Would you like to be a volunteer? Youth Peace Makers welcomes both national and international volunteers for shorter and longer stay in our organization. May this be something for you? Read below and find out!
Why become a volunteer?
Working as a volunteer gives you a unique opportunity to discover new perspectives on the world, yourself, and people from a different culture than your own. Your engagement in our organization will create changes in the lives of youths and their communities, but also in yourself. Volunteering is the perfect way to form lifelong friendships, share thoughts, acquire new skills, and gets rid of false, demeaning stereotypes. You will see development work in practice, and experience on your body lived reality from an African town. The person coming here will not be the same when he or she leaves.
Volunteering may also benefit your work career. Many employers look for employees with international experience and civic engagement. All volunteers in YPM will receive a certificate at completion of their volunteering period, which may be attached to their resumes.
If you are ready for this life-changing adventure, if you want to experience a beautiful, East-African country and its people in a deeper and more authentic manner than you ever get as a tourist, then volunteering in YPM is something for you. Meet new people and do something meaningful.
What can I work with?
YPM are particularly looking for people interested in the following fields:
- ICT, updating of our media platforms, video and photography for use in reporting and social media, teaching kids/youths computer skills
- Work on economic justice and democratic citizenship with youths and children in school
- Follow up on VICOBA and PETS program
- Assist and train Tensing group in Lushoto town and/or Sports and Games groups
Practical:
A volunteer has to be above 18 years old, and should master both written and spoken English or Swahili. The volunteer period should last for a minimum of 8 weeks, to a maximum of 6 moths.
YPM does not charge any volunteer-fee for volunteering in our organization, but interns are themselves responsible for covering all costs related to traveling to and staying in Tanzania. Included in this is a cost of $200-700 for a B-class visa (cost depending on length of stay), which is required of all alien citizens who wish to volunteer in Tanzania. We will help you to obtain this visa at the District Immigration Office in Lushoto.
YPM can assist interns in finding a place to live, either in a host family or at a hostel.
Where? Lushoto town
Most volunteers will be placed at the YPM head office, located centrally in Lushoto town, but there will be possibilities to visit activities in our branches in other parts of Tanga region.
Lushoto is situated in the mountains, at an average height of 1400 meters above sea level. Although you are guaranteed a stunning view, volunteers should be aware that the climate sometimes can be cold, particularly in our winter period (April-July). You should bring a good jacket from home, and water proof shoes if you are staying here in the rain season (October-December). You should also bring cultural sensitive clothes covering knees and shoulders, as not everyone are used to western clothing, especially not in the rural villages.
Most international visitors coming to our organization use the airport in either Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro. From there you need to travel by bus or hire a car. YPM has contacts and can help you with arranging the transportation. There are many buses leaving for Lushoto at different hours.
Lushoto town is simple compared to bigger Tanzanian cities like Tanga city or Dar Es Salaam, but you can get a majority of the most basic everyday commodities you need here, including toiletries. It can however be wise to bring items from home if you are dependent on a specific brand or have very special dietary needs.
Most of the Tanzanian economy is cash based, but Lushoto has two Banks with ATMs which accept most international credit and debit cards. It is also possible to bring dollars and exchange them into shillings. You can either do this in Lushoto or while you are still at the airport or in a bigger city.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to send us an email or comment on Facebook. Hope to see you as our next volunteer.
Lushoto is surrounded by beautiful nature for hiking
Go for safari in one of the national parks to spot the Big Five
Explore everyday life at the market square and bus stand