Volunteer at Jithubutu Cultural Centre: Empower Youth through Education and Arts in Tanzania
Join Our Cultural Exchange Program to Inspire Tanzanian Youth
The Jithubutu Cultural Center in Arusha, Tanzania, provides a vibrant space for young people to learn, create, and connect. Established in 2022 by Cristina Mazo, the center offers language courses, arts workshops, and recreational activities that empower Tanzanian youth and broaden their career prospects. Volunteers contribute by teaching English, organizing arts programs, and assisting with social media, making a lasting impact on youth education and cultural exchange. This volunteer in Tanzania program is ideal for those passionate about education volunteer work and fostering community growth.
Program Overview: Arts, Education, and Cultural Exchange at Jithubutu Cultural Center
The Jithubutu Cultural Center was founded by Cristina Mazo as a part of the Samaritan Initiative Organization to address the lack of educational and recreational spaces for Tanzanian youth. Officially opened in October 2022, the center offers language courses, a library, arts and dance workshops, and a safe gathering space for young people in Arusha. Jithubutu’s programs aim to reduce risky behaviors, provide access to cultural resources, and enhance career prospects for participants through practical and creative skills.
Volunteers at Jithubutu engage in diverse roles, including teaching basic English and Spanish, supporting technology use by maintaining laptops, creating content for social media, and organizing arts and entrepreneurship workshops. The center also provides free Kiswahili courses, dance classes, and Wi-Fi access, fostering a rich environment for cultural exchange. This volunteer education program empowers youth by building their skills in a supportive, creative space, promoting community development and self-expression.
Your Role as a Volunteer: Educate, Inspire, and Connect with Tanzanian Youth
Teach English, Spanish, and Digital Skills
Volunteers help develop and teach English and Spanish programs, guiding youth in language skills that improve their communication and career prospects. You’ll also provide computer assistance and maintain laptops, promoting digital literacy. This role is perfect for anyone interested in volunteer education and language instruction.
Organize Creative Workshops and Arts Activities
Jithubutu offers daily dance sessions and arts workshops that encourage self-expression and cultural engagement. Volunteers assist in organizing and leading these activities, including dance, art, and crafts, helping youth discover and develop their talents. This role provides a unique opportunity for education volunteers passionate about arts and cultural outreach.
Manage Social Media and Community Engagement
Volunteers contribute to Jithubutu’s online presence by managing social media accounts, creating content, and supporting fundraising efforts. Through this role, you’ll help expand the center’s reach, attract new participants, and connect the community with Jithubutu’s mission. This experience is ideal for those interested in volunteer programs in Africa that focus on digital skills and community building.
Volunteer Program Overview: Duration, Requirements, and Logistics
The Jithubutu Cultural Centre welcomes volunteers with an interest in education, arts, and cultural exchange. Volunteers are encouraged to stay for at least two weeks, with flexible hours depending on activity schedules. Operating Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm, the program suits those eager to support youth in language learning, arts, and community building. Volunteers engage in a variety of roles, including teaching language courses, managing social media, and organizing arts workshops. Located a 20-minute walk from Villa Viva, the center is accessible by local transportation options. Jithubutu currently doesn’t provide meals but offers free activities for volunteers, such as Kiswahili classes and daily dance sessions, ensuring a culturally enriching experience.
- Duration: Flexible schedule; open Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 7:30 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am – 6:30 pm.
- Requirements: Open to all with skills to share; basic English or Spanish preferred.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Teach English, Spanish, and digital skills
- Organize creative arts and dance workshops
- Manage social media and engage in community building
- Logistics:
- 20-minute walk from Villa Viva; accessible by local transport
- Free Kiswahili courses, dance sessions, and Wi-Fi for volunteers
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering at Jithubutu Cultural Centre positively impacts young people by providing them with valuable skills, resources, and safe spaces for self-expression. Through language courses, digital training, and creative workshops, volunteers help youth develop communication skills, career prospects, and confidence. Arts and dance activities also foster a supportive community, encouraging youth to discover their talents and build positive connections. Volunteers play a key role in this transformation, empowering youth with tools and mentorship that inspire growth and hope for the future.
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.
