Volunteering as “Mama Hilda” in Zanzibar: a dream come true!

Volunteering in Africa: from longing to reality

With my stay in Zanzibar, I fulfilled a childhood dream and I would like to thank the team at Rainbow Garden Village for encouraging me to embark on the adventure even in my mid-60s.

The five weeks in Bububu with Shamilla and her family were definitely an adventure and a unique life experience for me.

The arrival in Zanzibar

On February 14.02.24th, 8, I landed at the international airport in Zanzibar at XNUMX a.m. (local time) after a stress-free direct flight from Frankfurt, where the very hot air from Stone Town blew towards me. Caribou Zanzibar!

The transfer to Bububu to Shamilla, Henry and the children was problem-free and I received a very warm welcome there.

My everyday life in the accommodation

My home for the next five weeks was perfectly fine, but of course I first had to get used to the African living conditions. 

My wish for a mirror was fulfilled promptly, the refrigerator was unfortunately permanently broken, washing clothes by hand in the plastic bowl and small animals as roommates were part of everyday life. I also learned to appreciate gas and electricity.

Hakuna Matata!!! Shamilla, Henry and the two girls made up for these unusual circumstances a hundred times over with their lovely nature.

The next day we went on an orientation tour to Stone Town. Guide Gabby gave us a closer look at the old town and showed us many interesting places, buildings and restaurants. 

But I got most of the valuable tips from the volunteers who had been there for a long time.

My tasks at the Children Center

On Friday, February 16.02th, the most important part of the stay began, the start at school.

Luckily, the school was only about a 15 minute walk from my “home.” I was accompanied every day by animals and friendly people shouting “Jambo”.

I particularly enjoyed the morning ritual in which the children sang, jumped and played little games. 

I was assigned to the top class B, where lessons began at half past eight for the 5-year-olds, in which Teacher Ana sternly asked about vocabulary, numbers, body parts, household items, etc. in English. During the Koran lessons, I looked after the Christian children every day.

My other tasks were checking homework, supporting the weaker children, preparing teaching material, but also, at times, solely looking after the 19 students. 

It was quite challenging for me to keep the children busy when it was constantly 35 degrees. However, the girls and boys have grown very close to my heart over the 5 weeks. 

A visit to kindergarten

In a public kindergarten that I visited for a day, the conditions were much simpler. In some cases 35 children sat in a class without furniture and did their games and tasks.

Despite the very modest circumstances, the children here were also very open, warm... easy to love.

My conclusion: Under no circumstances should you teach European standards in a schoolmasterly manner, but accept the other world openly and tolerantly.

Leisure and unforgettable experiences in Zanzibar

In my free time, especially on weekends, I went to the beaches with other volunteers or alone. 

To the north there were Nungwi and Kendwa and to the east Paje and Jambiani and the Local Beaches nearby. Each one is worth a trip. 

The whole time I felt safe and never threatened. Rather, people tried to rip me off financially from time to time, but I quickly learned to deal with that. 

My great love was Stone Town with its atmosphere, the morbid charm, the unforgettable sunsets, the nice bars, the floating bar, the hustle and bustle of the Night Market and the nightly rides home in the Tuk Tuk or Piki Piki.

A few farewell tears rolled down my cheeks when I was strolling through Stone Town alone on my last evening to say goodbye and a voice from a local called out: "Mama Hilda, how are you?" I had arrived!

But at the same time I was looking forward to the familiar voices at home again.

Thank you for this incredibly wonderful time!

Asante sana to everyone who made this adventure possible for me. 

Thanks to the RGV team, especially to Consti, asante sana to Shamilla, her sister for the loving care and the sweet twins (when I had a little low, they both saved me), asante sana to Henry for his support and his little dance ;), asante sana to the teachers and staff of the school for their friendly welcome. 

I could write so much more, but I think I've already gone beyond the scope and wish you all good luck, joy of life and fun in your valuable work.

Hilde