Volunteer at Arusha Modern School Empower the Future of Tanzania
Join Our Education Volunteer Program and Make a Lasting Impact on Young Lives
The Arusha Modern School offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to support education in Tanzania by working with children aged 3 to 12. Established in 1999, the school provides a nurturing environment with classes, clubs, and sports for its 150 students. As a teaching volunteer in Africa, you’ll help with subjects like English, Mathematics, French, and more, while also engaging with students through fun activities like singing and sports. This program welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds—no experience is required, just an open mind and a desire to contribute. By volunteering here, you’ll be part of a volunteer education program that brings both knowledge and joy to the children and staff.
Volunteer Opportunities at Arusha Modern School
Arusha Modern School is a private primary school with a mission to provide quality education to children in Tanzania, regardless of their background. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside local teachers, supporting classroom lessons and helping children develop essential skills in subjects like English, French, Mathematics, and more. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their creativity and enthusiasm to the classroom by leading activities, organizing sports, and participating in school clubs, such as cooking, science, and art.
Your role as a teaching volunteer in Africa extends beyond academics – by assisting children with learning disabilities and supporting individual students, you’ll make a significant difference in their education and confidence. After class, you’ll have the chance to engage with students during playtime or help with vocational skills activities, preparing them for a brighter future. Volunteers can choose to work with preschoolers or primary school students, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in volunteer education programs that focus on both academics and personal development. The program offers flexibility, allowing you to work with the children who need you most, while also immersing yourself in Tanzanian culture.
Your Role as a Volunteer: Shape Young Minds and Enrich Tanzanian Education
Assist Teachers in the Classroom
As a teaching volunteer in Africa, you’ll work directly with local teachers to support classroom activities and help children improve their understanding of core subjects. You’ll assist with lessons in English, Mathematics, French, Geography, and more, ensuring that students stay engaged and receive the attention they need. Whether you have a teaching background or not, your presence will provide invaluable support to both the students and teachers, making this an ideal volunteer education program for those eager to make a tangible difference.
Engage in Clubs and Extracurricular Activities
Volunteers are encouraged to get involved in the school’s various clubs and sports activities, from art and science to cooking and football. As part of this volunteer education role, you’ll have the chance to inspire creativity, teamwork, and confidence in the children, helping them develop valuable life skills. Whether you’re running a cooking class or coaching a sports team, your involvement will contribute to a more well-rounded educational experience for the students, making it an enriching opportunity for both you and the children.
Provide One-on-One Support to Students
Some children at the school need extra attention, and as a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to work one-on-one with students who may struggle with learning disabilities or need extra help. This volunteer teaching in Africa role allows you to directly impact a child’s academic growth by offering individualized support, whether it’s helping them understand a lesson, assisting with their homework, or providing encouragement. Your role is crucial in ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, receives the attention they deserve, making their educational journey more accessible and fulfilling.
Volunteer Program Overview: Essential Details, Requirements, and Logistics
The Arusha Modern School volunteer program offers flexible opportunities for individuals passionate about education. You can volunteer for a minimum of two weeks up to several months, with no prior experience required. Volunteers assist teachers in the classroom, lead extracurricular activities, and offer one-on-one support to students who need extra help. Patience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn are key requirements. Volunteers work with children aged 3 to 12 in subjects like English, Mathematics, and Arts, as well as participate in school clubs. Typical hours are 8 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, with optional afternoon and weekend activities. Accommodation is provided at a nearby hostel, and airport pickup and orientation are included to ensure a smooth start.
- Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, with flexible start dates year-round.
- Requirements: No experience needed; open to individuals with a passion for education. Background in teaching or childcare is helpful, but not essential.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Assist teachers in subjects like English, Mathematics, and Arts
- Lead extracurricular clubs such as sports, cooking, or science
- Provide one-on-one support to students needing additional help
- Working Hours: 8 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday (optional afternoons and weekends).
- Logistics:
- Accommodation at our nearby hostel
- 2 meals per day at the hostel
- Lunch is provided at the school on school days
- Airport pickup and full orientation provided upon arrival
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering at Arusha Modern School greatly benefits the students and the local community. Many children come from underprivileged backgrounds, and your support in the classroom helps improve their understanding of subjects like English and Mathematics, boosting their confidence and academic achievement. Your involvement in clubs and extracurricular activities promotes creativity and essential life skills, providing a more well-rounded education. For students with learning disabilities, your focused attention ensures they receive the support they need. The cultural exchange between you, the children, and the staff fosters mutual understanding, leaving a lasting positive impact.
Judith, Spain
“I dedicated three months to volunteering at Arusha Modern School, working closely with the Tanzanian teachers and staff to make a real difference in the children’s lives. The experience was incredibly rewarding, and I felt honored to be part of such a positive environment. The staff at Villa Viva took great care of me, and the executive director’s passion for creating change in Arusha was inspiring. It was a pleasure to be part of this impactful organization.”
Julica, Germany
Galit, France
“My time was amazing. As the name announces, the hostel felt like a home. Tizia will make sure your stay will be great from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. The vibes at Villa Viva are great, you will meet incredible people and there will always be something planned if you want to tag along. I’m especially grateful for my experience while volunteering, may it be at Wehaf or on volunteer day.”
What's Included?
- Pre-arrival support through email, WhatsApp, telephone, and video calls
- Advice and guidance about the projects
- Pick up at the airport or bus station on your arrival
- Drop off at the airport or a bus station when you leave
- An orientation tour in Arusha personalized to your individual needs, including help buying a local SIM card, guidance on how to use public transport, and lunch
- On the first day of your project, our volunteer coordinator will come with you to show you which public transport to take and make sure you settle in well at your project
- Accommodation in our hostel. Dormitories or private rooms
- Breakfast and dinner seven days a week in the hostel. Lunch is provided at the project, on project days.
- 24/7 support from our volunteer coordinators who speak English and German
- Additional free time activities, such as safaris and treks, can be organized by the hostel for an additional cost
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two airports near Arusha, Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Arusha (ARK). Kilimanjaro is an international airport, and Arusha is a domestic airport. You can often find cheaper flights to JRO, so that should be your first choice. We will pick you up at any time, day or night, so please choose the flight that suits you best.
To volunteer in Tanzania you will need an Ordinary visa for the purposes of humanitarian and charity activities. Most countries can easily obtain the visa on arrival at the airport. It costs $US50 ($US100 for American citizens), is valid for three months and can be renewed once. If you plan to stay longer than six months you need to apply for a Resident Permit. Consult your Foreign Affairs Office if you're unsure.
Our house has a secure two-meter-high wall, a daytime watchman, a night guard and our guard dogs. Arusha is generally safe but it is best to take a taxi in the evenings rather than walking. When you arrive we will give you all the tips you need to know on how to stay safe.
We welcome anybody who is open to new cultures, and who wants to contribute to meaningful projects in Tanzania. Work experience in the chosen field is welcome but is usually not a requirement. If a project has specific requirements they will be listed on the project page. A basic knowledge of English, and the willingness to learn some Swahili words are necessary.
