Volunteer Teaching Assistant in Dar es Salaam

As a Volunteer Teaching Assistant in Dar es Salaam, you will help shape young minds by supporting English lessons and engaging students through fun, interactive activities. From assisting local teachers to leading songs, games, and creative projects, your days will be filled with opportunities to inspire learning, share your culture, and make a lasting impact in the classroom.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day to familiarize yourself with the surroundings as well as the local culture.

Schedule

• Introduction meeting, house rules, setting expectations, health and safety advice, and handling of documents
• Swahili language lessons
• Madale village tour

Weekly Schedule

Monday

• Orientation and introduction by the Local Program Coordinator

• Class observation and lesson preparation alongside the local coordinator and local teachers

Tuesday to Friday

• Teaching sessions and activities at the school

• Lesson planning and preparations with the local coordinator and teachers

Activities & Events

• Movie night! We will show a great movie on our big screen at the accommodation.
• Game Night! The local team will organize exciting and fun games for you to get involved with.
• Team Building activities! Come and enjoy some team building activities and learn more about yourself and your fellow camp buddies.
• BBQ with a great movie! Enjoy the last evening of the week with a delicious BBQ while watching one of your favorite movies on the big screen at the accommodation.
• Bonfire night! Gather round and sing campfire music. Enjoy stargazing and many more!
• Music night with staff and participants. Jam in a simple get together through singing a song with them, eating with them and many more

***These activities can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Evenings and Weekends

Evenings are free for you to relax, reflect, and connect with others. Weekends offer the perfect chance to explore Dar es Salaam’s cultural sites, vibrant markets, and coastal escapes. Our local team can help organize tours and activities.

Places to Visit

Dar es Salaam is alive with culture, history, and adventure. Weekend highlights include:

• National Museum – Explore Tanzania’s history and cultural heritage through artifacts and exhibits
• Coco Beach – Swim, relax, or picnic along this lively city beach
• Kariakoo Market – Immerse yourself in one of the city’s busiest and most colorful markets
• Village Museum – Learn about Tanzania’s diverse cultures through traditional dwellings and performances
• Bongoyo Island – Snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy a beachside barbecue on this tropical island escape
• Darajani Fish Market – Experience the bustling seafood trade and try local street food
• Azania Front Lutheran Church – Admire its architecture and stained-glass beauty
• Mwenge Woodcarvers Market – Browse handcrafted wooden art and souvenirs
• Sunset cruise – Relax along the coast while taking in breathtaking views
• Sample local cuisine – Taste Tanzanian favorites like pilau rice, ugali, mishkaki, and samosas

Please Note:

• This schedule may be adjusted depending on weather, local conditions, and unforeseen circumstances

Dar es Salaam, whose name means “Haven of Peace,” is Tanzania’s largest city and a vibrant hub on the eastern coast of Africa. From lively markets to white-sand beaches and Swahili culture to colonial architecture, the city is full of contrasts and discoveries. During your stay, you’ll live in the quieter Madale area, just a short distance from the bustling city center, offering both a comfortable base and plenty of opportunities to explore local life.

About the Accommodation

You’ll stay in a shared volunteer house in Madale, about 5–10 minutes from central Dar es Salaam. Rooms are dormitory-style, shared with 2–8 other participants, and separated by gender for privacy and comfort. The house is fully equipped with everything you need for a homely stay, with lockable rooms and fans to keep you cool.

Bed linen is provided, but please bring your own towel. Rooms do not include air conditioning, hot showers, or mosquito protection, so packing light but smart is recommended. Laundry services are available for an additional fee. While WiFi is not available at the house, local SIM cards with data can easily be purchased nearby.

Available Room Types:

• Standard Room — shared with 2–8 participants

• Lockable rooms with shared bathrooms

• Fans in all rooms (air conditioning not available)

• Bed linen provided (towels not included)

• No hot showers, but standard bathroom facilities provided

• No WiFi at the accommodation (local SIM cards recommended)

• Laundry available at extra cost

Food Arrangements

You’ll receive three meals a day during weekdays, and brunch and dinner on weekends. Meals are freshly prepared and mostly consist of traditional Tanzanian dishes, with regional flavors and ingredients. During outdoor activities, meals may be served at local restaurants in the city.

Special dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice. Clean drinking water is always provided.

Facilities

The neighborhood has small local shops selling snacks, drinks, and daily essentials. ATMs, banks, pharmacies, and larger stores are also nearby, making it easy to get anything you might need during your stay.

Volunteering in Tanzania with TRU combines meaningful volunteer work with unforgettable adventure travel in one of East Africa’s most iconic destinations. Designed for gap year volunteers, solo travellers, students, and anyone looking for ethical volunteering abroad, TRU’s Tanzania volunteer programmes focus on sustainable community projects, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism.

Volunteers have the opportunity to support local education programmes, youth development initiatives, community outreach projects, and conservation volunteering experiences while working alongside local communities. Every volunteer project is designed to create a positive impact while giving volunteers hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of Tanzanian culture and daily life. TRU promotes ethical volunteering and sustainable travel, ensuring projects are community-led and focused on long-term support.

Beyond volunteering, Tanzania offers world-famous safari experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local culture. Volunteers can explore national parks, discover tropical beaches, experience traditional food and markets, and visit destinations like Zanzibar City. From wildlife conservation and community volunteering to adventure travel and cultural experiences, TRU creates the perfect balance of purpose, exploration, and authentic travel in Tanzania.