Who is a Volunteer?

1. Who is a Volunteer?

Any individual who is sympathetic and kind enough to work for the benefit of the people around us without expecting any material reward is rightly called a volunteer. Every person has been a volunteer once in a while in his/her daily life. You certainly are a volunteer when you help some old women cross the busy road or when you try to save a drowning person. Now, when you participate in the program of Amani Hostel, you are going to do the same with a wider purview and with a more meaningful purpose.

Different people give different reasons for voluntary work. For some the desire to serve fellow human beings is the main reason. Some other does it to get more adventure and excitement in their lives. For others it is a good way of learning new skills.

The facts is almost any reason that motivates you to work as a volunteer is worthwhile, you don’t even have to have a definite reason as voluntary can give people the chance to travel, meet new people, interact with new culture and face some never before experiences that enhance your life and career.

2. What do I need to qualify for a volunteer program?

No particular educational qualification or skill is necessary to work as a volunteer. All you required to have are the enthusiasm to work for your fellow human beings, a child’s curiosity to learn new skills, keenness to learn from new society and culture, however, you should have normal health and energy. Volunteering India, nevertheless, looks your resume for your skills, volunteer experiences, travel experiences, your interests and preferences. This information makes our decision easy to suggest you a particular program that suits you the best.

3. What kind of volunteer work is available

You can choose from the different options depending on your taste and preference. However, volunteer programs are generally designed to bring about awareness in rural people and to conserve environment. Hence all works are closely related with nature, environment and people, especially children. Teaching English in a village school, caring the orphans, promoting Health and Environments Education, Home stay/ Cultural Exchange are some of our regular programs.

4. What is the duration of the volunteer program?

The normal duration of the volunteer program would be around 2-3 weeks. However, if you are interested to stay for more time, Amani Hostel would make necessary arrangements to extend the duration up to your desire time / Cultural exchange is suitable for those who want to stay for a longer period of time.

5. What do I do in the free time?

Tanzania is the land of diversity and versatility. You have a plenty of things that you could do in your free time. You can also interact with local people and learn about their culture as Maasai villages are very famous for their culture, customs and tradition.

Our local staff give you suggestions about the places to visit. On the other hand, some volunteers would prefer not to travel and stay within the village to know the people and their lifestyle more intimately. However, it all depends on your personal taste.

6. I cannot speak English. Can I become a volunteer?

Of course! Certainly. Speaking English or any foreign language is not necessarily important. While in your work as a volunteer you are supposed to speak Swahili with the local people. Amani Hostel will proper training you about Hindi speaking to the minimum level of daily communication. This is enough to get through your regular translations. You will also be given enough guidance about the local lifestyle, tradition and culture, a minimum understanding level of English language is required to communicate with the staff of Amani Hostel and with your team mates.

7. Is there any program during the festival season?

Yes, we arrange many of projects during festival season. Please see the Fairs and Festivals section for more details.

8. What are the living arrangements at the time of volunteering?

You will be given the accommodation that is covered by the program fee. During the training before program, you will be accommodated with your fellow volunteers.

This accommodation is provided by our partner organization in Tanzania. You would also spend some time in a village as a part of this training program. At that time you will be accommodated with local people.

During the volunteer program you are generally put to live with a host family in the area you are going to work as a volunteer. Sometimes you will be living at the area of work depending on the availability of facility. Meals will be provided thrice a day during volunteer program.

9. Can I come with friends or with my spouse?

Yes, Couple and group are invited, but it should be noted that Amani Hostel does not give any guarantee to provide private accommodation for couple in rural areas. Elder children who are independent will be considered on a case by case basis.

10. What support and guidance can I expect?

The very best. Amani Hostel takes every measure to make your volunteer project enjoyable, meaningful and memorable. During your volunteer program you will work along with our full time staffs that area very much familiar with local people and village environment. They will give you every information and guidance wherever necessary. Moreover, the management of Amani Hostel in Tanzania will be in continuous contact with you face or via internet as long as you are in our project.

11. When and how do I pay the program fee?

You have to pay the program fee as explained under our contract agreement within 14-21 days before your departure day to the Project.

12. What is included in the program fee?

When you register yourself for volunteer program, you would be entitled to get the following

Food. All meals are provided to you. The major part of the food will be the local Indian cuisine.

Accommodation: all the volunteers will be provided with a neat, comfortable and hygienic accommodation.

Through it is not possible to provide luxurious facilities in rural India, the atmosphere would be friendly and enjoyable.

Transportation: all the transportation during the volunteer program would be surface transportation, especially buses and light utility vehicles.

Guidance by Team Leaders: During the program you will be given complete guidance and support by our own staff. These staff will supervise and guide the team of volunteers you work with.

Program Co-ordination: the whole volunteer program follows a well-planned itinerary. Special care would be taken to ensure everything go smooth and perfect. The costs for project start-up, site visits, volunteer orientation and additional materials are included in the program fee.