt to be a child through laughter, singing, teasing, playing, and dancing, and pretty much teaching us how to act like children every step of the way, no matter if you are 60 years old.

Some previous volunteers informed me that, working with the youth is a blessing for them also not just a job but a way to relieve stress and tension from their lives within their everyday environment.

Our Mission

Our main objective at Tabasamu is to have the safest and effective environment possible. To ensure that there is a high degree of guidance, support from all forms of respectability, as possible, and most importantly, security for the children without discrimination of any sort no matter if its: racism, sexism, or even tribalism. We are here to contribute to the sustainability of the culture and development of future productive citizens of Tanzania.

Our Place of Location

We are located in a small town called USA-River, Arusha Tanzania it’s just 30-45 minutes from Kilimanjaro airport and it cost you $50 taxi fare to Tabasamu in one way.

Clima

The climate condition of USA-River is generally hot its 20 3C with more than 23,437 people.

Internet/Wifi

We have a rehabilitation centre whereby inside there is a restaurant mostly for foreigners with free Wi-Fi service.

Landmarks

The historical background of the town on the name USA-River was bestowed to the citizens of the town for it was filled with an immense amount of water, which was a blessing from above giving the citizens the right amount to cultivate rice within an agricultural setting. Tabasamu is very dear to the populace of Arusha they see as a means of sanctuary for the underprivileged youth. Tabasamu is also close to Arusha national park just half an hour from us. However, when you are in USA-River town you would have a good time seeing the twin mountain Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru.

Our place is very close to the following services:

• Bank Bureau de exchange,
• supermarket,
• the post office,
• local market,
• club and a beautiful restaurant.

In ten minutes when you are in Tabasamu you can access all of their services.

[Also, read the story of Tabasamu founder:
https://www.voluntouring.org/2019/01/09/orphanage-in-tanzania-story-david/]

Roles and Responsibilities of Volunteers

• Teaching good English to the children
• Cooking good nutritional meals for the children under the supervision of mamas at the orphanage.
• Volunteer coordinator
• Fundraising Coordinator
• Preparing children for school by transportation to school and back to Tabasamu
• Maintaining control of our social media and Websites
• Online volunteering
• Painting with the youth
• Building projects for chickens and classrooms for the children
• Outreach by visiting and teaching the women about their rights. Along with going to school to teach the young girls about self-awareness
• Volunteering taking care of schools, hospitals, farms (horses), tourism offices, and orphanages
• Organic farming: we grow different varieties of crops but mainly bananas and coffee!

Working hours

Maximum working hours are ONLY 5 hours total a day.

We don’t work during weekends but rather have a very fascinating program to visit in Masai village, hiking, safari, and other outdoor experiences.

Meals and Accommodations

There are various options for accommodation and food although many volunteers prefer to eat Tanzania food. This information will be attached to other Tabasamu documents which will make you understand our major roles and responsibilities when you are at Tabasamu.

Visa

Your volunteer VISA should be obtained from the Tanzania embassy in your own country. It sounds much, but it is a bit cheap when you have your own Tanzanian VISA in your own country, but you can also obtain it at the airport in Tanzania upon arrival. Please don’t forget to write to me when you’re about to start your journey to Tanzania.  We are looking forward to seeing you soon. Best, David Joseph Wella

CONTACT DETAILS 🔍📧 How to apply?

If you want to volunteer at our small NGO, or if you want to make a small donation, please get in touch using these contacts:

Whatsapp +255763440547
www.facebook.com/tabasamuorphanage
www.instagram.com/tabasamu.foundation
Email: tabasamuchildcare2015@gmail.com

Website: http://tabasamuorphanage.or.tz/

See more volunteering opportunities in Tanzania 🇹🇿