What to expect?

Things might be done differently to some degree. Adapt and be proactive, don’t focus on telling people when they are right or wrong but perhaps your demonstrations might reach them applicably.  Do not engage in activities you are not confident doing as the aim is to improve the conditions, mishaps and accidents are to be avoided. Planning, Communication and Transparency is key in all activities; before, during and after.

What not to expect?

“Easy does it” won’t apply in this project.  The working conditions may be extreme given the locations of the placements and the condition of the buildings that require work. Be proactive and adapt to the working conditions. Protective gear might not be available, thus will need to be purchased as well.

Duties and Tasks

As a volunteer, you will work alongside project coordinators in conducting basic renovation, painting, cleaning and repairing of facilities and the artistic volunteers may get the opportunity to restore and paint new paintings as well as create colorful illustrations in the schools, child care centers, and special needs institutions. Volunteers will be observing and are also welcome to participate in the activities while embracing the different approaches and the culture, supporting the project coordinators and other staff fully by participating in the assigned activities during project hours. 

Challenges.

• Culture differences specifically the different approaches to life.

• Different living conditions for example the weather, availability of basic resources such as water and electricity, consumer goods and distance to services.

• Transportation, inadequate transport especially in the rural areas, bumpy rides while traveling with 'boda boda' and congested village buses.

• Expectations, with high expectations it is easy to be disappointed by the lags and reluctance to be involved, when perfection isn’t realized and impatience.

• Different expertise approaches in regard to limited resources.

• Inadequate resources and working appliances & equipment

Positives

• Learn how to sustain needs with inadequate resources

• Attain new skills and experiences to further your profession

• Arusha is a beautiful tourist city with much to appreciate, the people are welcoming and the landscape & sceneries are magnificent.  

• Take the opportunity to travel and socialize on the weekends. There are good spots for leisure and fun.

THINGS TO BRING, DONATIONS.

What can I bring?

Donating and sharing is very much appreciated. In regard to the relationship created, and the situation found at the center, you can donate accordingly or also share the challenges with friends abroad and represent their donations, given that there are many needs due to the limited resources most facilities have ranging from equipment , new machinery to completing construction of the institutions.

Personal Things to Bring

Those for your personal use like helmet, protective gear, decent clothes, sunscreen, soap, towels, slippers, perfume, torch, nail cutter etc.