Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Outstanding 4.92rating (15)

Childcare Assistant (Daycare)

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in authentic Tanzanian culture while supporting children in the heart of Arusha.
  • Transform young lives by providing education, meals, and care to children from low-income families.
  • Build lifelong friendships with local teachers, families, and fellow volunteers.

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in authentic Tanzanian culture while supporting children in the heart of Arusha.
  • Transform young lives by providing education, meals, and care to children from low-income families.
  • Build lifelong friendships with local teachers, families, and fellow volunteers.
  • Create unforgettable memories through hands-on teaching, play, and community connection.
  • Experience the powerful emotional impact of seeing children grow in confidence, English skills, and opportunity because of you.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Cherish Daycare supports 30+ children aged 3-6yrs from low-income families with loving care, nutritious meal's, and English education- building futures beyond poverty.

    🌍 Cherish Daycare – Arusha, Tanzania
    Founded in 2024 | Grassroots | Community-Led | Globally Supported

    Cherish Daycare is a heart-led early childhood program based in Arusha, Tanzania, supporting 30+ children aged 3–6 from low-income families. Founded in 2024, they were created with one clear ...

    About the program

    🌍 Cherish Daycare – Arusha, Tanzania
    Founded in 2024 | Grassroots | Community-Led | Globally Supported

    Cherish Daycare is a heart-led early childhood program based in Arusha, Tanzania, supporting 30+ children aged 3–6 from low-income families. Founded in 2024, they were created with one clear mission:
    To provide equal access to education and improve the overall quality of life for vulnerable children and their families.
    They are not just a daycare. They are a growing community initiative built on compassion, action, and global collaboration.

    🌱 Story & Growth
    Since opening their doors in 2024, they have:

    • Established a safe, structured early education program
    • Built a strong English-focused curriculum to prepare children for primary school
    • Provided daily nutritious meals for every enrolled child
    • Sponsored 8 children into primary school in their first year
    • Created stable employment opportunities for local Tanzanian teachers and staff
    • Supported families with housing and rent assistance during hardship
    • Provided food support to vulnerable households
    • Supplied children with essential clothing and shoes
    • Ensured access to healthcare for the children in their care

    In just one year, Cherish has grown from an idea into a life-changing support system for families in Arusha.

    📚 Education With Long-Term Vision
    Their classroom focuses on:

    • English language development
    • Early literacy and numeracy 
    • Creative arts, music, and play-based learning
    • Confidence-building and social skills
    • English education is a key advantage in Tanzania, opening doors to better secondary schooling and employment opportunities later in life.
    • But their commitment doesn’t stop at age six. Through sponsorship, they actively create pathways into continued primary education — because true impact means thinking beyond today.

    🍛 More Than a Classroom
    For many of their children, Cherish provides:

    • Their most reliable daily meal
    • Access to healthcare
    • Emotional safety and stability
    • Basic necessities like shoes and clothing
    • Their core focus is not only education — it is the full quality of life of every child they support.

    When a family is facing housing instability or food insecurity, they step in where they can. Because a child cannot thrive in school without stability at home.

    🤝 A Global Team With One Shared Dream

    Cherish Daycare is run by a small, passionate team of volunteers from around the world working alongside local Tanzanian staff. Their founding members are both local and international, united by one shared belief:
    Education and dignity should never depend on where a child is born.
    This global collaboration allows them to combine cultural understanding, sustainable local employment, and international support into one powerful movement.

    ✨ The Volunteer Experience
    Volunteering at Cherish is personal, hands-on, and deeply meaningful.
    You will:
    • Support English lessons and classroom learning
    • Lead creative activities, games, music, and sports
    • Provide one-on-one encouragement to children
    • Build real relationships with local teachers and families
    • Experience authentic Tanzanian culture in Arusha

    This is not mass tourism volunteering.
    This is grassroots impact where your contribution is visible, valued, and felt.
    You will see confidence grow.
    You will hear first English sentences spoken proudly.
    You will witness children who feel safe, supported, and hopeful.
    And you will leave knowing you were part of something real.

    💛 Their Vision

    Cherish Daycare exists to break cycles of poverty through early education, stability, and opportunity.
    Since 2024, they have already seen how powerful small beginnings can be. With continued support, sponsorship, and volunteer involvement, they are building something sustainable — something that strengthens children, families, and the wider community.
    When you join Cherish, you are not just volunteering.
    You are becoming part of a global family working together to change futures in Arusha, Tanzania.

    Typical day

    🌞 A Typical Day at Cherish Daycare

    Every day at Cherish is structured, joyful, and full of meaningful interaction.

    Daycare opening times :  8am-2pm

    ☀️ Morning Routine
    Your day begins with breakfast at your accommodation. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk through the local Arusha ...

    Typical day

    🌞 A Typical Day at Cherish Daycare

    Every day at Cherish is structured, joyful, and full of meaningful interaction.

    Daycare opening times :  8am-2pm

    ☀️ Morning Routine
    Your day begins with breakfast at your accommodation. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk through the local Arusha neighborhood to the daycare — a beautiful way to start the morning immersed in community life.

    8:00 AM – Daycare Opens
    Children begin arriving and settle into free morning play.

    9:00 AM – Circle Time
    You gather for songs, dancing, clapping games, and morning energy. This is a lively, heartwarming time that sets the tone for the day and helps the children feel excited and ready to learn.

    📚 Lesson Time
    They have two classes:
    • Baby Class
    • Middle Class
    Volunteers are divided between the two groups and assist the teachers with:
    • Supporting English lessons
    • Helping with phonics, numbers, and writing
    • Encouraging participation
    • Giving one-on-one support to shy learners
    • Managing classroom activities
    After the first lesson, it’s time for porridge for the children — and volunteers enjoy a local morning snack too. This is followed by supervised playtime.

    🎨 Late Morning Activities
    Middle Class has a short afternoon lesson
    Baby Class combines lesson time with guided play

    Volunteers help:
    • Supervise safe and respectful play
    • Ensure all children are included
    • Support emotional and social development
    • Encourage sharing and teamwork

    If you’re interested, you can also:
    • Help prepare local meals
    • Learn how food is cooked for the children
    • Assist with cleaning and tidying after activities

    At 1:15 PM, they serve a cooked lunch to the children, followed by more relaxed playtime before the day ends.

    🍉 Special Days
    Fridays are extra special. We dedicate the day to:
    • Arts and crafts
    • Singing and dancing
    • Face painting
    • Creative group activities
    Volunteers often bring fruit to share with the daycare — a highlight the children absolutely love. It’s a vibrant, joyful day focused on creativity and bonding.

    🌧️ Rainy Days – Movie & Play Split
    On rainy days, we divide the classrooms:
    • One room for a children’s movie
    • One room for toys and structured play
    • Children can rotate between rooms throughout the day. Volunteers help set up, supervise, and create a calm, fun atmosphere.
    💡 Your Ideas Matter
    Volunteers are highly encouraged to:
    • Bring new activity ideas
    • Lead creative sessions
    • Share games from their home country
    • Introduce music, sports, or crafts
    We love fresh energy and creativity. If you have an idea, we want to hear it.

    💛 What You’ll Feel
    A typical day is busy, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll laugh, sing, teach, comfort, and connect.
    You won’t just observe — you’ll be part of the rhythm of the daycare and part of the children’s daily lives.
    And by the end of each day, you’ll know you made a real difference.

    Free-time activities

    For your free time and weekend activities, you can always ask us for recommendations, and since we organize everything for you, all you need to do is choose what you’d like to do.

    Here are some options:

    • Go on a safari in the nearby national parks, such as Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, or ...

    Free-time activities

    For your free time and weekend activities, you can always ask us for recommendations, and since we organize everything for you, all you need to do is choose what you’d like to do.

    Here are some options:

    • Go on a safari in the nearby national parks, such as Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, or Lake Manyara, and experience Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.

    • Take a day trip to the waterfalls in Moshi, and on your way back, stop at the hot springs to relax and enjoy a refreshing swim.

    • Visit local markets to experience the vibrant culture and daily life.

    • Climb Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru for an unforgettable adventure.

    • Visit a Maasai village to learn more about their traditions, lifestyle, and culture.

    And much more—just let us know, and we’ll organize it for you.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Education Requirements

    at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Criminal Background Check

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    No formal education is required to volunteer at Cherish Daycare. We welcome people with a positive attitude, love for children, patience, and cultural respect. Volunteers should be reliable, energetic, and willing to help with classroom activities, play, and daily tasks. Creativity, teamwork, and initiative are valued. Heart and kindness matter most.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 14:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The fees include: 

    • Pre arrival support through Whatsapp, email, video or phone call
    • Airport pick up and drop off (Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha Airport)
    • Advice and guidance on projects
    • Welcoming tour in Arusha on your first day
    • SIM-Card
    • 24/7 emergency contact
    • support from the german and english speaking team on site 
    • 50 USD volunteer project contribution
    • Accommodation at your host family 
    • Breakfast & dinner five days a week
    • House & Room cleaning 
    • Planning of your tours, daytrips, safaris, mountain climbings for fair prices with our company

    Airport Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport

    One of our drivers will pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) on any day and at any time.

    Accommodation

    🏡 Accommodation Description

    Volunteers stay in a peaceful village setting just off the main road, offering a balance of community life, comfort, and privacy. The accommodation is located on the same private land as the host family, but volunteers stay in independent living units designed to ensure personal space and privacy.

    There are two separate housing units, each accommodating 2 volunteers (2 people per unit). Every unit includes a shared bedroom and bathroom, along with access to a kitchen, living room, and garden area.
    The host family lives on the same property but in a separate area, allowing volunteers to feel supported while maintaining independence. The family grows their own organic vegetables and fruit and keeps chickens for fresh eggs, giving volunteers access to locally sourced, home-grown food.

    The residence is surrounded by nature and backs onto a forest where volunteers may see monkeys, galagos, chameleons, and many bird species directly outside their accommodation.

    Convenient distances include:
    • 5-minute walk to Cherish Daycare
    • 2-minute walk to a beautiful waterfall
    • 25-minute bus ride to Arusha city centre

    Volunteers have 24/7 access to the property.
    The accommodation is safe, quiet, and community-focused, providing a unique cultural experience while maintaining modern privacy and comfort.

    Food & Beverages

    🌿 Dinner
    Dinner is provided Monday to Friday and follows a vegetarian, organic, locally inspired diet. Meals are cooked on rotation using traditional Tanzanian ingredients. Volunteers may also request specific meals, and the chef will try to accommodate reasonable dietary preferences where possible.

    🥗 Daycare Meals & Snacks
    While at Cherish Daycare, volunteers receive:
    • A morning snack during daycare hours
    • The option to eat lunch with the children around 1:30 PM
    • Fresh fruit and vegetables are served with dinner daily and are always available for volunteers.

    🍴 Weekend Meals
    Food is not provided on weekends. Volunteers can:
    • Cook independently at the hostel kitchen
    • Visit and eat at local restaurants in Arusha
    • Explore Tanzanian and international cuisine locally

    💧 Drinks & Water Safety
    Volunteers are advised not to drink tap water.
    ✔️ Bottled drinking water will be provided upon arrival.
    ✔️ Additional bottled water can be purchased locally if needed.

    💛 Dietary Support
    Simple dietary requests can be discussed with the chef when possible.
    Cherish Daycare focuses on healthy, community-style meals while allowing volunteers freedom to experience local food culture.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Kilimanjaro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Tanzania. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Tanzania provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Tanzania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Tanzania. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    You can arrive on any day. One of our drivers will pick you up at the airport and take you to your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you will have a town tour either the same day or the following day. This tour will help you become familiar with the area, learn how to get around, and find important places you may need during your stay.

    This year June and July are not available, but we'd be happy to welcome you from August onwards.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $236 per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.92
    15 reviews

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Michelle
    15
    reviews
    4.92
    Outstanding
    0
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: German, English, Italian
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Contact Michelle
      Very high response rate
    German, English, Italian

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Michelle
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details