Volunteer at St. Thadeus Pre and Primary School: Support Education in Tanzania
Make a Difference by Teaching and Supporting Children from Disadvantaged Backgrounds
St. Thadeus Pre and Primary School in Arusha, Tanzania, provides quality education for children aged 3 to 13, focusing on empowering children from underserved backgrounds. Volunteers support teachers by assisting with English, French, Mathematics, and sports, while also engaging in activities like first aid training and organizing educational games. This teaching volunteer in Africa program offers a meaningful way to contribute to education in Tanzania, enhancing learning opportunities for children in need.
Program Overview: Teaching and Educational Support at St. Thadeus Pre and Primary School
Founded in 2006 by Thadeus Joackim Lyamuya, St. Thadeus Pre and Primary School serves children from disadvantaged communities, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. With approximately 195 students aged 3 to 13, the school offers a structured curriculum across baby class, nursery, and primary classes up to Class 7. English is the primary language of instruction, complemented by French, helping children develop strong language skills.
Volunteers play an essential role in the school, providing teaching assistance in core subjects like English, Mathematics, and French. They also contribute to activities like first aid training, sports, and educational games, enhancing students’ development in both academics and physical fitness. In addition to teaching, volunteers support food and nutrition by helping serve meals to the children, ensuring they receive the nourishment needed to succeed. This volunteer in schools program is an impactful opportunity for those passionate about education, making a lasting difference in the lives of young learners.
Your Role as a Volunteer: Engage, Educate, and Empower Young Learners
Teaching and Classroom Support
Volunteers assist with teaching English, Mathematics, and French, working closely with teachers to deliver lessons. You’ll engage with students from nursery to Class 7, helping them improve their language skills and providing guidance in other basic subjects. This role is ideal for teaching volunteers in Africa passionate about promoting education and supporting young learners.
Organize Physical and Recreational Activities
Physical education is a vital part of the curriculum, and volunteers are encouraged to lead sports and organize recreational activities. From soccer games to team-building exercises, you’ll help children develop physical fitness, teamwork, and confidence through these engaging activities.
Support Nutrition and First Aid Training
In addition to teaching, volunteers assist with meal times, ensuring students receive nutritious meals. Volunteers can also contribute by conducting first aid training sessions, equipping students and teachers with basic emergency skills. This multifaceted role provides a holistic volunteer education program experience, enhancing student well-being in and out of the classroom.
Volunteer Program Overview: Duration, Requirements, and Logistics
The St. Thadeus Pre and Primary School program is open to volunteers aged 18 and over, with no prior teaching experience required. Volunteers are encouraged to stay for at least two weeks, working from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm, with the option to stay until the school day ends at 3:00 pm. This education volunteer program is ideal for those passionate about helping children develop academically and personally. Volunteers will support classroom teaching, help with physical education, and assist with nutrition and first aid. Located only 570 meters from the volunteer hostel, the school is easily accessible by foot. Lunch is provided free of charge for all volunteers who stay until the end of the school day, ensuring a supportive and fulfilling experience.
- Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, flexible start dates.
- Requirements: 18 years or older, no prior teaching experience required.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Assist with teaching English, Mathematics, and French
- Organize sports and recreational activities
- Support nutrition efforts and conduct basic first aid training
- Working Hours: 7:30 am to 12:00 pm, Monday to Friday (optional 3:00 pm end time).
- Logistics:
- Located 570 meters from the hostel, accessible by walking
- Free lunch provided for full-day volunteers
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering at St. Thadeus Pre and Primary School creates significant benefits for children from underserved backgrounds. By supporting teachers and engaging students in interactive learning, volunteers help improve educational outcomes and language skills. Recreational activities promote teamwork and physical health, while first aid training provides essential life skills. Volunteers also enhance the school’s ability to support students’ nutritional needs, making a positive difference in their overall well-being. This hands-on volunteer in education role empowers students and strengthens the community’s 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 is provided only on ‘full volunteer’ days
- 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.
