Volunteer work in the hospital on Zanzibar

I went to Tanzania for ten weeks from May to July this year. In the first two months I did an orientation internship in a hospital in Zanzibar. It is one of the largest hospitals in Zanzibar and you can see a lot there as an intern or volunteer.

Activities & impressions

Personally, I was in the children's clinic for four weeks and then in the inner hospital for another four weeks. Unfortunately, the local doctors and patients didn't really know where to classify me as an intern. I tried to explain to them that I have not yet started my medical studies and have no other medical training.

Nevertheless, I was offered to take blood, inject, catheter and much more, which I refused, however. But apart from me there were usually many local students in the hospital, with whom I sometimes became very good friends, so I had the chance to learn with them how to properly examine and treat patients.

We listened to patients, performed EKGs, practiced performing abdominal palpation (scan) and similar activities. I was always allowed to take part in the morning meetings and to come along on rounds. From the inner ward, I also managed to get an insight into the intensive care unit, cardiology, x-rays and ultrasound.

It was also here that I met European doctors for the first time. That felt pretty good, because especially in the hospital, the comfortable and relaxed nature of the local doctors can sometimes be very exhausting for us Europeans. Especially when the seriously ill patients are right next door, but sometimes nobody really feels responsible.

Luckily I was quite good at getting involved with the circumstances on the ground, but the impressions from the hospital kept me busy. There were actually every day / night deaths on the wards, partly because there were not enough blood products, places in the intensive care unit, dialysis facilities etc. available.

So it is definitely important to bring a lot of composure and patience with you. In addition, you often have to take the initiative and approach doctors, nurses or students, who are all happy to show you or explain something.

Culture & experiences

The locals are generally very open-minded, helpful outside the tourist areas and often talk to you directly on the street, want to help, do some small talk, learn a few new words of English or simply welcome you. 

Every day on my way home, I would pass groups of small children excitedly shouting 'Hiiiii, Muzungu Hiiiiii', wanting to hold my hand or laughing and asking for money. However, some vendors in Stone Town and loitering young men who constantly address you as a white woman and are often difficult to shake off are annoying.

I also found it very exciting to be there during Ramadan and the rainy season, although we got completely wet almost every day and eating and drinking in public was taboo for everyone. In addition, the clothing regulations were also very strict during this time and I only felt comfortable in long trousers and skirts.

Leisure & tours

When it suddenly got dry in June, I often spent weekends with the other volunteers on the east coast beaches. Unfortunately, I was ill in bed twice, once with stomach problems (most volunteers have to go through this once) and once with a fever.

When I finally went to the mainland, I was very nostalgic and would have liked to have stayed a few more weeks. I had booked two tours on the mainland. The first in Morogoro with a fantastic safari and a short hike, the second with the Maasai. The latter led me and two other volunteers into the middle of the bush, where we were lucky enough to witness two authentic festivals, including traditional dances. It was a very special experience to live directly with a Maasai family, to drink fresh milk every morning and to watch the herding and slaughtering of the animals.

I can only recommend a stay in Zanzibar/Tanzania, but you shouldn't have too many illusions about the standards and conditions there. These are very African in the projects and student houses; so, simply. You shouldn't be too bothered by simple food and morbid bathroom charm or saggy mattresses. Compared to the huts and houses of the locals, however, the student houses (I've been to Mpendae and Dar Es Salaam) are small villas.

Experience report from the orientation internship in Tanzania / Zanzibar by Ruth M., July 2019

Feedback from RGV:

Dear Ruth,

Thank you for your review and the great pictures! We are glad that you had a nice time and could gain many new experiences.

In many countries, there are no "internships", so it is sometimes difficult for local institutions to understand that someone wants to work in the hospital without having prior knowledge. 

In any case, you have responded well and shown responsibility by rejecting the activities that would have been too challenging for you. It is also very important to approach doctors and staff and to be able to show new things so that you can learn a lot on the spot. 

We wish you all the best!

Regards

Your RGV Family

Info for future volunteers:

If participants have prior medical knowledge, they must be able to show it in English so that the local team can then pass it on to the hospital.