Kilimanjaro

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Volunteer Work in Kilimanjaro

CCS volunteers in Kilimanjaro are based in Moshi and Karanga, and support a variety of local initiatives. Volunteers in Kilimanjaro have the ability to use many personal attributes, including creativity, enthusiasm, and a sense of humor in different community organizations offering services in:

• Caregiving : Volunteers can care for infants and children in orphanages, daycares, and centers for street children. A lack of available funding for these organizations and an increase in disease — including HIV/AIDS — leaves many children without available, qualified caregivers. CCS volunteers provide the one-on-one attention and care that these children may not otherwise receive.
• Teaching: Volunteers can teach children, teach conversational English, or assist teachers with special education. Schools in Kilimanjaro are often overcrowded because while community members believe that education is important, there is a shortage in qualified teachers, basic resources, and facilities. Volunteers support the teachers in local schools and community centers, help students with their homework, teach English, plan arts & crafts, and bring new perspectives to the students.
• Community Development: Volunteers can help to work toward women’s empowerment by participating in income-generating activities. Volunteers also provide companionship, and assist with treatment and prevention services in communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Volunteers in Moshi become an important part of the support networks for people affected by the widespread HIV/AIDS epidemic in Tanzania.
• Healthcare: The public hospitals in Kilimanjaro are very large, and often overcrowded, because residents can receive affordable medical care under a cost-sharing model, unlike private, smaller hospitals. Volunteers help with office work and other essential tasks within the hospitals. Volunteers with proof of prior medical experience can observe and assist local health professionals. Kilimanjaro volunteers in health placements should be mindful of the potential for a large language barrier.

Volunteer Abroad and Intern Abroad programs are offered in Kilimanjaro. Placements are always designed to match your skills and interests to the needs identified by the community.

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Cultural & Learning Activities in Kilimanjaro

Building on your volunteer work in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Cultural & Learning Activities may include discussions about the traditions of the Chagga people and their history and about international development with guest speakers, or a visit by a local nurse to discuss the rampant HIV/AIDS epidemic. Trips to historical sites, local museums and markets in the area, as well as classes for those interested in learning Swahili, are also included.

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Free Time in Kilimanjaro

During their free time, volunteers often choose to go on safari to the many national parks in the area or visit Mount Kilimanjaro, with its gleaming glaciers and beautiful waterfalls. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro takes longer than a weekend, so if you are planning to climb Kili, you may want to plan time after your program for this, or hike to the nearby Mount Meru, which also offers breathtaking views. The town of Moshi contains plenty of attractions and activities, such as sporting events, restaurants, religious worship and visiting with members of the community.

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Home-Base in Kilimanjaro

There are two Home-Bases in the Kilimanjaro region. One is in the town of Moshi; the other in Karanga, a semi-rural area about 5 kilometers away from Moshi. There is frequent daladala service (local transport) between the two. Both Home-Bases have clean, modest accommodations with shared occupancy rooms for four to six volunteers. Volunteers are assigned to a Home-Base based on their chosen start date.

The CCS in-country staff in the Kilimanjaro region will make you feel at home during your stay and help you to better understand the culture. Each Home-Base in Kilimanjaro has their own Director and full-time staff. Transportation to and from your placement and any Cultural & Learning Activities is provided by CCS' licensed drivers.

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In-Country Staff in Kilimanjaro

Local CCS staff in Kilimanjaro will welcome you to the community, make you feel at home, and help you better understand Tanzanian culture and history. They will help facilitate your volunteer experience and are always available to answer any questions that may arise. CCS staff is always from the region where we operate—they provide a local perspective, help you learn the local language, and guide you in what to do in your free time.

All of our in-country staff members are warm, loving people who will make sure you are well cared for. Each CCS program site has a Country Director or Program Director and a full staff to take care of all programming, administrative, and logistical needs, as well as housekeepers, drivers, house guards, and cooks. Because the staff office is typically located at the CCS Home-Base, a helping hand is never far.

Due to the high demand for opportunities to volunteer, there are two Home-Bases in the Kilimanjaro region. One is in the town of Moshi; the other in Karanga, a semi-rural area about 5 kilometers away from Moshi. Our expert staff in both towns work together closely to ensure the highest level of program quality for all volunteers, regardless of their assigned program site. Learn more about our staff in Kilimanjaro below.

Country Director: Thea Mushi
Thea Mushi was born in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. For eight years, she worked as the Country Director for the Irish Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO). Thea has also received training as an Accountant and a Community and Social Development Worker. Thea has also worked as a consultant for an international NGO – Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) – based in Tanzania, and also supports her family shipping and farming business. As the Tanzania Country Director, Thea leads the Kilimanjaro, Rural Kilimanjaro and Bagamoyo program operations.

Program Director - Moshi: Moses Polepole
Moses Polepole was raised in Tabora, western Tanzania, and spent four and half years in the United States studying at both Colorado State and Virginia State Universities, specializing in Rural Economic Development. His experience with international volunteers includes five years of work with the US Peace Corps as an Associate Peace Corps Director, and ten years with the Swedish Volunteer Service as a Program Officer and Training Officer.

Program Director - Karanga: Lilian Pendaeli
Lilian Pendaeli was born in Machame, Hai District in the Kilimanjaro Region. She holds a master’s in development studies, specializing in regional development planning. She has a BA in economics from the University of Dar es Salaam. Her experience includes working with Civil Society Organizations, and religious and academic institutions. She has spent more than 20 years working with the CSO's in Tanzania and Swaziland.

House Managers
The House Managers are responsible for logistical arrangements such as arranging transportation and food.

Program Officers
The Program Officers are in charge of day-to-day operations in the office and the program. You can always talk to them when you have questions about your volunteer work.

Program Coordinator
The Program Coordinator works directly with the Program Officer, assisting with the support and follow up of the volunteers. They can help and answer any questions or concerns you may have about your placement.

Drivers
Our drivers will pick you up and drop you off at the airport. They will also provide transportation to and from the worksites and when necessary for the field trips.

Cooks
The cooks are in charge of preparing traditional Tanzanian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Housekeeper
The housekeeper is in charge of all of the housekeeping for the Home-Base. They will wash your linens and towels once a week and they are in charge of keeping the house clean and comfortable.

Home Guards
The guards are in charge of the safety of the house and the volunteers.