Soma Kwa Furaha Initiative (SKFI)

Soma Kwa Furaha is a Swahili phrase that translates to "Read with joy" in English. It is an encouragement to approach reading with a sense of happiness, enthusiasm, and enjoyment. This phrase highlights the idea that reading should be a pleasurable
and fulfilling activity, emphasizing the positive emotions and satisfaction that can be derived from engaging with books and other written materials.

The Soma Kwa Furaha Initiative (SKFI) is a Tanzania-based non-governmental organization founded in 2021 and registered with the Tanzania Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children-Community Development as a Non-Governmental Organization under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act, No. 24 of 2002. The SKFI advocates for the Education, Health and Empowerment of communities targeting vulnerable Ones to enhance better quality education for a brighter future. The SKFI envisions a healthy, educated and self-reliant community by improving access to quality education, enabling a friendly educational environment and better health care, especially for Vulnerable children including children with special needs (disabled) according to their type of disability e.g., who may have learning disabilities or difficulties carrying out certain activities or actions, Autism, physical disability speech problems or behavioural disorders. Furthermore, the SKFI empowers the respective communities to gain control over the factors and decisions that shape their lives and better health services and strengthens the protection system for the Vulnerable Ones. The Initiative intends to provide a conducive environment for vulnerable children to better education to support the efforts of the government.

In collaboration with the sister Organizations Fursa Foundation and Chanzo Based Health Organization (CBHO), we are now supporting and working with multiple integrative schools and organizations in and around Mwanza.
If you have an idea of which area you would like to volunteer in, even if it was not mentioned above, let us know and we will see if such an opportunity is available.

All we need and care about is serving and helping the community. We are sure that your skills in languages and a fresh perspective as a volunteer from another country can contribute to making a big difference and helping our organization grow.

What is in for you (the volunteer)?
1. Learn More About Tanzania
When living in Tanzania you will get to integrate into the local culture, experience what the country and people are like and see places you have probably only seen before on television. You will also get to meet local people and tell them about your country. The cultural exchange will give you the chance to tour tribal areas, meet people and experience their traditional way of life. Through programmes and projects, you will also experience indigenous attractions and the scenery of rural Tanzania.In our view, these types of cross-cultural exchanges are beneficial for all people involved.

2. Make New Friends
You will get to meet locals and other participants from all over the world. You will form strong bonds working alongside other people from many different countries.

3. Boost Your Career
This is one of the most important things: You will get to build professional relationships, learn from experienced staff and boost your CV. When you apply for jobs in the future and you have the experience of working with the local community in the United Republic of Tanzania this will look amazing to prospective employers.

4. Personal Development
It is no slight thing to come and work in Tanzania independently, you will build self-confidence and self-esteem which are some of the most underrated things to happen when on a cultural exchange. There are so many things you will also improve including adaptation and flexibility, you will learn Swahili and also get a sense of accomplishment when you complete the volunteering experience.

We offer the following awards to volunteers at the end:
1. Certificate of appreciation
2. Certificate of volunteering
3. Volunteering recommendation letter (on request)

You will receive the benefits of accommodation (housing), access to the Internet and free computers all the time they are in our office doing various activities.

During the weekends, you will have free time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Mwanza, wider Tanzania and Eastern Africa. If who wants to meet fishermen, cultivators, local minors, wildlife scouts, rainmakers and story-tellers, the land between Serengeti and Lake Victoria is the place to be: Neighboring regions are Geita to the west, Shinyanga to the south, and Simiyu to the east. Furthermore, Lake Victoria borders the region's northern frontier, thus you will be able to get a chance to learn the local culture, and language and even learn how to prepare different Tanzanian foods. You will also have the opportunity to take a boat trip in the Victoria zone. We will also be able to connect volunteers to our partners who are tourist companies to visit many different tourist sites (tourist attractions).
Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield (Lake Manyara-Serengeti-Ngorongoro Crater-Tarangire) or to embark on a safari. Sunday is a religious day of rest. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Tanzania church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.
Mwanza and Tanzania in general is an incredible place steeped in culture and beauty - don't miss out on some of the most incredible sights in Africa!

ACCOMMODATION:
For accommodation, you will be accommodated in the host families located in the Mwanza areas. Basic accommodation facilities will be provided, it might be in a private room and sometimes you should expect to share a room with either host family members or other volunteers of the same sex from the same or other projects. Depending on the availability of host families, we can also provide guidance and recommendations for nearby lodging options that may be suitable for the duration of your volunteering.

I (Micky) am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenges and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive toward. I am not comfortable with settling, and I am always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness. How can Volunteers expect to be treated? Clear Communication: Volunteers should receive clear instructions about their roles, responsibilities, and the expected outcomes of their contributions. Training and Support: Providing adequate training and ongoing support helps volunteers feel more confident and capable in their roles. This can include mentorship, workshops, or access to resources. Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledging volunteers' efforts and expressing gratitude for their contributions is vital for maintaining morale and fostering a positive environment. Inclusion and Respect: Volunteers should be included in discussions and decision-making processes that affect their roles. Creating an environment where volunteers' voices are heard and valued is crucial. Feedback and Evaluation: Constructive feedback helps volunteers understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Regular evaluations can provide volunteers with a sense of progression and achievement. Safety and Well-being: Ensuring a safe and healthy environment for volunteers is essential. This includes physical safety, emotional support, and access to necessary resources. Equal Treatment: Volunteers should be treated fairly and without discrimination based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, or background. By adhering to these practices, organizations can create a positive and inclusive environment that fosters the growth and satisfaction of their volunteers.