Empower Girls in Tanzania with the Ulinzi Wa Kike Project
Help Schoolgirls Stay in School by Teaching Menstrual Health and Sewing Reusable Pads
In Tanzania, thousands of schoolgirls miss out on their education every month due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. Without affordable options, many girls are forced to stay home or drop out of school entirely. The Ulinzi Wa Kike Project was created to tackle this issue by teaching girls how to sew reusable pads and providing essential menstrual health education.
As a volunteer, you’ll play a hands-on role in empowering these young girls with practical skills and vital knowledge that allows them to manage their periods with confidence and dignity. Led by our talented seamstress, Hellen, and project coordinator, Doreen, this initiative is breaking the stigma around menstruation while giving girls the freedom to continue their education and build brighter futures.
Overview of Home of Malaika's Ulinzi Wa Kike
The Ulinzi Wa Kike Project runs every Monday and Thursday from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM at various public schools in Arusha. During each session, volunteers assist with sewing workshops, guiding the girls through the process of creating reusable pads from start to finish. In addition, volunteers support local educators in delivering important lessons on menstrual health, hygiene, and self-care.
This program is not just about teaching a practical skill, it’s about building confidence and creating a safe space for open conversations about menstruation. Many of the girls come from communities where periods are heavily stigmatized, so your role as a volunteer is crucial in helping them understand their bodies and feel empowered to stay in school.
In addition to the workshops, volunteers also help with preparing materials, setting up sewing stations, and assisting with quality control to ensure that each pad is durable and functional. Volunteers are encouraged to connect with the girls, offer emotional support, and help create a positive and supportive learning environment.
Your Role as a Volunteer
Help with Sewing Support
Assist the girls in learning how to cut fabric, use sewing machines, and create high-quality reusable pads. Your guidance will help them build confidence in their sewing skills and produce pads that can last for months.
Menstrual Health Education
Work alongside local educators to teach the girls about menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and self-care. Your support helps break the stigma around menstruation and gives the girls the knowledge they need to manage their periods with confidence.
Building a Supportive Environment
Create a safe and positive space where girls feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their experiences. Your presence as a volunteer helps foster open conversations and empowers girls to support one another.
Volunteer Program Overview: Duration, Requirements, and Logistics
Volunteering with Ulinzi Wa Kike is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a direct impact on girls’ education and well-being. The program is open to volunteers with or without sewing experience. All you need is a passion for empowering young girls and a willingness to learn. Sessions are held twice a week at local schools, just 3 km from the hostel, and are easily accessible by public transport or a 40-minute walk. Volunteers can join for as little as one week or stay for several months to build deeper connections with the girls and the community.
- Duration: Monday and Thursday 2:30pm – 4:30pm
- Requirements: 16 years or older, no prior experience needed.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Assist in menstrual health education workshops
- Help create a safe and supportive learning environment
- Assist with the sewing
- Logistics:
- Located 3 km from the hostel, accessible by public transport
- Full orientation provided
The Impact You Will Make
Your role as a volunteer with Ulinzi Wa Kike directly transforms the lives of young girls in Tanzania. By helping them access reusable pads and menstrual health education, you’re not only preventing school absenteeism but also empowering them to stay in school, complete their education, and pursue future career opportunities. This project also helps break the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation, allowing girls to speak openly about their bodies and health. Your support creates lasting change by improving their confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
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.
