Medical Volunteering in Tanzania at a Dispensary
Go for a trip to Africa and work as a medical volunteer in Tanzania and help to treat people and create health awareness.
In 2002 the Servants of the Poor, Daughters of Charity opened the dispensary. Primarily their mission was to attend to basic healthcare needs and education of their local communities. Within this culture, cattle is their way of life and the main source of income, when necessary. Since the local people still resort to their traditional healing methods, they do not yet fully understand the value of professional healthcare and education. As a medical volunteer in Tanzania, you can greatly help both to provide health care and educate local people about health awareness!
Help improving healthcare for the local population
When the healthcare facility opened to the public in 2002, the local people did not see their assistance as necessary, as they had already become accustomed to their own methods of care. Only when these showed negative results did people begin to use the dispensaries facilities.
Why get involved as a medical volunteer in Tanzania?
The dispensary is seriously lacking staff, as they can count only on one clinician employeee. Theerefore, they will welcome and appreciate your help! Even if they have several assistants, they require your support as a medical volunteer in Tanzania.
Medical Laboratory with an Ultrasound Machine and more…
The laboratory has a range of equipment such as an ultrasound machine, and the ability to screen for malaria. Moreover they can test for many other life-threatening illnesses. Within the facility they also have the ability to treat many of these diseases, such as pneumonia, malaria and sexually transmitted infections. With its fantastic work, the project now provides access to tests and treatments for the local people, they previously even didn’t know to exist. As a medical volunteer in Tanzania you would be avpart of a lifesaving team, for those truly in need.
Start Dates & Duration
Medical internships in Tanzania start every Tuesday of the month. You should arrive on Mondays.
You can choose to work as a medical volunteer in Tanzania from 2 to 12 weeks.
Orientation
One day orientation with city tour takes place on Tuesday after the arrival date.
Location, Accommodation & Orientation
Our programs to volunteer in Tanzania are based in Arusha, which is known as the safari capital. It has population of around 420,000 inhabitants and is situated in north of the country, at the foot of the Mont Meru Mountain. It is 1,380 meters above sea level and even though it sits very near to the equator, it has an all year round pleasant climate.
The most attractive feature of the city is its location. It is the hub of Safari that runs through the north of Tanzania. Nearby, many National Parks are found: Serengeti, Manyara Lake, Tarangire, Arusha and Kilimanjaro, the conservation area of Ngorongoro, the Olduvai Gorge. Arusha is normally the main choice of visitors who come to Tanzania.
Please Note:
- The program fee is paid directly to the host organization.
- All of the projects incur a registration fee of U$ 149.00 on top of the program fee.
What is included in the program fee?
- Airport Pickup
- 1 day orientation plus city tour
- Accommodation for all projects in a new hostel
- 2 meals per day (breakfast & dinner)
- Support from local staff & Program supervision
- In-country 24/7 support throughout your stay
- In-country administration costs
There are no hidden costs. Most of these projects are the most affordable to volunteer inTanzania
Iko Poran is an NGO based in a developing country. We are dedicated to helping you help others, at the lowest possible price. We are interested in making volunteering abroad more accessible so that more people can help do really important work.
Participants in our Tanzania programs normally find US$ 50 to be sufficient for weekly expenses in the country.
The program fee should be paid to the host country and it is due 30 days before the project start date.
Extras:
Workshops is African dance, Tanzanian culinary, Masai crafts are offered at a special rate for volunteers. As well as Safaris, Kilimanjaro climbing, cultural tours and many other activities.
Visas:
It is required to obtain a Volunteer Visa locally that costs US$ 250. Volunteers should state tourism on the arrival at the airport and the local team will take them to the immigration office on the next day to obtain their volunteer visas.
Accommodation & Meals
As a volunteer in Tanzania you will stay in a hostel situated in one of the best neighbourhoods in Arusha and only 15 minutes away from the city centre.
It is a fully-equipped new hostel where you will not only be able to get to know your fellow volunteers but also a local family who own the house and will be living next door to you. You will stay in rooms usually shared by up to four volunteers. The rooms have mosquito netting for all the beds, wardrobes and various shared bathrooms. The hostel has lounge areas with TV, DVD, two dinning areas, music players and tranquil gardens with sitting areas and breath taking views. Full breakfast and dinner are provided and there is a private fridge reserved only for our volunteers.
Neighbourhood
The hostel is located in one of the best neighbourhoods of Arusha. The natural landscape that surrounds the volunteer’s house is stunning! If you are a nature-lover then you will be able to enjoy long walks with beautiful and scenic views like this:
The urban public transport communication is excellent. In order to arrive to the city centre you will be able to take the Dala Dala (city bus) from outside the volunteer’s house. The house is also surrounded by a variety of local restaurants where you will be able to try all types of traditional dishes: chips mayai, chargrilled chicken, ugali, rice etc. Local shops are close within reach for any emergency purchases.
Requirements for medical volunteering in Tanzania
You must be at least 18 years old at the start of your placement. Exceptions can be made for under 18’s accompanied by a guardian or with a parental consent.
All volunteers must have adequate volunteer travel insurance and are required to provide a criminal background check to local staff on arrival in Tanzania or during orientation.
Language Requirements
Knowledge of intermediate English is a pre-requisite. Although the official language of Tanzania is Swahili, English is widely spoken in Arusha because of the influx of tourists on safari groups and trekking. It is advisable that you learn some phrases in Swahili for your daily communication. To speed up your learning, we recommend that you take advantage of a very affordable 3 hours Swahili introduction course taught at your accommodation for only US$30.
Visas:
It is required to obtain a Volunteer Visa locally that costs US$ 200. Volunteers should state tourism on the arrival at the airport and the local team will take them to the immigration office on the next day to obtain their volunteer visas.
Reviews of our Volunteers in Tanzania
Maeva Ramos from Italy having “the most beautiful experience ever” in Tanzania.
Irina donated a Laptop and Wi-Fi Connection for the Orphanage in Tanzania
Sharing her Love with Children in Tanzania: Jessica Mansoto from Brazil
Gabrielle from USA sharing her love with the childcare project in Tanzania
Three unforgettable weeks working as a volunteer in Arusha, Tanzania
Volunteering Program in Arusha Tanzania
More Volunteer Opportunities in Tanzania
Find more projects to volunteer in Tanzania here.
In Arusha, you can work as a childcare volunteer at the orphanage, a rewarding experience!
In the African country you can also do social work on women empowerment, or teach English to children at school. As a sports volunteer, you can even work on football coaching for the boys and girls.
Moreover, you can bring your artistic talents an work with African Dance.
Finally, you can work on innovation and sustainable development in our new project!
Interested in more Medical Volunteer Destinations?
If you are interested in medical volunteering, find here more destinations for Health Promotion Volunteer Opportunities.
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