Volunteer with Kukua Pamoja Football: Empower Youth through Sports in Tanzania
Inspire, Educate, and Empower Tanzanian Youth through Football
The Kukua Pamoja Football Project is an after-school program founded in 2022 to uplift children and teenagers through sports. Focusing on football skills, teamwork, and community values, the program engages 55 young participants, helping them grow into confident and active members of their community. Volunteers assist with training sessions, teach fair play, and foster a supportive environment for youth development. This volunteer in Tanzania program is perfect for those who love sports and want to make a meaningful impact on young lives.
Program Overview: Football Training and Life Skills at Kukua Pamoja
Founded by Ayoub Patrick Hassan, the Kukua Pamoja Football Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Tanzanian youth through football. The program engages children and teenagers aged 7 to 20, providing them with a positive after-school environment to develop football skills and learn essential life values. Divided into two age groups, younger participants (ages 7-15) focus on foundational skills and sportsmanship, while older players (ages 16-20) concentrate on advanced training and professional development. The organization also offers theoretical training sessions every Saturday, helping youth understand the strategy and principles behind the game.
Volunteers at Kukua Pamoja are integral to the program’s success, helping plan and run football training sessions, organizing drills, and teaching about fair play and teamwork. Beyond the field, volunteers play a vital role in cultural exchange, inspiring children to embrace community values and resilience. This volunteer education program fosters self-confidence, discipline, and healthy social skills, empowering Tanzanian youth with lessons that extend far beyond the football pitch.
Your Role as a Volunteer: Guide, Mentor, and Inspire Through Sports
Lead Football Training and Skill Development
Volunteers work directly with young players on the field, guiding them in foundational and advanced football skills. You’ll assist in planning drills, running warm-ups, and helping improve their techniques. This role is ideal for those passionate about education and sports volunteer work in sports, offering hands-on experience in coaching and youth mentorship.
Promote Teamwork and Community Values
Beyond football skills, volunteers instill important values like teamwork, fair play, and respect. You’ll guide participants in understanding the importance of working as a team and respecting each other, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. This role has a lasting impact on their character development and community involvement.
Participate in Cultural Exchange and Mentorship
Volunteers engage in cultural exchange, sharing personal experiences and connecting with youth on a meaningful level. By exchanging stories and values, you’ll inspire young players to aspire to a positive future, helping them gain confidence and resilience. This aspect of the program makes it a volunteer in Africa experience that’s both impactful and enriching.
Volunteer Program Overview: Duration, Requirements, and Logistics
The Kukua Pamoja Football Project welcomes volunteers aged 18 and over, with a love for football and a passion for youth development. The program runs Monday to Friday, from 4 pm to 6 pm, with an optional theory session on Saturday mornings. No previous coaching experience is required, making this volunteer in Tanzania program accessible to anyone who enjoys playing football and mentoring youth. Volunteers participate in football training sessions, plan drills, and promote team-building activities. The training field is located a short 10-minute walk from the Kukua Pamoja office, and the office itself is 4.5 km from the volunteer hostel, accessible by public transport. This program provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to work in sports education and contribute to youth empowerment in Tanzania.
- Duration: Monday to Friday, 4 pm – 6 pm; optional Saturday morning session.
- Requirements: 18 years or older, no prior coaching experience needed.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Lead football drills and teach skills to youth
- Foster teamwork and encourage fair play
- Engage in cultural exchange and mentorship
- Logistics:
- Training field is a 10-minute walk from the office
- Office located 4.5 km from hostel, accessible by public transport
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering with Kukua Pamoja Football has a profound impact on young participants, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds. Through structured training and mentorship, volunteers help children and teens build self-confidence, discipline, and resilience. The teamwork skills and community values instilled through this program extend far beyond the football field, fostering a sense of belonging and personal responsibility. By providing positive role models and a safe space for personal growth, the program empowers youth with skills and values that will serve them throughout their lives.
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.
