Volunteering

There are many “Volunteer Agencies” Operating in Tanzania and around the world. During my first visit to Tanzania I volunteered with one of these international organizations. Although I had a good time, it was quite clear that the thousands of dollars spent (for only a few weeks) was not helping local Tanzanian projects or even, the local economy. This is the basis of why Hostel Hoff was founded.

For this reason we would prefer to keep costs as low as possible and if you have the extra money to spend (through fundraising etc), put it directly into the project where you are volunteering.  Here you can see exactly how your money is being used to help.

Through Hostel Hoff you are paying for your accommodation, the volunteering is free, as it should be, saving volunteers more than USD$1000 per month as opposed to going through these larger organization that provide no extra service, charge 4+ times the price and do not put any funds into the local projects.

Volunteer Now!

We place volunteers in a small number of projects we work with and as we coordinate some or many aspects of these projects, we will be in contact with you before you come to discuss what is needed etc.  You will be able to chat to past and current volunteers if you wish.  For most of these projects we are working towards the long term development and sustainability therefore we have a set number of placements at each project.  Read through the placements listed to get an idea of what we do, but for a more detailed description please contact us. The earlier you book, the wider range of projects there will be to choose from.

Projects

Below is a summary of the type of projects can accept through Hostel Hoff...

Teaching, Skills Training, Activites

There is much need for extra help in Tanzanian schools. However, it is very important to know where and how to give support. We do not support government schools as this interferes with the local education system and may reduce the incentive of the government to improve its own educational system, while also disrupting the work of the local teachers. In general we support locally based schools that are trying to provide education to those that otherwise could not access this service.

We currently have volunteer positions for nursery, primary or secondary schools. The nursery schools are run by local organizations that try to prepare the children for primary school entrance by teaching them basics such as reading, writing, Math’s, Swahili and English. The primary and Secondary schools provide the opportunity of schooling to orphaned and disadvantaged children who otherwise would not be able to attend school.

For the schools we have chosen to support, we try not to impose on their structure, but add to them. We do not agree with placing unskilled people into teaching positions, replacing local teachers or disrupting the work of the local teachers. Local teachers are teaching at all of these schools and rather than replace them, we try to add to their work by taking extra classes and activities, splitting a large class (and thus helping to give more individual attention to the children) or helping with some one of one tuition for children falling behind.

One of the common difficulties for children in Tanzania is that primary school is taught in Swahili and then secondary school in English. This is obviously a difficult transition for them therefore much assistance is required to help the primary school children build their English and Secondary school children catch up (if their English is not as good as their fellow class members).

Along with formal teaching and running activities, there are also opportunities to pass on other skills to children, such as drama, singing, music, gardening, knowledge on climate change, hygiene, human rights etc. We run skills training and health/life skills tasks at a couple of projects.

You do not need to be a teacher to help with teaching positions. You can still be a valuable asset as a teacher’s assistant, activities director, one on one tuition etc.

Woman & Community Projects

There are many women’s groups in the area affecting change at a local level. The women that create these groups are often widowed due to HIV/AIDS virus, HIV positive themselves, or looking after the children of deceased relatives. These groups generally focus on helping at a very local level to empower those around them. Common activities include educational and microfinance projects to assist women in becoming self sufficient, supporting local orphans in the form of access to free education, and raising awareness of important health issues.


We are working with 2 such groups. Both groups are at a different stage of development and so has different needs, from helping to establish the group in the early stages, to supporting various on-going activities such as microfinance projects, education or administration, to helping with long term funding. Volunteers are placed according to their skills and length of time here, as some groups are looking for very specific skills, while others can use help at a more basic level. Contact us directly for information on these groups and what activities are being carried out at present.

We also have a number of community based projects.  This depends on your skills however social workers are particularly  beneficial.  Our community based projects can be surveying in local villages, running community days (mostly health seminars) or discovering new ways to assist a particular village.

Women's and Community development projects are most suited to volunteers who can come for a minimum 3 month period.

Orphanages

There are many orphanages within the surrounding area of Moshi. Due to the high rate of HIV/AIDS and poverty in the area there are huge numbers of orphans who could benefit from the help offered by these centres.

The Corner Stone Children’s Centre is our major project at present and receives the majority of our funding. This centre is currently only in the construction stage however once completed it will have the capacity to sleep over 40 orphaned and disadvantage children. The centre is located in the village of Newlands, on the outskirts of Moshi. Throughout 2011/2012 people with construction or gardening experience are highly valued.

We have many other orphanages which require volunteers therefore contact us for a more thorough list. This includes baby orphanages, orphanages looking after children with disabilities and street kid drop in centres.

Volunteering at an orphanage can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. The children love having people to play with or provide some simple education. During the day it is often younger children and then late afternoon the older children will return from school. No skills are required for this type of volunteering, just a true love for children.

Other Projects

When contacting us it is good to advise any skills/experience you have. We have connections with projects needing lawyers, doctors/student doctors/ nurses, website designers, social/international development, construction and many other skills. We can find something that will be most enjoyable to you and also highly benefiting a project.

Often for these projects they will require you to have contact with them in advantage. We can put you in contact with the project directors and very clear information can be provided about the skills needed and best ways to benefit.