Volunteer with Perfect Vision: Empower Women and Girls in Tanzania
Support Economic Independence and Health Education for a Brighter Future
Perfect Vision is a community-driven program in Arusha that empowers women and girls affected by HIV/AIDS and socio-economic hardships. Through skill-building in areas like sewing, baking, and soap-making, and health initiatives like menstrual health education, Perfect Vision enables women to achieve financial independence and overcome stigmas. Volunteers are essential to this mission, contributing to education, outreach, and economic empowerment efforts. This volunteer in Tanzania program provides a meaningful way to support women as they work toward a self-sustained future.
Program Overview: Empowerment and Education through Perfect Vision
Founded by Mama Happy, an inspiring woman affected by HIV, Perfect Vision was established to empower Tanzanian women and girls facing economic and social isolation. Through the program, participants gain critical skills in entrepreneurship, business planning, and health education. The foundation provides training in sewing, jewelry-making, paper bag production, and soap-making, enabling women to generate income and become financially independent. Perfect Vision also distributes reusable sanitary pads and offers menstrual health education in schools to reduce absenteeism, break down stigmas, and promote gender equality.
Volunteers at Perfect Vision play a crucial role, participating in education, skill development, and outreach. As a volunteer in women’s empowerment, you will assist in English and health education classes, train women in business skills, and engage with the local community. Volunteers also contribute to online fundraising and social media efforts, helping the program increase its impact. This volunteer education program offers an opportunity to drive real change, supporting women’s independence and fostering a stronger community.
Your Role as a Volunteer: Support Education and Economic Empowerment
Teach Health and Business Skills
Volunteers provide education in English, HIV/AIDS prevention, family planning, and business skills, enabling women to build healthier and more sustainable lives. Through these volunteer education sessions, you help participants acquire vital knowledge that empowers them to support their families and contribute to their community.
Participate in Health and Outreach Initiatives
As a volunteer in Africa with Perfect Vision, you will engage in outreach programs at schools to distribute reusable sanitary pads and teach menstrual health. By helping reduce absenteeism and dismantle stigmas, you’re fostering a supportive environment for girls to pursue their education and dreams.
Support Skill-Building Workshops
Volunteers assist with workshops in sewing, jewelry-making, and soap production, where women learn income-generating skills. Your participation in these volunteer programs in Africa helps create sustainable livelihoods, directly impacting women’s lives and supporting long-term community development.
Volunteer Program Overview: Essential Details, Requirements, and Logistics
The Perfect Vision volunteer program is open to individuals aged 16 and over, with no prior experience required. Volunteers are encouraged to stay for at least two weeks, working Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to early afternoon. This program is well-suited for those passionate about women’s empowerment, health education, and community development. Volunteers participate in education sessions, community outreach, and skill-building workshops. Additionally, they may help with social media and online fundraising to support the program’s sustainability. Perfect Vision is located 2 km from the hostel, accessible by walking or public transportation. Full orientation and support are provided to ensure a rewarding experience.
- Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, with flexible start dates.
- Requirements: 16 years or older, basic English, no prior experience needed.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Teach English, health, and business skills
- Participate in menstrual health outreach at schools
- Assist with skill-building workshops (sewing, jewelry-making, soap production)
- Working Hours: 9:30 am to early afternoon, Monday to Friday.
- Logistics:
- Hostel accommodation provided
- Located 2 km from the hostel, accessible by public transport
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering with Perfect Vision has a life-changing impact on the women and girls involved. Many participants face economic instability, health issues, and social stigmas, which limit their opportunities. By providing training, education, and emotional support, volunteers help these women gain the skills and confidence needed to achieve financial independence and overcome adversity. Through outreach efforts, you contribute to reducing stigmas around HIV/AIDS and menstruation, promoting health and well-being within the community. Together, these efforts empower women and girls to envision a brighter future and become leaders in their communities.
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.
- 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.