Tanzania – Viva Tanzania

About the project

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” –  Nelson Mandela

Viva Tanzania is a German-Tanzanian non-governmental organization that is supporting 14 different projects in and around Arusha, North Tanzania. Our current goal is to raise money to build a new pre-school – accessible to local children who otherwise cannot afford an education.

In Tanzania, there are no government funded or free kindergartens/nursery schools. Many children are not receiving any pre-school education leaving them behind in the education system compared to children from richer families. When children start Primary School the gap is clearly visible: Children who received pre-school education can read, write, do simple mathematics and speak basic English, making it very hard for children from poorer families to keep up and receive the same good marks in school. We are very keen to give these children a place where they have access to education, have the freedom to express childlike behavior, learn social skills and have a chance for a better future.
The area we choose for our nursery school is called Siwandeti, a village in the Arusha District. A rather remote place where many indigenous and marginalized Maasai families live. Here we see a high need for pre-school education, offering the children opportunities that are closer to their homes.

How exactly do we want to realize our project?

We already own a piece of land in Siwandeti, but want to add a bit more in order to build the nursery school with a play ground and a little garden to help the school to be self sustainable one day.

To begin with we plan three classrooms for 15 to 20 children each, one office, one kitchen, storage room and toilet facilities. Little money can go very far in Tanzania but of course constructing a school is also expensive here, that’s why we and the children in Siwandeti need your help!
In order to keep the costs lower local and international volunteers from Viva Tanzania will help constructing the school.

About the homestay

Upon your arrival in Arusha we will pick you up from the airport or the bus station and take you to the guesthouse.

Our Tanzanian manager Teddy will welcome you and show you around, providing you will all important information, regarding your stay and if your are interested in excursions (safaris, mountain climbs and day trips) that we offer.

Our house is located only 30 minutes by foot from the city center. Motorbikes and Dala dalas (Minibuses) are available everywhere. Although we are close to the busy town our house is surrounded by a green environment full of banana trees. The house is equipped with hot water showers and the option to use the kitchen. A more than two meter high wall, along with our watch guards and two dogs make sure that we are safe. Staying with us you can choose between a bed in dorm (max. four people), if you like to socialize, a single room, if you like your privacy or one of our double rooms if you are traveling with a friend or your partner. No matter which option you choose all rooms have wardrobes to store your belongings, linen and mosquito nets.

Breakfast in the morning is self-service and dinner, which is local and international cuisine will be served everyday at 7pm where we all eat together at our big table, talking about your days, sharing our stories and get to know each other.