Tanzania & Zanzibar

Volunteer work as a midwife - Tanzania mainland

Q: How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date , But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible. But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

Urban everyday life
Proximity to national park
Day tour included

In Tanzania, one of the poorest countries in the world, the entire health sector is underfunded. There is a lack of suitable premises and materials and the technical equipment is often outdated. In addition, the level of training of the few medical professionals is often insufficient. It is not uncommon for patients to pay for these abuses with extremely long waiting times - they even have to accept losses in hygiene. Get involved in our midwives project in Iringa and help the weakest members of society get a healthy start in life!

Arusha, Iringa

from 18 years

4 - 52 weeks / from €1.470

Wednesday, Sunday

health and well-being

Ensure a healthy life for all people of all ages and promote their well-being.

Project ID : FA-TA5

As a volunteer
Tanzania & Zanzibar

4 - 52 weeks / from €1.470
to the cost overview

What's the matter?

On average, a Tanzanian woman has five children. While in the past most babies were born in home births, today Tanzanian mothers are increasingly turning to childbirth facilities. This great need cannot be met by a long shot. With your volunteer work in obstetrics in Tanzania you compensate for this lack to a certain extent.

You will do your volunteer work in obstetrics in Tanzania at a maternity ward in Iringa. Our locations consist of different units. In addition to a delivery room, there is an operating room, a laboratory and other rooms for various preventive and follow-up examinations. Sanitary facilities are also available. You will have to get used to a "squat toilet" though.

The technical equipment is relatively modern by East African standards. However, there is a clear lack of important hygiene materials such as examination gloves. The specialist staff is relatively well trained. Nevertheless, the level of knowledge and application methods do not correspond to the Central European standards you are used to. The nurses and carers on site are therefore happy to be enriched by your specialist knowledge. Due to the lack of staff, a doctor is only available for more difficult procedures.

Your tasks as a volunteer

The maternity wards are very busy: up to 100 children are born here every month! Up to 25 ultrasound examinations are performed daily. In addition to concrete obstetrics, the clinics offer pregnancy counseling and malaria tests.

Your area of responsibility in obstetrics in Tanzania depends on your personal level of experience, because you need the appropriate training to volunteer as a midwife. You will complete an orientation internship without any prior knowledge. You sit in on the staff, take care of the mothers and newborns and work in the laboratory to improve care.

In Iringa you will focus on prenatal care and aftercare. At the beginning you will mainly sit in and assist the doctors and midwives. After you have settled in, you can also take on more responsible tasks by arrangement. For example, you can look after mothers and newborns after birth. Your duties may also include laboratory work. You will also help out in the care of newly operated patients (e.g. moving beds).

It may also be possible to take on administrative tasks. With the appropriate completed training and professional experience, you can also carry out childbirth with the main responsibility and pass on your specialist knowledge to the colleagues on site.

Your working day in the midwives project in Iringa usually starts at 8 a.m. with cleaning the premises, disinfecting the materials and general preparation tasks. Then it starts and the first patients start pouring in. You receive them and assist with various examinations. After work, you may be exhausted, but you will certainly be happy. So that you don't overload yourself, you can take a break at any time.

Accommodation Catering

all fotos

Volunteer House in Iringa

Our Volunteer House in Iringa has three bedrooms that can accommodate up to six volunteers. The house is also equipped with an inviting living and dining room with sofas and a music system as well as a kitchen. There are two bathrooms with western toilets and showers with running water. The partially covered, huge outdoor terrace with a hang out area is the highlight of the accommodation and an ideal opportunity to spend time there with the other volunteers. WiFi is also available here.

Our RGV team member Shedrack lives in the same house and loves organizing trips, BBQs and game nights for you and the other volunteers.

Location

Arusha, Iringa

You can do your volunteer work or your internship abroad at two different locations on the Tanzanian mainland. Gain work experience in Arusha or Iringa!

Arusha

Arusha is located in northern Tanzania, near the legendary Kilimanjaro. The city is the ideal starting point to explore Africa's highest mountain. The location is also perfect for going on safari. Because you are already very close to the famous Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater is not far away either.

The city and region of Arusha are named after a Maasai people who also live here. Here you can learn a lot about the ethnic groups living in Tanzania and their everyday life. At the numerous colorful markets in Arusha you will not only find culinary delights, but also traditional fabrics, handicrafts and much more.

So if you are keen to explore what Tanzania has to offer besides beaches, then Arusha is a great choice! Both nature and culture enthusiasts will get their money's worth here!

Iringa

In Iringa, a larger city in the middle of a lush green mountain landscape and surrounded by national parks, you are in the heart of Tanzania. Already on the bus ride there you drive through the middle of the Mikumi National Park and can admire giraffes and elephants in their natural environment from the bus window.

Iringa is located inland on a large rocky plateau. From up here you have a breathtaking view over numerous tobacco and corn fields! The hilly and lush green landscape is ideal for hiking or simply relaxing.

If you would like to combine nature and the city during your stay, then Iringa is a good fit for you! Especially if you prefer mountains to the sea and you can also enjoy a sunset on a rock or over the city.

Your free time in Arusha and Iringa

Both Arusha and Iringa are located in the interior of Tanzania and offer all sorts of opportunities to make your free time after work or on your days off exciting and varied.

Arusha

Follow the traces of the former colonial era in Arusha, visit museums to learn more about the history or discover the colorful markets of the city. You will definitely find a small souvenir there that will remind you of your time in Tanzania.

Outside the city limits, the beautiful Tanzanian countryside awaits. A special highlight is the Ngorongoro Crater with its blue-green water in the Serengeti National Park. There you can also take part in a safari tour and observe numerous wild animals.

A unique offer at your location is the "Cultural Tourism" program in the nearby Simanjiro region. Take part and immerse yourself with the chief of the tribe Mikah in the world of the Maasai and discover the exciting way of life of the nomadic people.

In Arusha you have the legendary Kilimanjaro practically on your doorstep. So take the opportunity, pack your backpack, put on your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable trekking tour.

Iringa

After work, you can stroll through the old market hall in Iringa, admire woven Iringa baskets and try the fresh, juicy fruit and vegetables. Here you can feel the concentrated Tanzanian attitude to life, which you should definitely let yourself be carried away by.

The city of Iringa is located on a large rocky plateau from which you have a breathtaking view over the typical tobacco and corn fields. In addition, the hilly landscape is a true paradise for hiking and unwinding.

History buffs can take a leap back into the Stone Age in Isimila. At Isimila there is an archaeological site with finds up to 100000 years old. In addition, the deep gorges with the unique, almost extraterrestrial sandstone towers cast a spell over you.

In the nearby Ruaha National Park you can take part in a safari and observe numerous wild animals. The national park is not only home to the largest elephant population in Tanzania, but also buffalo, gazelle, wild dog, cheetah, antelope and many other animals feel at home here.

On-site procedure

Arrival in Tanzania

For your stay abroad in Tanzania, it is best to fly to Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport. There you will be picked up by an RGV team member and taken directly to the accommodation. When you arrive in Dar es Salaam you will be met and welcomed by Ester, a team member of our local team! After your arrival, she will also take you to your accommodation so that you can recover from your journey. As soon as you have arrived correctly and have had a good night's sleep, your orientation program begins.

Orientation program in Tanzania

Your orientation program starts together with the local RGV team. The team members will introduce you to the culture and way of life of the local people. This will make it easier for you to get used to it. For example, they show you how to shop at local markets and familiarize you with the banks and how to withdraw money at the location. You will also receive valuable information on safety and hygiene on site.

Your first day in the project

As soon as you have familiarized yourself with everything, you can start with your project work. To do this, you will drive to the deployment site together with one of our team members the next day. You get to know your contacts there and become familiar with the area. Depending on how much previous knowledge you have and depending on the assessment and needs of the local specialists, you will be slowly introduced to the work or you will soon be assigned your own tasks.

Pricing

base fee

€ 1.470, -

4 weeks of participation
extension week

€ 205, - / week

up to 48 weeks

included
Services

Before departure

Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
Non-binding flight advice
Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
RGV t-shirt

On site

Airport transfer on the agreed arrival and departure days
Accommodation in Volunteer House

Impressive day tour

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Orientation program with the team on site
Support and guidance from the on-site team
RGV 24h emergency number
Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities

Local SIM card with 2 GB data volume (one-time, deposit required)

After return

Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
Reflection course on your experiences abroad
Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion

useful additional services

not included
Services

Round trip
Private expenses on site
Excursions with microlight flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Visa and Vaccinations
All nights outside your agreed accommodation
Public transport and extra transfers

Drinks

Daily drive to the project

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.

" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.

"Volunteer Teaching Focused" online TEFL/TESOL course

245 €

Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course for volunteers
Intensive online TEFL/TESOL course (120h)

460 €

Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course
Airport pick up Arusha

75 €
Language courses in Tanzania

150 €

Learn Swahili in Tanzania
Single room in the volunteer house

60 €

Per week
Personal development introductory course

Free of charge

Two tools to get you started on your personal development

Arusha, Iringa Team
site

In Tanzania we have a colorful team of people Lukas and Flora is conducted. Lukas comes from Tübingen and studied renewable energies. Flora originally comes from northern Tanzania and studied teaching. During your volunteer work in Tanzania, you will have reliable contact persons at your side at all of our project locations.

So you can go in Arusha on the hospitality of Host mother Caroline looking forward and in Mtwara to the help of Joshua and Beka.

Team member Shedrack is your direct contact in Iringa. As a local, he is already looking forward to supporting you in everyday life in Tanzania Insider knowledge to share with you!

In Dar es Salaam, host mother Teddy is your direct contact person. She has known our projects and the local contacts for years and looks forward to providing you with advice and support.

Lukas and Flora can be found equally on Zanzibar and Mtwara. Our RGV team in Tanzania will be happy to help you settle into Tanzanian culture and will give you a warm welcome "Caribou Sana!"

Volunteers talk about their experiences Joint commitment - big impact!

Testimonials

Volunteering at the hospital in Tanzania

I am very happy that I had the opportunity to go on this experiential trip. I don't want to miss a second and I'm very happy to have seen and experienced all of this and to have met such great people.

24.10.2020

Teresa

Testimonials

My experiences with Rainbow Garden Village in Tanzania

I was able to gain countless experiences and get to know the warm, helpful and friendly people of Africa. It was a wonderful and exciting journey.

01.08.2020

Antonia

More testimonials
Browse our magazine

RGV FAQ
to the project

How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date, But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible.

But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

Can I travel with a friend or in a group?

Yes! On request we enable a double room if you for two with a friend or a friend, or an apartment or other suitable accommodation for groups.

We are very happy to enable our participants to go on a project and share accommodation with friends. Shared accommodation is usually possible both in the volunteer house and with the host family, although the room in the volunteer house may also be shared with other participants. In some locations there is also the option of sharing an apartment.

When registering, please always mention the person(s) traveling with you!

Can I combine projects?

Yes! You can combine projects at one location, at different locations, but also in different countries. It is also possible to combine a project with a trip. You can specify your desired combination directly when registering.

Combination options at a glance:

Combine programs in one country
Combine programs across countries
Combine a program with a language course
Combine a program with ours Adventure & Trips

There are a few things Project combinations to note: The minimum length of stay per project must be observed and you may incur additional costs for country combinations, for example for an intermediate flight.

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

Which visa do I need?

For Tanzania you have to apply for a visa in advance. It is best to get information from Foreign Office about the currently applicable entry regulations.

For Iringa you need a business visa. This is valid for 90 days and costs around $250.

A student visa is also available for Arusha. This is also valid for 90 days and costs around $50.

What vaccinations/ health precautions do I need?

If you are traveling from a yellow fever area, you need a yellow fever vaccination. Otherwise there are no compulsory vaccinations.

We generally recommend a consultation in a practice for travel and tropical medicine.

You can get general information about recommended health care and vaccinations online Center for Travel Medicine as well as on the side of Foreign Office.

What language skills do I need for the project in Tanzania?

In order to be able to communicate well with the team on site, you should definitely have knowledge of English. A Swahili course is also recommended.

What are the requirements for the midwife project?

Participation in this volunteer project is only possible with prior knowledge or appropriate training. Without prior knowledge you can become a midwifeInternship complete.

Otherwise, openness, team spirit, reliability, discipline and physical and mental resilience are important.

This project is for female participants only.

In addition, a bachelor's degree including a certificate and a list of grades is required and a test must be taken at the local hospital. This test can be repeated once for a fee. If the text is not passed again, you can take part in the project as an intern; the internship fees will apply.

What do I need to bring with me for the midwifery project?

If possible, bring your own disposable gloves and hand sanitizer. If you already have work clothes from the hospital, you are welcome to bring them with you.

What do I have to consider as an LGBTQ person?

Please be aware that homosexual acts are considered undesirable in many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and are even punishable by law in some places. In general, people who are identified as queer are often exposed to hostility.

For example, get information from Foreign Office about the exact regulations in your destination country.

General FAQ about volunteer work

Ready to volunteer in Tanzania & Zanzibar? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.

RGV Your way
to the volunteer

1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.

2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.

3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.

4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.

Gallery Impressions &
Impressions

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