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Watoto Wa Africa Ministries Orphanage, Mwanza, Tanzania

The director of Watoto Wa Africa ministries writes " Watoto Wa Africa Ministries has 36 orphans all living with us in our small rental compound for 5 years now. They are children who had no hope in this world and believed that there was no one who could care for them. They need good hearted people who can understand them, who can pull strings so they can get sponsorship, people ready to become their friends for life. They need help in building their capacity to equally fight for the few opportunities in this country. We are looking forward to getting responsible volunteers".

The centre is only 30 minutes from Mwanza town. Mwanza is the second largest city in Tanzania, situated at the shores of Lake Victoria. Its roads have recently been improved and it is just a few hours from the Serengeti National Park. there is a significant expatriate presence in Mwanza due to the number of NGOs and schools that are based there. Visits here can be arranged by the project. The important thing is to be able to work with children, show them affection and give them confidence that things can change. Sharing of domestic and social skills and teaching of English are important too. For the Project Manager they need someone full of visionary ideas on how to help a small organization become more self-sufficient and better able to serve the people of Tanzania. Some fund raising is also encouraged as this is a very poor organization. Basic things such as food, clothing, school materials and playthings (including basic sports equipment like balls, etc.) are in short supply and need resourcing.

The orphanage needs people with many different skills: a manager to help build the ministry's capacity to run organizationally, and teachers to help in teaching the kids English, people with skills as carers and supporters, knitting and sewing skills, carpentry, and any other skills that can be available. Music skills (choir and keyboard) are also welcomed, and any instrument that could be left behind would be most welcomed! The placement would welcome single people or married couples. There is a good local English medium school using the UK curriculum but fees would have to be paid and costs for a family home would have to be met. For any extended period for a family there would be visa difficulties. All volunteers should be Christian and able to work within the local Christian environment, which expects a certain model of behaviour as well as personal faith. The tradition of the director is Pentecostal and it would help if volunteers are able to worship in that way, though there is a huge variety of churches to attend on Sundays. There are many opportunities to do further Christian activities - from choirs to groups.

Accommodation, food and services (electricity, water, etc) is available at US$500 (c£250)  per month, though volunteers may also find their own accommodation. It is recommended that people learn Swahili, if possible, knowing some basics before they arrive (courses are available on CD, etc in the UK, and many UK residents from Kenya or Tanzania will be willing to help). Courses would also be available on arrival or by correspondence course. Working with the children is the best way to learn, but some knowledge of basics is helpful. Teaching English is one priority for children as they will progress better in state schools. Volunteers are needed immediately and the preferred stay would be six months. However, terms are flexible and Christians Abroad will negotiate on behalf of volunteers.

It is important to have the right vaccinations and preparation and UK doctors or specialised clinics will give up-to-date advice. Some items need several doses and adequate time should be left for this. Anti-malarials will be needed. There are reasonable local hospitals, but volunteers will need travel and health insurance obtained through us.

Tanzania's climate displays marked regional differences because of the country's widely varying topography. In general, the coolest months are from June to October and the warmest months are from December to March. Throughout much of the country there are two rainy seasons. The masika (long rains) fall from mid-March through to May, with rains virtually every day, although seldom for the whole day. The mvuli (short rains) fall during November, December and sometimes into January. Because of the relatively high location above sea level (1,134 m) is the humidity normal (medium dry) and vary from 50 - 65% throughout the year. People will enter Tanzania on visitor's visas, which may be extended.

You will need to give three referees - one who knows you professionally or academically, a close friend and someone who knows your spiritual life.

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If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to know more contact us.

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