Volunteer at Home of Malaika's Daily Day Care: Support Early Childhood Development in Tanzania
Empower Children through Education, Care, and Play
Home of Malaika’s Daily Day Care is a community centered program in Tanzania providing free day care and afternoon care for children up to age 9. Through this initiative, disadvantaged children receive essential care, nutritious meals, and early education support, creating a solid foundation for their future schooling. Volunteers assist by engaging children in activities, helping with meals, and supporting social skills development. This volunteer in Tanzania opportunity is perfect for those passionate about education volunteer work and making a positive impact on young lives.
Program Overview: Early Childhood Care and Development at Home of Malaika's Daily Day Care
Founded in collaboration with Take a Malaika e.V., Home of Malaika’s Daily Day Care offers free day care services for around 20 children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Established in 2023, this project provides a nurturing environment where children up to age 4 receive loving care, meals, and activities to help them develop essential social skills. In the afternoons, children aged 6 to 9 join for supervised play, lunch, and additional support in socialization.
The program’s mission is to create a stable, enriching environment that prepares young children for school and life. Volunteers assist local staff by helping with daily tasks such as serving meals, organizing play sessions, and guiding nap time. Additionally, volunteers may support special activities, like arts and crafts, soccer games, and excursions, fostering creativity and teamwork among the children. This volunteer education program allows volunteers to engage in hands-on support, helping to lay a strong educational foundation for Tanzanian children.
Your Role as a Volunteer: Nurture, Play, and Inspire Young Minds
Assist in Childcare and Daily Routines
Volunteers work alongside local staff, helping with daily childcare activities such as guiding nap time, assisting with breakfast and lunch, and engaging children in supervised play. This volunteer in Africa role allows you to support young children’s basic needs, creating a nurturing environment that promotes healthy development.
Facilitate Social Skills and Group Play
Through interactive games and activities, volunteers encourage children to develop essential social skills. Whether through team sports like soccer, dancing, or arts and crafts, you’ll foster teamwork, patience, and creativity, helping children build confidence and friendships. This role is ideal for those passionate about volunteer education and social engagement.
Support Special Events and Excursions
Volunteers have the opportunity to help organize and lead excursions, offering children the chance to explore their community. You’ll also participate in occasional renovations or updates to day care facilities, creating a vibrant, welcoming space. This role is impactful for anyone interested in volunteer education programs that support community and environmental enrichment.
Volunteer Program Overview: Duration, Requirements, and Logistics
The Home of Malaika’s Daily Day Care program welcomes volunteers aged 18 and over with a passion for childcare and education. Volunteers are encouraged to stay for a minimum of two weeks, with daily hours from 8 am to 3 pm, and optional support for afternoon activities. No prior experience is required, making this volunteer in Tanzania program accessible to anyone eager to contribute to early childhood development. Volunteers assist with daily caregiving, lead play activities, and support occasional excursions. Located 3 km from our volunteer hostel, the day care center is easily accessible by public transport or a 40-minute walk. Volunteers will receive an orientation upon arrival and are encouraged to bring creativity and enthusiasm, offering support that positively impacts the lives of young children.
- Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 3 pm.
- Requirements: 18 years or older, no prior experience needed.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Assist with daily routines (meals, nap time, and supervised play)
- Organize games and social activities to support skill development
- Help with excursions and facility updates as needed
- Logistics:
- Located 3 km from the hostel, accessible by public transport
- Orientation provided for volunteers
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering at Home of Malaika’s Daily Day Care makes a profound difference in the lives of young children from disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing support in daily care, structured play, and social skills development, volunteers help children build confidence, independence, and readiness for school. Volunteers also ensure that children receive nutritious meals, promoting physical well being. Through interactive activities and excursions, volunteers foster curiosity, resilience, and creativity, leaving a lasting positive impact on each child’s educational journey.
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 can be bought from nearby local restaurants
- 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.
