Tanzania – Girl Empowerment in Moshi

This project takes place in Moshi, in the north of Tanzania, which is situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Moshi is a modern, vibrant town with a dynamic mix of Tanzanians from different tribes and backgrounds, all living and working together side by side. It also has a number of restaurants, supermarkets, and cafes.

Moshi is the perfect location for adventurers wanting to explore a fascinating part of Africa. Located a few hours drive from major safari destinations, such as the Serengeti, the Ngorogoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire.

Hundreds of young girls in Africa are missing out on basic education, finding themselves in abusive situations and being forced into marriages and early pregnancy simply because they are girls. This project aims to deliver opportunities for teenage girls to gain support within their communities as well as make more informed choices as they grow up.

The teenage years are a critical time in a girl’s life and where prospective opportunities can flourish through education, learning skills and social support. This project focuses on empowering young girls to fulfill their rights to proper education, health and protection from violence and abuse, ensuring they have the chance to achieve their potential and go on to become empowered women who support their families, communities, and country.

This project provides allows you to deliver valued support to girls and to educate boys, men and the community on the issues adolescent girls face. While the project aims to provide opportunities for girl and women empowerment, engaging with all genders is important for its success. As a volunteer you may be involved in a range of community initiatives including:

• Nursery schools: In Tanzania, nursery schools are divided into three classes: babies (ages 3-4), juniors (ages 4-5), and seniors (ages 5-7). As a volunteer, you will help with all three classes, including teaching the children English, singing songs, playing games and leading creative activities.
• Afterschool club: The complex education system in Tanzania often results in many young people leaving school early. The education center sponsors young people so that they can gain a valuable education.
• NAFGEM: Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with the Network Against Female Genital Mutilation and local women’s groups.

A typical day: You will begin the morning volunteer work by teaching local teenagers and adults and leading discussions about gender social issues. Mid-morning classes ill take place at the nursery school. Evening volunteer work includes working in an afterschool center that focuses on female empowerment, or you may be working with The Network against Female Genital Mutilation (NAFGEM). On Fridays you will be working with the local women’s group.

   Internet: Internet facilities are available in town for a small fee.

Laundry: A weekly laundry service is available for an additional fee.

Accommodations: Volunteers stay in the rural village of Msaranga at the project base, about six kilometers away from Moshi. At the project base, volunteers will stay in comfortable, shared rooms, equipped with bunk beds and mosquito nets.

Food: Volunteers receive three meals a day. Breakfast includes eggs, porridge, toast, fruit, tea, and coffee. Lunch and dinner include a mix of local and international foods, which are freshly prepared each day.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Minimum age of 18
• Police clearance
• Good level of English
• Some previous teaching experience will be helpful, but is not essential
• Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic)

Tanzania offers a variety of tours and safari options, which are perfect for a weekend getaway or a post/pre-project safari. Moshi is only a few hours’ drive from exciting safari destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorogoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

The project coordinators in Moshi can help advise you on a number of different getaways which can include a trip to the Tanzanite mines, a visit to Zanzibar, a trip to the famous Serengeti National Park or the unique Ngorongoro Crater, and, of course, climbing the mighty Kilimanjaro!

Project Orientation (Included):
On arrival in Moshi, you will receive a comprehensive orientation, including:

• Information that will help with your integration into the project, as well as give you further tips for your involvement
• Introduction to all senior project staff and heads of department
• Introduction to Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area
• Overview of the volunteer roles and responsibilities