FOCUS IN AFRICA

Volunteer  Manual  2014  

Focus in Africa is a locally, family owned non-profit organization which works at the grassroots level to enable volunteers to positively impact our communities. We take pride in making a difference in local communities. Our volunteer opportunities include volunteering at orphanages, working with street children, medical internship at hospitals, environmental conservation projects such as gardening and tree planting, assisting woman's development groups, HIV/AIDS education and counseling, and teaching at local schools.  

Focus In Africa P.O. Box 16245 Arusha, Tanzania

Web: www.focusinafrica.com Tel: +255 755 218 062

Email: focusinafrica.co@gmail.com

  2  

Table of Contents

FOCUS  IN  AFRICA   1  KARIBU,  WECLOME,  TO  FOCUS  IN  AFRICA   4  ABOUT  US   4  VOLUNTEERING   4  Volunteer  at  Orphanages   4  Working  with  Street  Children   5  Medical  Internship  at  a  Hospital   5  Promote  Environmental  Conservation,  Tree  Planting,  and  Gardening   5  Women’s  Development   5  HIV/AIDS  Education  and  Counseling   6  Teach  at  Local  School   6  

SAMPLE  DAILY  SCHEDULE   7  SAFARIS   8  CULTURAL  TOURISM   8  Maasai  Village   8  The  Hadzabe  Bushmen   9  

TREKKING   9  ACTIVITES   10  Waterfall  Visit   10  Arusha  Snake  Park   10  Lake  Duluti   10  Hot  Spring   11  Shopping   11  

GENERAL  INFORMATION   11  Preparing  for  your  trip   11  Tourist  Visa   12  Volunteer  Visa   12  Long-­‐term  Stay   12  More  info  on  visas   12  Yellow  Fever  Card   13  Vaccination  and  Medication   13  Registering  with  your  Embassy   13  Getting  Here   13  Arrival  and  Orientation   13  Internet  &  Mobile  Phones   14  Getting  around   14  Language  and  Culture   14  Money   15  Budgeting   15  Personal  Security   16  Clothing   17  Personal  Hygiene   17  Water   17  Medical  Facilities   17  

  3  

Weather   17  Electricity   17  Insurance   18  Suggested  items  to  pack   18  Resource  Donations   19  

ACCOMODATIONS   19  PERSONAL  RISK  AND  LIABILITY   20  CONTACT   20                                                                        

  4  

KARIBU, WECLOME, TO FOCUS IN AFRICA With over 10 years of experience in tour operations, Focus in Africa is a leading safari and volunteer placement organization in Arusha, Tanzania. We offer a large variety of safaris, treks, volunteer programs, internships, and cultural excursions at affordable prices. We take pride in making a difference in local communities. Our volunteer opportunities including: HIV/AIDS awareness, teaching in local schools, environmental conservation and food security, medical internships, and supporting orphans.

ABOUT US Focus in Africa is a locally, family owned non-profit organization which works at the grassroots level to enable volunteers to positively impact our communities. Founder, Nelson Mbise studied to become a tour guide at Mt. Meru University here in Arusha, Tanzania. He envisioned using his education to make a deep impact in local communities. He originally developed Focus in Africa to establish volunteer placements for people from all over the world. Over the past 10 years, Nelson’s business has expanded to become a leading safari tour company that helps fund and develop community development projects all over Tanzania. VOLUNTEERING Focus in Africa organizes a wide range of voluntary work programs, internship projects, and safari adventures in Tanzania. The following are brief introduction to the type of volunteer programs we offer. We will provide detailed information about each of these projects upon inquiry.

Volunteer at Orphanages The devastating effects of HIV/AIDS and other illnesses such as TB has left a large number of vulnerable and orphaned children in Tanzania. Focus in Africa partners with several orphanages within Arusha to bring international volunteers to support these vulnerable children. Volunteers play sports and games with the

  5  

children, teach the Basic English, arts and crafts, and assist with the overall care of the children.

Working with Street Children Help create awareness of the plight of street children, advocate for their rights, and reduce the number of children at risk. Offer your support to help train vulnerable children with vocational and life skills, play sports, create art, and be a source of companionship.

Medical Internship at a Hospital If you are looking for valuable hands-on medical experience, a medical internship is great opportunity. Our Internship program presents benefits beyond just professional development; it offers the opportunity to be completely immersed in the local culture and work environment. By learning directly from local experts within your field, our internships allow an in-depth understanding of issues affecting your chosen profession in Tanzania. You will spend the majority of your time as an assistant to the main Doctor or a Bio-medical Scientist. Work responsibilities vary based upon your education, skills and experience.

Promote Environmental Conservation, Tree Planting, and Gardening The matter of the environment is one often overlooked in Tanzania. Focus in Africa partners with the Green Living Planet which aims to conserve the environment and support community development projects by providing aid and assistance to Tanzanians in the form of shared knowledge and expertise. Volunteers assist with tree planting, teaching youth about environmental issues, sustainable gardening, permaculture, reusing and recycling programs, and helping communities access clean water. Women’s Development Focus in Africa works with local women’s groups who have come together to support and empower eachother. These groups of women are often widowed due to HIV/AIDS virus, HIV positive themselves, or looking after the children of deceased relatives. Without education and guidance, these women end up serving their husbands or struggling to provide as a single parent. Volunteers in this project are needed to provide education, help prepare proposals for

  6  

microfinance projects to assist women in becoming self sufficient, and also support local orphans not necessarily in the form of money but helping them with access to free education, and raising awareness of important health issues.

HIV/AIDS Education and Counseling As in many other African countries, there is a severe and widespread HIV/AIDS epidemic in Tanzania. HIV/AIDS is a serious challenge and if left uncontrolled, complications will continue to arise. Many hospitals, clinics and local NGO’s facilitate HIV/AIDS testing, counseling and awareness campaigns. Collaboration with local groups and organizations helps foster awareness amongst local communities, help prevent infection and loss of life, and improve the lives of those already infected. As a volunteer at a Tanzanian HIV/AIDS project you can support the ongoing efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and help to provide the manpower needed to comfort HIV/AIDS patients.

Teach at Local School Volunteers on the teaching project work in government schools or orphanage schools, English-medium schools, where the presence of volunteers is beneficial in opening the minds and broadening the horizons of the students, along with exposing them to native spoken English. Children in Tanzania love to attend school, often starting as young as 3 years old, and wherever possible, children hope to stay in school until at least 14 years old, as education is highly valued in Tanzanian society. Teaching volunteers work by themselves or alongside local teachers and other volunteers, teaching subjects such as, English, Math,

  7  

Science, Social Studies (Geography and History), Art and Physical Education. Volunteers assist the local teachers with daily lessons, providing one-on-one attention to the students. SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE The following is a list of duties we ask volunteers to participate in from Monday to Friday. An average workday is 8 hours per day, volunteers can choose which activities they want to participate in. This list is to serve as only a sample schedule for those working in an orphanage or school. Once we know your needs we can give you an updated and specific schedule depending upon your volunteer placement. Time Work at Orphanage Work at School 8:00 am - 12:00 - Sweep and wash orphanage

- Clean kitchen - Tidy kids rooms, make beds - Sweep courtyard - Pump water - Prepare lunch

- Grade homework - Assist teacher with lessons - Type exams - Print tests - Provide advice on activities to enhance learning

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch Lunch 1:00 - 3:00 - Wash lunch dishes

- Assist with washing children’s clothes

- Same as above

3:00 - 5:00 - Play outdoor sports and games with children - Give kids snacks - Help kids with homework - Play board games - Read stories

- Play outdoor sports and games with children - Give kids snacks - Help kids with homework - Play board games - Read stories

             

  8  

SAFARIS Focus in Africa is staffed with full-time safari experts who are local Tanzanians. We specialize in creating tailor-made tours for our customers, whether you are traveling on your own or with your friends. There is a wide variety of places to visit and we work to offer as much as possible for your visit. The ideal time to go on a safari is anywhere between June and October (during the dry season). Most of our visitors love to see the great Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater because you will see tons of animals year-round. If you’re interested in viewing the wildebeest migration, book your trip sometime between June and July for the best opportunity. We can also organize trips specifically for bird watching or environmental studies.

Tanzania is a large country with a variety of National Parks to visit. Planning a safari trip to Tanzania can be challenging, but we are here to support you every step of the way. Please visit our web page to learn more about the National Parks and discover our safari packages.

CULTURAL TOURISM

Maasai Vil lage Enjoy a culture tour of a local Maasai village. You will learn about Maasai customs, the roles and responsibilities of men and women, how they

  9  

build their traditional clay houses, how boys become warriors, and how the children are educated. You can also participate in a traditional Maasai dance or purchase authentic handmade Maasai jewelry. You’ll enjoy traditional meals and rituals.

The Hadzabe Bushmen The Hadza live in a communal setting and engage in cooperative child rearing, where many individuals (both related and unrelated) provide high quality care for children. They are highly skilled, selective, and opportunistic foragers, and adjust their diet according to season and circumstance. They move camp for a number of reasons. Conflict is resolved primarily by leaving camp; camps frequently split for this reason. Camps are abandoned when someone falls ill and dies, as illness is associated with the place they fell ill. There is also seasonal migration between dry-season refuges, better hunting grounds while water is more abundant, and areas with large numbers of tubers or berry trees when they are in season. If you choose to visit one of the Hadza family, you can learn how they hunt in pairs, and spend entire nights lying in wait by waterholes, hoping to shoot animals that approach for a night-time drink, with bows and arrows treated with poison.

TREKKING Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, located in Northeast Tanzania, near the Kenya border. Kilimanjaro is an extinct volcano, and is one of the most massive in the world. It towers 15,000 feet above the surrounding arid plains, and 2.5 square miles of its surface are over 18,500 feet. Beneath its ice dome, snow extends down long gullies that have been eroded in the mountainsides. Kilimanjaro’s summit crater, known as Kibo, measures an incredible 1.5 miles across. The highest point on Kibo’s steep rim is Uhuru, the highest peak in Africa. Nestled in the center of Kibo is a smaller crater, 600-feet deep in sulfurous ashes. Mawenzi (16,893 ft), Kilimanjaro’s smaller second cone, is seven miles east of Kibo, separated by a long saddle. Mawenzi is an older cone, jagged from erosion, with sheer faces on all sides. Despite its lower elevation, Mawenzi is the more difficult climb, and no approach is possible without rock

  10  

climbing and/or snow and ice climbing skills. Mawenzi is the third highest peak in Africa. We provide several different routes for your climb depending upon your experience and fitness. We also offer trekking packages for Mount Meru, which is located in Arusha National park. It has an altitude of 4,566m and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. This mountain is abdormant volcano and it offers a magnificent view of the imposing Mt. Kilimanjaro and the spectacular Rift Valley for visitors who climb Mt. Meru. Also the area hosts a wonderful variety of species of birds, both resident and migrant.

For more information about our trekking packages please visit our website.

ACTIVITES During your stay you will have the opportunity to experience many exciting things in Tanzania. We are proud of our culture and encourage volunteers to explore the community. The following are just a few of the activity ooptions suitable for families, groups and the individual traveller.

Waterfall Visit The waterfall is around 30-35 minutes outside of Arusha. These waterfalls provide a relaxing day trip for you that enables you to see more of the countryside, whilst stretching your legs and you can also swim so do not forget your swimsuit.

Arusha Snake Park The snake park is a special treasure of Arusha, a wonderful source of enjoyment and relaxation for locals and foreign visitors. The snake park is located 25km west of Arusha on the route to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. The snake park provides various activities, take a guided tour and learn about some of the most dangerous snakes in the world, from the Black and Green Mamba, Egyptian Cobra, Puff Adders and many more. Capture your special moment and hold a real live snake. Check out the 3m plus crocodiles at feeding time and touch a baby crocodile.

Lake Duluti 50 minutes from Moshi. Walk round the shores of the lake and enjoy a drink or some food at the café or have a picnic. There is a variety of activities offered in Lake Duluti from; Canoeing trips on the Lake, Hiking in the Great Duluti Forest, Bird watching in the Duluti Forest, Scenic walks, jogging and mountain biking.

  11  

Hot Spring The Hot Springs are located approximately 2 hours drive from Arusha. This is a Natural clean spring water, ideal for swimming in the warm water and relaxation. The surrounding areas provide stunning views with a great picnic spot. You will be accompanied by a driver and guide and can spend as little or as long as you like, with the option to camp overnight in this idyllic spot.

Shopping Arusha has many popular places such as internet cafes, coffee shops, grocery stores, dance clubs, craft centers and banks. The tourist areas and hotels sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewelry, and trinkets as well. Don’t be afraid to haggle at roadside stalls (your driver/guide will show you where to shop and advise you on the best prices). The most sought after souvenirs are wood-carvings curios and the famous love stone which is a well known “Tanzanite” gem stone available widely at souvenirs shops.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Preparing for your trip Tanzania is a developing country and volunteers will be confronted by the realities of poverty. Volunteers require an open mind, flexibility, and patience. We advice you read more about Tanzanian travel experience in Lonely Planet to mentally prepare you for our trip. In Tanzania, it is rare for anyone or any event to begin on time. What seems as well-laid plans will likely be changed at the last minute. We encourage volunteers to embrace these challenges as adventures and to relax and enjoy how things are done in Africa. Volunteers may experience culture shock, or homesickness in the beginning of their stay. This is a normal response and one that can be minimized by embracing and exploring the local community. Smiling and laughter are a universal language, and you will find the locals are very friendly. It’s common for children to yell out ‘mazungu’ meaning ‘foreigner’ when they see you. As a foreigner in Africa you will stand out, people will want to talk to you. It may be exhausting, and it’s your choice if you engage or not. The younger population who speaks English will be interested to get to know you. There will be many opportunities to make life-long friendships with locals and other volunteers. Remember, the volunteer experience is what you make of it. The qualities that make a enjoyable volunteer experience are patience, respect, tolerance, flexible, and friendly.

  12  

Tourist Visa Visas are necessary for entry into Tanzania. The price of your visa will depend on the duration of your stay and your citizenship. We recommend that you purchase your tourist visa upon landing, or entering, Tanzania. The cost of tourist visa is $100 US for US citizens and $50 for non-US citizens. There is no ATM or credit cards accepted, cash is the only method to pay. This tourist visa is valid for three months. A tourist visa can be extended beyond the three months limit at the Immigration Office in Arusha and an extension fee will be applicable.

Volunteer Visa In addition to a tourist visa all volunteers are required to purchase a “permit”. For those volunteering less than 2 months, a CTA permit is necessary, it costs $220 US. Our staff will assist in getting this permit.

Long-term Stay If your stay is longer than three months, you will need to apply for a “Resident Permit Class C,” which is specifically for volunteers and missionaries. The cost is $550. You will need to start your application process at least 4 months prior to your arrival to allow time for the application to be processed and returned to you. There are a number of supporting documents that you will need to supply in order to obtain this type of visa. If you need any supporting documents, feel free to contact us directly at Focusinafrica.co@gmail.com.

More info on visas Tanzanian Government Immigration Office http://immigration.go.tz/module1.php?id=14 +255-22-2850575/6 British Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.fco.gov.uk 0845 850 2829 US State Department http://tanzania.usembassy.gov/information_for_travelers.html * All costs cited for visas should be re-confirmed as prices are subject to change.

**Please note that all visa fee payments must be made in US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted.

  13  

Yellow Fever Card It is highly advised to get your yellow fever vaccination in your home country for safe measures, and to travel with the card that verifies your vaccination. If health officers are present and you do not have the yellow fever vaccination, it will be administered immediately.

Vaccination and Medication We advice you book an appointment with a travel doctor at least six weeks prior to your arrival in Tanzania. We recommend immunization against yellow fever, typhoid, updated booster shots and tetanus, hepatitis A, and strongly recommended that you take anti-malaria tablets during your stay. Please be aware of the side effects of your medication as some brands of malarial prophylaxis may make you more sensitive to the sun. If you are planning to ascend to high altitude you may also want to discuss altitude sickness with your doctor before you travel. We are also able to provide more information regarding high altitude if you have any concerns.

Registering with your Embassy We advice you register your stay in Tanzania with your embassy. US Citizens: https://step.state.gov/step/ UK Citizens: https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/travel-abroad Canadian Citizens: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration Australian Citizens: https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao/weborao.nsf/Homeform?Openform

Getting Here The closest international airport to both Arusha is Kilimanjaro International airport (KIA/JRO). The most common airlines flying into KIA are Ethiopian, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways and KLM (flying direct from Amsterdam). Pre-booked pick-ups are provided from Kilimanjaro airport for USD $50. Alternatively you can arrive into Nairobi Jomo Kenyata International Airport (JKIA) or Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) and catch an 8 hour bus to Arusha. We can help you arrange your pick up and drop off at these points.

Arrival and Orientation Upon arrival in Tanzania you must pass through immigration counters where you will purchase your entry visa (remember cash only), then head to baggage claim. It is common that all your bags do not arrive on the same flight. If you wait and do not see your bag, there is a counter where you report your missing bag. Usually, the bag will arrive the next day and be delivered to you. As you exit

  14  

airport you will see a Focus IN Africa staff member with a sign to greet you. Depending on the time of arrival you will be brought straight to your project site. The next day the project coordinator will take you around Arusha to show you the banks, how to ride daladala, areas to avoid, places to visit. The first few days you will be assisted to purchase cell phone and coordinate getting a volunteer visa, and given a introduction to Arusha and your project and the local staff whom you will be working with. (More information for specific volunteer programs will be provided prior to your arrival including daily activity and expectations.)

Internet & Mobile Phones Landlines are uncommon in Tanzania, and we thus recommend you bring a cell phone or purchase a cheap phone in country. A local phone costs about $30US and SIM card costs $10. If you bring a phone make sure it is unlocked so that you can put a local SIM card inside. If you are staying for longer than three months we suggest you unlock your smartphone and bring it so you can access 3G. Arusha has many internet cafes. If you bring your laptop, you can purchase an internet stick which will give personal internet access whilst at our hostel. SIM cards are available for Ipads and the equivalent.

Getting around Tanzania has a few options for day-to-day transport. The most common is using the local bus, which is known as the “daladala.” The daladala is a minivan where people cram in and jump on and off. We will assist you in navagating the daladalas until you are comfortable. You will typically pay between 300-500 Tanzanian shillings for your ventures. There are also small motorcycles available for travel over short distances. They are relatively safe to use in town and you should expect to pay somewhere between 1,000-3,000 Tanzanian shillings. At night, it is best to take a taxi to get around. Depending on your destination, you can expect to pay anywhere between 10,000-20,000 Tanzanian shillings.

Language and Culture

Swahili is the official language of Tanzania, though you will find many people speak English spoken in Arusha. You may want to learn a few Swahili phrases before you arrive, but you will find that you pick up on the most useful phrases very quickly.

Tanzanians are typically very friendly and will likely greet you on the street or in the dala dala. Shaking hands is a common practice when meeting a new person. Many Tanzanians will hold hands as they walk down the street

  15  

regardless of gender. It is advisable to take the time to learn basic phrases in Swahili such as “Hello,” “How are you,” and “How is your day”. The following is a list of expectations:

• Expect to use daladala for transportation (this means you will want to carry your money in a hidden pouch and any extra items in a secure backpack).

• As a foreigner, the locals will assume you are rich, young kids may ask you for money. It is best not to respond so to not perpetuate the stereotype.

• As a foreigner, you will be given attention by street vendors, safari guides, and men if you’re a woman. This shouldn’t be mistaken as flattery; often time’s local men are seeking a foreigner as an opportunity to enhance their life.

• Avoid drugs, and those that offer you drugs. In Tanzania marijuana is illegal and you will be put in jail if found with drugs.

• If living with a family or in orphanage, your diet and bathing situation may be less than optimal; you must go with the flow. That being said, if you are uncomfortable you must speak up to Focus In Africa staff.

• If living in hostel, expect to share a small room with many volunteers sleeping in bunk beds.

Money Tanzania is a cash-based economy. Major foreign currencies – particularly US dollars and the Euro- and travelers cheques are convertible into the Tanzanian shilling at banks and bureau de change in the main town and tourist areas. Euros are now widely used and generally have good exchange rates. Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. Some banks offer ATM facilities such as NBC bank and Barclays Banks in the center parts of town. At most of the banks, only VISA is accepted in order to withdraw cash. Make sure to notify you bank before you travel overseas to prevent any security issues. For volunteers we recommend you budget $250-300 a month for incidentals and daily transport.

Budgeting Depending on your activities your budget will be different. However, the following is intended to give you a general idea:

• Transport: $10 US a week (this is too and from project site. If you are going out a night you will be spending at least $7 US on taxi)

• Food and water: $30 week • Entertainment: $10 week

  16  

• Safari: average is $150-$175 (check prices) • Internet: $10 per week • Phone: Initial cost of phone is $30 for local phone anad $10 for SIM.

Purchasing phone credits is $5 a week.

Personal Security Arusha, Tanzania is similar to any major city such as New York, while the majority of people are kind hearted; there are criminals that you must be aware of. In the many years of our business, incidences are very rare. However, we encourage our volunteers to oblige the following precautions:

• Until you are comfortable with the area, stick to the main roads, avoid short cuts, and dark alleys.

• Create photocopy of your passport and visa and carry it with you in your wallet. Leave your passport in your luggage. Do not carry your passport on you.

• When you go out for the day, only take as much cash as you need for the day.

• We recommend you carry your money in a money belt, or somewhere close to your body, a purse catches attention and is not secure.

• There is a time and a place to take photos, or take out your phone. If you are alone in public, never expose your valuables.

• Like any tourist destination, there will be locals who hang out and wait to talk to tourists. They will be around the Clock Tower in Arusha, and in nightclubs. We suggest you stay away from these types of locals.

• Arusha has a vibrant nightlife. The high elevation of Arusha means that foreigners feel the effects of alcohol faster. If your prefer to experience the night life we recommend you go in a group and never leave with someone you don’t know, no matter how friendly they may seem.

• Never walk alone at night always take a taxi. We will provide numbers of local taxi drivers whom we trust.

• Avoid all political rallies, these often turn violent. • Always let your host family or Focus In Africa staff know your plans (a

simple text is fine). • There will be plenty of opportunity to make friends during your volunteer

and community work. These will be valuable resource to introduce you to other like-minded locals.

  17  

Clothing Clothe that your pack will depend on your volunteer placement. In general, Tanzanians appreciate it when you dress conservative and appear smart. Woman should never wear clothes that fall above the knee. Medical interns will need to bring medical scrubs, lab jacket, closed toe shoes, gloves, masks (more info will be provided in the medical manual). Those working in orphanages and environmental projects should pack comfortable clothes. The weather in Arusha can fall cold at night so bring a warm jacket and pants.

Personal Hygiene During the day, when you are in public, the bathroom situation may be a bit shocking if you have never experiences a “squat” toilet. Compared to western standards, the toilets are unclean. We recommend you carry toilet paper and hand wipes at all times.

Water Never under any circumstance drink water that has not been boiled or bottled. At our hostel we supply boiled water that you can fill your water bottle with.

Medical Facil it ies There are many clinics, hospitals and pharmacy around Arusha that you can visit for any medical emergency. Many products you are used to from home may not be available therefore it is a good idea to bring some products from home.

Weather

The climate in Arusha is very mild. Arusha is in a mountainous area and thus the temperatures are much cooler than stereotypical Africa. It is typically hot from 12 pm to 6 pm when the sun is out, but can get rather chilly in the mornings and evenings when the sun is down. The temperatures range from about 10-15˚C at night to 27˚C during the day. Rainy season can be very rainy, so bringing a raincoat and umbrella is recommended. Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in March, April, November and December.

Electricity

Power sockets are of the British 3-pin square pronged variety, so volunteers and travellers from other countries should bring converters to use their own electric devices. Outlets here normally accept 2 types of plugs:

  18  

Insurance It is recommended for you to purchase travel insurance prior to your departure so that you are protected. This will cover lost luggage, medical costs and emergencies. Please provide us or your host family with the insurance information and an emergency contact name and number in case we need to reach a family member back home or notify the insurance company of a medical emergency.

Suggested items to pack Here is a list of a few things that we suggest travellers and volunteers to bring;

• Photocopy of passport and visa • Money belt • ATM/Visa card to withdraw cash • Journal and pens • Day pack • Snacks • Camera • Mobile phone • Sleeping bag • Insect repellents with at least 30% DEET • Flash light with spare batteries • Electricity adapter/converter • Footwear (for work and travel) • Seasonal clothes • Nice clothes for going out at night • Towel • Swim suit • Hand disinfectant and cleansing wipes • First-aid kit • Sun-block • General medicine (headache, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea) • Toiletries (shampoos and conditioner may be found here, but not the

brands you expect.) • Rain coat if coming in rain season

  19  

• Converter plug (see Electricity section) • Bringing photos and stories about your life and family is a good way to

introduce yourself to your community.

Resource Donations Bringing donations (such as games, clothes, school supplies) to Tanzania is a great idea, however, it may be cheaper to purchase these items in Tanzania as luggage on flights is limited. Thus, if you had raised funds to donate to your project, it is best to wait and see what the need at the project site are, and make investments from there. Schools may only use certain pens or paper.

ACCOMODATIONS H o s t e l

Our focus is all about people; about active engagement and genuine connection between travelers and locals; about understanding along with adventure. Our Hostels in Arusha are located in secure areas. We offer accommodation to short and long term volunteers and also to travellers who visit for safari, mountain climbing or even a relaxing vacation. Our bedrooms are dorm-room style, where you will share a room with other volunteers and can get to meet like-minded people and share the Tanzania experience. Both our hostels are fully furnished, with laundry services available, hot water, parking area, and security. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the hostel. Vegetarians and other dietary requirements are catered for. H o s t F a m i l y

For many volunteers, the chance to live with a local family is the most rewarding experience. For these volunteers we recommend you read as much as you can about Tanzanian life and cuisine. The local meals you will be eating will consist of rice, beans, meat, eggs, banana, fruits and vegetable, and ugali (a corn porridge). Living with a host family requires flexibility and the accommodation sare more variable. Some homes have traditional “American” toilets, others have squat toilets. Some homes will have hot water shower, other families use buckets to shower. If you are living in a home with young kids, expect them to want to come into your room and look at all your stuff. We recommend you bring games to play with your host family. All host families are experienced with hosting volunteers and we encourage you to speak up and let us know if your needs are not being met.

  20  

L i v i n g a t O r p h a n a g e

For volunteers living at orphanage you will have the advantage of always having cute faces to keep you company. However, bear in mind you will be living with a large group of kids who can be messy and the orphanage itself may be understaffed or on a tight budget. The meals may be limited and repetitive with very little fruits and vegetables in the diet due to cost. More information about the living and what to expect at the orphanage will be provided prior to your departure.  PERSONAL RISK AND LIABILITY Focus in Africa is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, disease, illness, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time. Persons not fit for long trips due to heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. There are certain inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved here. These include, but are not limited to dangers of animals, inaccessibility to medical attention and difficulty in evacuation from remote locations in the case of a medical emergency. Traveler assumes all such risks with regard to these possibilities.

CONTACT Focus In Africa P.O. Box 16245 Arusha, Tanzania Web: www.focusinafrica.com Tel: +255 755 218 062 Email: focusinafrica.co@gmail.com