Volunteer at Seliani Lutheran Hospital Empower Healthcare in Tanzania
Join Our Medical Volunteer Program to Make a Lasting Impact in the Maasai Community
The Seliani Lutheran Hospital in Tanzania provides essential healthcare services to over 300 patients daily, serving local Maasai communities with limited access to modern care. Volunteers play a key role in assisting with general patient care, maternity services, and treatments for various conditions like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and mental health. As a medical volunteer in Africa, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a hospital setting, working alongside skilled doctors and nurses while expanding your understanding of global health. Volunteers must have a background in healthcare, making this an ideal volunteer in Africa program for students or professionals seeking international experience in a clinical environment.
Program Overview: Medical Volunteer Opportunities at Seliani Lutheran Hospital
The Seliani Lutheran Hospital, located in Ngaramtoni, is a Christian-based healthcare facility dedicated to providing compassionate medical care to underserved Maasai communities. With over 160 beds and a variety of departments, including maternity, pediatrics, mental health, and orthopedics, the hospital offers a full spectrum of services to meet the community’s needs. As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to assist with daily ward rounds, surgical procedures, patient intake, and specialized departments based on your area of expertise. Volunteers participate in a range of departments, such as dermatology, HIV/AIDS care, physiotherapy, and more, ensuring that every day offers a unique opportunity to learn and contribute.
This volunteer in a hospital opportunity is tailored for individuals currently studying medicine, nursing, or allied health professions, or for qualified professionals. Volunteers will be fully integrated into the hospital’s daily operations, supporting patients and learning how to adapt to healthcare challenges with limited resources. Free transportation to the hospital is provided, and you’ll be part of a close-knit, dedicated team working tirelessly to improve community health. This medical volunteer work in Africa allows you to make a meaningful difference while building valuable skills in a real-world setting.
Your Role as a Medical Volunteer: Contribute to Community Health in Tanzania
Support Patient Care in Various Wards
As a volunteer in hospital duties, you’ll assist doctors and nurses in general patient care activities, including administering medication, checking vital signs, and ensuring patients’ comfort. You’ll participate in ward rounds, learning from local medical professionals and helping manage the high patient volume. Your support in these areas is invaluable to the hospital staff and provides you with real-world experience in international healthcare.
Assist in Maternity and Pediatrics Departments
The hospital’s maternity and pediatrics departments are essential to serving the needs of the local community. As a medical volunteer in Africa, you’ll assist with prenatal and postnatal care, deliveries, and early child healthcare, supporting both mothers and infants. This role is ideal for volunteers interested in women’s and children’s health, providing hands-on experience that’s both impactful and educational.
Work with Specialized Health Programs
Volunteers at Seliani Lutheran Hospital also have the opportunity to work in specialized areas, such as HIV/AIDS care, physiotherapy, and mental health services. These volunteer opportunities in healthcare allow you to apply your skills to support patients with specific needs, offering personalized care and counseling where needed. Working in these departments is an enriching experience, providing a deeper understanding of Tanzanian healthcare practices and community challenges.
Volunteer Program Overview: Essential Details, Requirements, and Logistics
The Seliani Lutheran Hospital program is open to individuals aged 18 and over with a background in healthcare or related studies. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of two weeks and can stay for several months, gaining a unique and impactful experience in a Tanzanian hospital. Medical training or certification is required, as volunteers will work closely with patients and provide essential care in various departments, including maternity, pediatrics, and outpatient services. Volunteers work from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, with optional Saturdays. Free transportation is provided to the hospital, which is located 10 kilometers from the hostel. Accommodation is in our volunteer hostel, with 2 meals per day and airport pickup and drop off included.
- Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, with flexible start dates available.
- Requirements: Medical training or certification; 18 years or older.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Assist in general patient care (vital signs, ward rounds)
- Support maternity and pediatrics departments
- Work with specialized programs (HIV/AIDS, physiotherapy, mental health)
- Working Hours: 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday (optional Saturday).
- Logistics:
- Accommodation and 2 meals per day provided at our hostel. Lunch is not included.
- Free hospital transportation and airport pickup included
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering at Seliani Lutheran Hospital provides life-changing support to the patients and the community it serves. Many individuals, especially from the Maasai community, have limited access to healthcare, and your assistance ensures they receive the attention and care they need. By supporting local doctors and nurses, you help improve patient outcomes, relieve staff workload, and bring compassionate care to underserved patients. Specialized support in areas like HIV/AIDS, maternity, and mental health is critical to improving community wellness and reducing stigma around healthcare. Your role not only impacts patients’ health but also leaves a lasting positive influence on the broader 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 is not provided.
- 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.
