Volunteer at WEHAF: Empower Women and Families in Tanzania
Support Economic Empowerment and HIV/AIDS Education through Our Volunteer Program
The Widows Encouragement & HIV/AIDS Foundation (WEHAF) works with women impacted by HIV/AIDS, providing them with resources and training to achieve economic independence and improve their quality of life. Through workshops on topics like micro-finance, entrepreneurship, and health education, WEHAF empowers women to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to their communities. Volunteers can help support this mission by teaching, providing business training, assisting in day care, and engaging in fundraising. This volunteer in Tanzania program is an opportunity to make a lasting difference by helping women gain self-sufficiency and leadership skills.
Program Overview: Empowerment and HIV/AIDS Education at WEHAF
WEHAF was founded to address the challenges faced by women affected by HIV/AIDS in Tanzania, where widowhood often brings severe economic hardship. Many women lose their primary income source and risk losing their homes, leading to social and financial instability. WEHAF’s initiatives provide training and education to enable these women to support themselves and their families. With programs in micro-financing, sewing, baking, and soap production, along with health and hygiene education, the foundation gives women the tools to generate income and build stronger, self-sustained communities.
Volunteers are essential to WEHAF’s mission, participating in diverse roles such as teaching English, assisting with children in day care, developing fundraising strategies, and managing outreach projects. This volunteer women empowerment program also emphasizes the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention, nutrition, and women’s health education. Through this work, volunteers not only support skill-building but also help foster resilience, confidence, and hope within the community.
Your Role as a Volunteer: Support Empowerment and Education for Tanzanian Women
Provide Community Education on AIDS and Health
Volunteers will lead educational sessions on the impact of HIV/AIDS, focusing on prevention, reproductive health, and sanitation. By raising awareness and sharing health information, you’ll empower women to take charge of their own health and well-being. This role is ideal for those interested in volunteer causes related to public health and community education.
Assist in Micro-Financing and Entrepreneur-ship Training
As part of the volunteer education and empowerment program, you’ll help teach skills in micro-financing, business development, and entrepreneurship to enable women to build sustainable incomes. Through training sessions and one-on-one support, you’ll provide practical skills and guidance that help participants gain economic independence, making a lasting impact on their lives and families.
Support Childcare and Early Education
WEHAF also runs a day care center, the Elimu Project, for children of program participants. Volunteers assist by caring for young children, teaching basic English, and organizing activities to foster learning and social skills. This is an excellent role for those with a background in early childhood education or anyone passionate about volunteer education and child development.
Volunteer Program Overview: Essential Details, Requirements, and Logistics
The WEHAF program is open to volunteers aged 18 and over who are passionate about women’s rights, education, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Volunteers commit to a minimum of two weeks, working Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. No prior experience is required, though knowledge of English and interest in community empowerment are valuable. Volunteers will assist with community education, micro-financing, and childcare, and may also engage in fundraising, social media management, and proposal writing to expand the foundation’s reach. WEHAF is located 8 kilometers from the volunteer hostel, and public transport is readily available. Volunteers receive full orientation and support, ensuring a smooth and impactful experience.
- Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, flexible start dates.
- Requirements: 18 years or older, basic English, interest in women’s empowerment and HIV/AIDS education.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Educate on HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and sanitation
- Assist with micro-financing and entrepreneurship training
- Support day care and early education programs
- Working Hours: 9 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Logistics:
- Hostel accommodation provided at our own hostel
- Public transportation available
- There is also a private shuttle available for $22USD per week.
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering at WEHAF creates significant positive impacts on the lives of women and families in Tanzania. Many participants face financial and social challenges due to the loss of a primary income and the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. By providing training, education, and emotional support, volunteers help these women develop the skills and confidence needed for economic independence. In childcare, volunteers nurture the children of participants, creating a supportive environment for early education. Together, these efforts foster hope, resilience, and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on the 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 may be provided at the project. Confirm with co-ordinator first.
- 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.
