Tanzania Volunteer Projects: As the largest country in East Africa, Tanzania has plenty of adventures to satisfy even the most extreme case of wanderlust. For those who love the sun and sand, Tanzania offers up the white sand beaches of Zanzibar. Adventurers can stand on top of the “roof of Africa” after the long climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro or go on safari in the Serengeti or the famous and expansive Ngorongoro crater.

While Tanzania is one of Africa’s most politically stable countries, extreme poverty, lack of educational resources, and the persistence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic continue to take their toll on the Tanzanian people. Tanzania offers a variety of opportunities in many different sectors for passionate volunteers.

Whether you already have training in a particular field or would like to gain experience, there are many established NGOs and non-profits operating in Tanzania that would gladly take your passion and support. Whichever program you choose, Tanzania’s wildlife, cultural diversity, and rich East African history will not disappoint.

Health

Lack of resources and access to care present many health-related problems to the people of Tanzania, particularly those living outside of urban centers in Tanzania’s rural areas. Common illnesses are malaria, typhoid, and hepatitis A. In particular, the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be a problem, as the prevalence rate in the country remains high. Of the 33 million people in the world infected with HIV/AIDS, 1.2 million are living in Tanzania. Volunteers interested in health are needed not only in the clinic setting but also to educate on self-care and prevention.

Community Development

In Tanzania, 35.7% of the population lives below the UN poverty line and 80% of the population lives in rural areas. People living in these areas receive little support from the government and volunteers can help implement a variety of programs in construction, water and sanitation, education, and microenterprise that can help improve the local quality of life.

Conservation

The wildlife conservation sector is important not only to biodiversity but to the economics of the country. Tanzania’s national parks, reserves, conservation areas, and marine parks account for more than one-third of the country’s territory. Volunteers are needed to help maintain and protect these lands and the animals that live on them, which aids in encouraging and improving ecotourism in the country. (Tanzania Volunteer Projects)