Frequently asked questions

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! Please check the volunteer tab on our website (enter link here). We need a motivational letter including your preferred timing and length of stay, an updated CV and a filled in Volunteer Form from you. After reviewing your application we will get in touch with you to let you know about the outcome.

Although you can take experiences from any former work you may have done and apply it here at Mwema, we made the experience that really anyone can serve as an inspiration to our children – as long as they are motivated to make an impact. However, a background in social science, financial and administration, engineering, teaching or related topics is an advantage.

Although you can take experiences from any former work you may have done and apply it here at Mwema, we made the experience that really anyone can serve as an inspiration to our children – as long as they are motivated to make an impact. However, a background in social science, financial and administration, engineering, teaching or related topics is an advantage.

Yes, of course. We are happy to host volunteers of a wide agerange, with our youngest volunteer having been 20 years and our oldest (so far!) been 69. There are no age limits above.

No. We believe that volunteers of 20 years age and above benefit most from their stay here and tend to have a greater impact.

Mwema does not charge for volunteering itself. However, if you would like to stay at our Volunteer Hostel, we do charge a daily fee for the stay.

While we believe that volunteers get the best experience when they stay for longer than two weeks up to three months. If your time doesn’t allow for that, please check with us to make sure you can still enjoy your time here with us.

It is our experience and firm belief that volunteers gain a deep insigh into Tanzanian culture, get many valuable insights into the life of street children and that of living at Mwema, exchange ideas and form longlasting friendships with people they meet here. Last but not least you’ll be able to learn Swahili from native speakers and enjoy the beauty of Tanzania through trips. Many of our former volunteers call their time at Mwema an experience of a lifetime.

Please contact us, we will provide you with further information and discuss your individual situation.

After reviewing your credentials and any work experience you might already have, we can give you some ideas about which kind of work you can do. This can reach from support in teaching, language classes, creating social media content to fixing electrics and holding workshops for our staff. However your own ideas on how to involve yourself into Mwema are also most welcome.

Whilst the malaria risk in Karatu is lower than in other areas of Tanzania, it is advised to take preventative medication. Your doctor can advise you which is most suitable to you. We also advise volunteers to cover up in the evening and use DEET-containing mosquito repellant. At our volunteer hostel we also provide mosquito nets.

Unfortunately, at this moment we are not able to cover any of the volunteer’s costs. However, we are happy to help you arrange airport transport or accommodation to make your travels and stay as convenient to you as possible.

We have two rooms with four beds each on the Mwema premise. Volunteers who stay there get the full Mwema experience, as they stay close to the children and are part of the centre’s daily routines. We charge a small daily fee for accommodation, but also include food and WiFi in that.

If you would like to stay elsewhere, we can also arrange a stay at a nearby hotel or home stay for you. Just let us know well ahead of time so that we can make the proper arrangements.

Volunteers at Mwema are served local foods. As many meals are cooked with small meat/fish parts, we can’t create purely vegetarian options. For any other inquiries, please contact us in advance.

In Tanzania the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH) is used. There are several banks within a walking distance of Mwema in the city centre, where you can withdrawl money easily.

Karatu is a small town in the district of Arusha in Tanzania. It is located close to many national parks like Ngorongoro, Serengeti or Manyara. The town itself is an authentic Tanzanian small town with a market, several shops, some restaurants and bars. While not being quite as busy and acustomed to tourists as the next bigger city, Arusha, all everyday necessities can easily be bought in town and most places are reachable on foot.

We have Wifi at Mwema, but also suggest you get a local sim-card. Prices for mobile internet access vary from company to company, but are very affordable.

To give everyone the best experience possible at Mwema, we do not take more than five volunteers at a time. Each volunteer works together closely with a personal tutor, which will be one of our staff members. To make sure each volunteer gets taken care of in the everyday activities, we limit our volunteers to five at a time.

We are located very close to several government- and private hospitals, other clinics and pharmacies which offer a wide variety of services. If you get any medical emergency we will help you to visit the appropriate medical facility. Most pharmacies here are well stocked and offer quite a lot of products, however it is suggested to bring a small supply from home, e.g. medication for nausea, headaches, diarrhoea and any other personal medication you might require.

Yes, there is. Besides coming to volunteer in Tanzania, we are also always happy to have ambassadors in other countries, who are spreading the word about Mwema by holding presentations or participating in fundraising actions If you would like to be part of the Mwema Children Centre Ambassador Team, please contact us for further information.

We advise you to get a medical insurance for your stay. Another insurances you might consideris a travel insurance.

A visa is required to volunteer in Tanzania. Since there are different kinds of visa, the choice will depend on your individual length of stay. Our administrative staff will support you during the process and provide the necessary documents.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) or Arusha Airport are the closest airports to Karatu, where Mwema is located. From KIA it is about 200kms to Karatu, from Arusha Airport 133kms. From both we can organize transport by car to Mwema. Especially for first-time visitors we would not recommend using public transport to get from either of those airports to Karatu.

When starting your volunteering at Mwema, you will get an orientation day, where you will learn all about Mwema Children Centre and the daily routines. On any other behalf a consultation with our Head of Social Department or Head of Education might take place as well.

Generelly speaking, yes. Tanzania is a relatively safe country. With that being said, as with all developing countries, there are some safety measures to be acknowledged, e.g. not walking alone outside after dark, not displaying valuables in public, etc. Upon arrival you will get a safety briefing from our administration to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. All of our visitors and volunteers have fully enjoyed their stay here and our staff is always happy to assist in any situation.

No, you do not have to know Swahili to volunteer. Even though many volunteers enjoy learning the language while staying in Tanzania, most communication takes place in English.

We are always happy to see our volnteers enjoy the rich cultural programms and beautiful nature this country has to offer. We can link you to local services and help you organize a trip you won’t forget.

The following list will give you a basic idea of what to bring with you for your stay in Karatu and your time volunteering. Please keep in mind that this list is far from complete.

1. T-Shirts (you will need to cover your shoulders in town and at Mwema)
2. Shorts/skirts (should be at least knee length in town and at Mwema)
3. Sweater (it can get quite cold in the evening/at night)
4. Sneakers/running shoes (for walking and sports/games)
5. Umbrella and/or raincoat (especially during rainy season)
6. Sunprotection (Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
7. Mosquito repellent (suggestion: including DEET)
8. Torch (power cuts happen from time to time in Tanzania)
9. Power bank for charging phones, if available