Volunteers play an essential role in MWK student learning.
Volunteers’ energy help initially shy students become confident and happy. Their fresh teaching styles open students’ minds to more experiences and perspectives, and they help us demonstrate to students that school and learning can be fun. Volunteers who can speak English with the students help them develop fluency. MWK teachers also enjoy meeting, sharing their own experiences, and learning from the experiences of the volunteers. Read past volunteer experiences.
People typically volunteer during gap years, on university breaks, as part of an extended family vacation, or after retirement. All are welcome at any time during the academic year, beginning in January and ending in December. There are two types of volunteering: pre-form 1 teaching (English) and regular volunteering.
Volunteers teach primary or secondary school classes or help manage projects such as academic clubs, service projects, and sports teams. You can also propose new initiatives that forward our educational objectives. They work directly with Tanzanian teachers and staff.
They stay on campus in teachers’ quarters and pay for their own food, transport, visa, and incidentals. Volunteers staying for more than 3 months become eligible for a stipend equivalent to that received by teachers.
Who Volunteers?
MWK volunteers work with MWK teachers and staff to bring energy, ideas and a broader worldview to our students, classrooms and extracurricular activities.
We welcome:
- Self starters of varying ages—from high school graduates looking for a rewarding gap year to families interested in service projects to seasoned professionals wanting to share life skills.
- People with skills in computers, arts, teaching, leadership, sports or recreation
When Can I Volunteer?
Key times are:
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Anytime in January-November, the academic year, for teaching, academic support and coaching
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September-November for Secondary level ESL and Learning Skills preparation
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April for Primary level ESL and Learning Skills prep
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Our preference is a commitment to at least 2 to 3 months. (If this doesn’t fit, let us know and we will see if we can find a fit.)
How Does it Work?
- The school is in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, an historic city with beautiful beaches and access to Tanzania’s well known National Parks. You get to Tanzania on your own and we will pick you up at the Dar Es Salaam airport and drive you to Bagamoyo.
- Volunteers stay free on campus in teachers’ quarters compound and receive lunch daily. Off campus and recreational activities are on your own.
- Volunteers staying for more than 3 months are eligible for a stipend equal to normal teacher’s pay in Tanzania.
- Email either the MWK School Manager or the TEF Executive Director to explore your possible volunteer experience.
We are looking for volunteers!
If you, or someone you know, is looking for a meaningful experience and supporting wonderful students, consider volunteering at MWK Schools!
If you:
- Want an intern level gap year experience
- Have valuable teaching or mentoring skills
- Want to share your talents in the arts
- Love coaching primary or secondary level sports teams
- Want to take your family on a meaningful service experience
- Have computer skills to share and teach
- Like to organize students in leadership and adventure activities
- Have the skills help us continue to build our solar infrastructure
- Teach ESL
- Have library and information services skills
Please consider sharing your skills and life experience with MWK Schools!
Volunteers have a great experience with MWK Schools. If you don’t have time to volunteer, consider donating to TEF to supoort our students.
In Tanzania, primary school classes are taught in Kiswahili, while secondary school classes are all taught in English. This transition is difficult for students because English classes, especially in public primary schools, do not teach a sufficient English level for students to successfully enter secondary school. Having volunteers and visitors who speak only English with the students is a huge advantage for students as they develop a strong understanding of the language.
Volunteer within school classes and activities. Volunteers participate and lead sports teams, clubs, and enrichment activities. Volunteers can also initiate additional programs or clubs. These can be passions or experiences they want to share, or anything else that would contribute to our students’ education. In the past, volunteers have started programs regarding sexual education, science, culture, creative writing, and videography.
Volunteers tutor, teach students how to use computers, and assist with sports and creative classes, such as singing, painting, drawing, writing, and acting. Many have created activities or clubs based on their interests and expertise. Certified teachers can teach classes. Those who are fluent in English can help students improve their English by leading conversation classes or clubs.
MWK has a long-term relationship with Egaa Gymnasium, a secondary school in Aarhus, Denmark, that annually brings thirty Danish students and three teachers to MWK for a week-long joint project with our students and teachers, ending with a presentation to the student body. During the week, the visitors and MWK students and teachers take part in sports competitions and other activities. Volunteers can also stay at our Tanzanian students’ homes.
