Volunteering

 Owing to our partnership with Honey Badger Lodge and Safaris(www.honeybadgerlodge) we have been able to SLASH OUR PRICES. Whilst we always worked hard to keep our fees low, ultimately we never wanted our volunteers to have to pay. So now…unlike large profit making volunteer organisations, volunteering with SAIDIA Tanzania comes with no fee! YES you read it right…there is NO fee to volunteer. Volunteers only need to pay for their accommodation and their volunteering is free. You will receive the following all at no cost:

 Pre-departure planning – including creating a tentative tailor made volunteer package matching your skills and interests to the needs of the local communities.

 Pre-departure information packs – including advice on what to bring, visas, vaccinations etc. as well as language information for those keen to get stuck in.

 In-country briefing and orientation – including meeting the local community, organisations, visits to town and local sites of interest, including the market etc.

24-hour in country support – including progress meetings with volunteers and their partner organisations as well as anything else as needed

What’s more unlike any other volunteer organisation that we know of we have removed the varying costs depending on the length of your stay. Accommodation costs are quoted per night and we offer different accommodation packages:

Option 1: Fully catered accommodation              $18 per night

Option 2: Self catered accommodation                $10 per night 

Volunteers will stay in the volunteer rooms. Each room contains three/four single beds, a toilet and a shower room. The rooms share a communal kitchen/dining/lounge space. The rooms are on a plot adjacent to the lodge and have a spacious garden and outdoor seating. Option 1 means volunteers do not have to worry about sourcing their own food and will be provided with three local meals a day, ideal for those who want to taste the foods most Tanzanian's eat each day. Option 2 is ideal for those who are keen to get involved in local life by visiting the local markets and learning to cook local food. Volunteers will be accompanied to the market the first time so as to get their bearings and feel comfortable. There the adventure begins.

Do remember that at SAIDIA we aim to offer tailor made volunteer packages. Therefore if these options do not suit you or you have specific requests, e.g. you want to come with your family and want to block book a whole self-catered or fully catered room then just get in touch. For those who want a little privacy, double or single rooms can be arranged upon request and subject to availability. Anything is possible.

We have always believed that volunteering ones time and skills for the betterment of others should be payment enough. We really hope our set up enables more people to come and volunteer. We want SAIDIA to be attainable for all.

IF YOU THINK SAIDIA IS FOR YOU HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS...

1. Fill out the online volunteer application form.  Please don't forget to tell us what accomodation option you are interested in.  Our new pricing structure came after our application form, we still need to update it.  

2. SAIDIA will perform a needs assessment with our partners in the community. This is done to ensure that your placement is a match of our partner’s needs and your skills and interests. As a result, this ensures that your volunteer experience is both enjoyable and effective.  

3. SAIDIA will email you with a general description of the project we hope you will participate in, along with your potential role in it. We welcome any questions or concerns you may have about the information we send, and will look forward to discussing your volunteer placement with you. Because of the fluid nature of our partner organizations, we acknowledge that the specific details of your volunteer placement may change by the time you arrive in Tanzania. That being said, we ask for your patience and flexibility with the placement process. The final details of all volunteer placements will be arranged upon your arrival.  

4. To confirm your volunteer placement, send SAIDIA a deposit for their accomodation by bank transfer.  

5. Once you have arrived in Tanzania, you will spend your first few days in orientation. During this time, all details of your volunteer placement will be finalized.  

- please note all volunteers are responsible for sorting out thier volunteer visas.  This can be done in the country or before you get here.  If you decide to do it here then you will first have to purchase a tourist visa to enter into the country and bring with you all the necessary documents to submit to immigration.  We will assist you as much as possible in this process. 

Doing it the SAIDIA way!

At SAIDIA, we believe that a volunteer’s function is to enhance a community’s journey towards sustainable development and we offer a variety of volunteering opportunities toward that end. We do not think it is necessary to initiate new projects in order to help communities. For this reason, we work with partner organisations that, like us, operate on a grass roots level so as to be more in touch with the needs of the community. Volunteers are placed with these community partner organisations according to the projects that they wish to take part in.   SAIDIA volunteers are hard-working and compassionate individuals that are truly interested in sharing their time and talents with others. Being an international volunteer at SAIDIA is a meaningful way to contribute to sustainable development efforts in Tanzania. At the same time, you will gain a deeper insight into a different culture and experience things that broaden your perspective in life. It is an inspiring experience that will leave you with memories you will cherish for a lifetime.  

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 18

Volunteer Commitment: Anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months 

We believe that within each and every human being there is something to give and many things to learn. This makes SAIDIA Tanzania suitable for all: retirees, professionals, students or anyone who just wants to get involved. SAIDIA volunteer placements are personalized to reflect each volunteer’s unique interests, skills and experience.   SAIDIA Tanzania volunteers work with local organizations in a variety of ways. Our volunteer projects are determined as we listen to our community partners’ needs and evaluate how SAIDIA volunteers might best be of help. We then match these needs with our volunteers’ interests and skills. We encourage you to communicate your interests, skills and experience with us during the application process and beyond. A full understanding of your interests will help SAIDIA make the best match for your volunteer experience in Tanzania. And, a good match benefits everyone! Our community partners will receive assistance and support in a way that they truly need it – and you will know your contribution is truly making a difference