Teach and learn in Tanzania

Volunteers are able to work for various lengths of time (normally up to 3 months, but in some cases up to 12 months) at Noonkodin Secondary School or at the Aang Serian office in Arusha. Programmes are as follows:

1. Teach and Learn Programme
We have a limited number of placements available at Noonkodin Secondary School for qualified secondary teachers of English, Geography, Mathematics and Science (minimum of Bachelors degree with an education major, or Postgraduate Certificate of Education, in the relevant subject) from July to December 2007, January to June 2008 and July to December 2008.  There are also ongoing opportunities to work as teaching assistants at the school - helping a Tanzanian teacher in class, and/or providing tuition for weaker students.  Please contact Gemma Enolengila for more details.

2. Building for the Future Programme
Volunteers are encouraged to help out with construction activities, eg bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, painting and general manual work, at the school.  We organize week-long work camps in July and August, and longer placements are available at any time for those who prefer to work independently.  

In addition to these two specific programmes, we can also offer placements at our rural tree nursery, on an organic farm and in the village primary school at certain times of year.  For those who prefer an urban placement, Aang Serian offers opportunities for volunteers to get involved with fundraising, publicity, jewellery marketing and video work, or help out in the recording studio.  We also have links with other organizations that need volunteers for nursery schools and youth camps in Arusha town.

Because of Aang Serian's focus on 'two-way dialogues' between Africa and the West, the volunteer work is always combined with a mixture of formal and informal learning activities. These can include anthropology, music, ecology, botany and social history (depending on your specific interests) as well as Kiswahili and general survival skills! All participants, even those working mainly in Arusha town, are encouraged to join our Journeys of Discovery Programme for a few days to experience rural African life at first hand.

Placements can start at any time of the year (with the exception of formal teaching positions) and can be of flexible duration. There will be ample opportunity for personal travel in the country after the programme. The need for volunteers is greatest in Eluwai, where the lifestyle is basic, but every day brings a new experience. Space permitting, you can stay in the staff house at the school itself; failing like this, you can sleep in a Maasai hut nearby, or a more modern house overlooking the marketplace (with easy access to running water, public transport and small shops) a 35-minute bike ride away.


Participants make a financial contribution to the projects - normally a one-off contribution of £200 (US$380) – and cover all their own costs for accommodation, food and local transport. This money often comes from sponsors and supporters rather than the volunteers themselves! We are a UK registered charity and are happy to provide information about the projects in order to help prospective volunteers with fundraising. Fees include orientation, Swahili tuition and a donation to the school.

Applicants should be aged at least 18, emotionally mature, flexible and able to work on their own initiative (those aged over 16 but under 18 may be considered in exceptional cases). If you are interested, please email Gemma Enolengila with your current CV, stating the approximate length of time you are available for and when you are likely to be able to come. References will be required once the details of the project are confirmed.