HIV/AIDS Outreach in Dar es Salaam

  Tanzania

• Other Cities in Tanzania: 
Dar Es Salaam

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: throughout the year

Description: In its most recent report, UNAIDS estimates over 1.4 million people in Tanzania are HIV positive. Urban centers have been hit much harder that rural areas with some neighborhoods reporting adult infection rates as high as 40%. ELI works with a community center in the Tandale neighborhood of Dar es Salaam where volunteers can assist with HIV prevention activities as well as support activities for HIV positive community members. The center uses dance, street theater, and home visits as a means to educate the community on issues such as HIV prevention, life skills, and safe sex practices. The organization is also linked to a clinic which provides STD testing and some basic medical care to members of the surrounding community. Volunteers can get involved with a wide variety of activities including outreach activities, assisting with developing new programs, and assisting in the clinic.

Highlights: Dar es Salaam is the bustling economic and political center of Tanzania. The mix of African, Arab, and Indian cultures typifies the distinctive Swahili culture found along the coast of Tanzania. Dar es Salaam began as a small fishing village until Sultan Seyyid Majid of Zanzibar started developing the harbor to attract more trade. German colonists later found the harbor perfect for their large steam ships. Through the centuries, the white Giraffe, Serengeti National Park beaches of the Swahili coast have seen countless merchants, conquerors, slaves, explorers and refugees pass by, Each group leaving its mark on life in the colorful city.

Qualifications: Participants in the Tanzania programs must be ready for the challenges of living in Africa and have the flexibility to adapt to simple living conditions. The HIV/AIDS projects require volunteers to be motivated self starters with a lot of curiosity about the local culture and the patience to effectively learn how to operate within the culture. Participants should also be flexible, adaptable, and open to experiencing a new culture.

Knowledge of Swahili is not required but it will be very helpful. If you don't know Swahili, plan on learning a lot while participating in the program!

Cost in US$: Starting at USD 1,125 for four weeks

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Dar es Salaam and provided with transportation to their host family.

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Dar es Salaam, city tours, help with transportation, and assistance with volunteering permits

In-country Staff Support: ELI's coordinator in Dar es Salaam has years of experience working with economic development projects. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Tanzanian life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants. Host families are eager to welcome volunteers and are a fantastic resource for learning about the local culture and sights.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and older

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Tanzania Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001