Volunteer with Joyce Weaving Project: Empower Women and Youth in Tanzania
Join Our Social Enterprise Program to Support Skills Development and Community Growth
The Joyce Weaving Project was founded in 2007 to empower women and youth in Tanzania by teaching valuable skills in weaving and product creation. Producing items such as blankets, scarves, and clothing, the project uses a portion of its profits to fund educational opportunities and healthcare for children from low-income families. Volunteers assist with tasks like product development, marketing, and social media, making a meaningful impact on this volunteer in Tanzania program that supports sustainable growth and community support.
Program Overview: Skill-Building and Economic Empowerment at Joyce Weaving Project
Founded by Joyce and her husband, the Joyce Weaving Project provides economic empowerment for Tanzanian women and youth through hands-on training in weaving and craftsmanship. The project creates a range of products, including blankets, scarves, and clothing, which are sold to generate income for community support initiatives. A portion of the proceeds is directed toward covering school fees for students from low-income families and providing healthcare for children with special needs.
Volunteers are vital to the project’s success, participating in areas like website development, social media management, and international sales outreach. This volunteer empowerment program offers a unique opportunity to engage in skill-building while supporting economic independence. Volunteers also assist in marketing and product development, helping expand the reach and impact of the program. The Joyce Weaving Project is ideal for individuals passionate about sustainable development, offering a hands-on role in promoting social and economic change in Tanzania.
Your Role as a Volunteer: Enhance Skills, Marketing, and Community Engagement
Develop and Maintain Online Presence
Volunteers help establish and maintain the project’s online presence by creating and updating a website and setting up an online shop. Through this volunteer education role, you’ll work on e-commerce platforms, showcasing products and assisting with local and global sales efforts. This digital work helps broaden the project’s customer base and increases income for community support initiatives.
Assist in Social Media and Marketing
As part of the project’s marketing team, volunteers manage social media accounts like Facebook and Instagram, sharing stories of impact and promoting products. By creating engaging posts and connecting with the online community, you’ll play a key role in expanding the program’s reach. This role is ideal for those interested in volunteer programs in Africa that involve social media and marketing.
Support Product Development and Sales
Volunteers engage directly with product creation, helping craft blankets, scarves, and other woven goods. You’ll also explore opportunities for selling products both locally and internationally, connecting with potential partners and vendors. This role provides hands-on experience in volunteer in Africa programs focused on entrepreneurship and social enterprise.
Volunteer Program Overview: Duration, Requirements, and Logistics
The Joyce Weaving Project welcomes volunteers aged 18 and over with a passion for social enterprise and skills development. Volunteers are expected to work Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm. This volunteer in Tanzania program does not require prior experience, making it suitable for individuals eager to contribute to marketing, social media, and product creation. Volunteers participate in tasks like website maintenance, marketing, and product development. Located 7 km from the hostel, the project is easily accessible by public transport. While lunch is not provided, there are local dining options nearby. Volunteers are encouraged to bring creativity and enthusiasm to this impactful role, contributing to a project that directly benefits the community.
- Duration: Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm.
- Requirements: 18 years or older, no prior experience needed.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain a website and online shop
- Manage social media accounts and engage in marketing
- Assist in product development and explore sales opportunities
- Logistics:
- Project is located 7 km from the hostel, accessible by public transport
- Lunch not provided; local lunch options available nearby
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering with the Joyce Weaving Project has a transformative impact on the community by promoting economic independence and providing access to essential resources. The skills gained by women and youth empower them to create income-generating products, fostering self-reliance. Your support in marketing and sales expands the project’s reach, allowing more funds to be directed toward educational fees and healthcare for children in need. Each volunteer contributes to sustainable change, directly influencing the well-being of families and the long-term development of the community.
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 purchased from 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.