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Childcare & Orphan Support Volunteer In Dar es salaam Tanzania


The experience

Help care for children at our children's home, providing daily support, companionship, and stimulation. Activities include playing, reading stories, helping with homework, organizing games and creative activities, and general supervision alongside our staff. Experience with children (childcare, teaching, nursing, or similar) is a plus but not mandatory — what matters most is patience, warmth, and reliability. Please note: due to child safety


What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Child Care: Caring for, playing with, and spending time with children.

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

Cooking: Choose the menu, pick ingredients and cook delicious dishes.

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 10 Per day

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers, Materials for volunteer activities, and Donation to project

Description: Volunteers contribute US$10 per day toward basic project and hosting expenses, including food-related costs, maintenance and supporting the sustainability of our community activities. This contribution helps us continue welcoming volunteers and maintaining the project. The contribution does not replace your volunteer work and is intended to help cover practical expenses associated with hosting volunteers.


What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Dance classes: Take free dance classes at our place.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Holistic Therapies: You can take part in any of our therapeutic activities for free.

Permaculture Course: Take part in our Permaculture course for free.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely


Requirements

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers


What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa


Program Details

Join our children's home and become part of the daily lives of 58 orphaned children who call MSCO home. This role is ideal for volunteers who are patient, nurturing, and genuinely passionate about child welfare. You won't just be helping out — you'll be building real relationships and providing the consistency, care, and attention every child deserves.
What you'll be doing:
Assisting children with morning routines (getting ready for school, breakfast)
Supervising and participating in play, games, and creative activities
Helping with homework and basic tutoring in the afternoons
Reading stories, singing songs, and organizing group activities
Providing companionship, comfort, and emotional support
Supporting our staff with daily childcare tasks and light supervision
Occasionally assisting with health/hygiene routines under staff guidance
Who we're looking for:
Volunteers with a genuine love for children and patience for their needs
Background in childcare, education, psychology, nursing, or social work is a plus, but not required
Reliable, warm, and comfortable working as part of a team
Willingness to follow our child protection guidelines at all times
What makes this role meaningful:
Many of these children have experienced loss and instability. Your consistent presence, warmth, and attention can make a real difference in their sense of security and belonging — even a few weeks of genuine care leaves a lasting impact.
Important note:
Due to child safety standards, all volunteers in this role are required to provide a background check or references, and must follow MSCO's Child Protection Policy at all times, including never being alone with a single child in a private setting.
Hours expected: ~20–25 hours/week, Monday–Friday


Activities & Shift

Typical weekly schedule:
Day
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Monday–Friday
Help children prepare for school, breakfast support, morning routines
Homework help, play activities, creative sessions
Saturday
Light activities, games, group outings (occasional)
Free time / rest

Sunday
Free day
Main activities include:
Morning routine support (waking up, breakfast, getting ready for school)
Homework assistance and basic tutoring (afternoons)
Organized play: games, sports, arts and crafts
Storytelling, singing, and group activities
Evening wind-down support (dinner, bedtime routine, as needed)
Weekly hours: Approximately 20–25 hours/week
Days off: Weekends are generally free, with occasional light Saturday involvement depending on activities planned. Sundays are fully free for rest, exploring Dar es Salaam, or personal time.
Flexibility: Shifts can be adjusted slightly based on the volunteer's skills and interests (e.g., a volunteer strong in art may focus more on creative sessions; one with a nursing background may assist more with health/hygiene routines).


Rules

Child Protection (non-negotiable):
Never be alone with a single child in a closed/private space — all interactions must happen in open or supervised areas
No physical discipline of children under any circumstances
Do not share personal contact details (phone number, social media) directly with children
Photos/videos of children only with staff permission — never posted publicly without consent
Do not take any child outside MSCO premises without written permission and staff accompaniment
General Conduct:
Punctuality and reliability are expected — please inform staff in advance if you cannot make a shift
Respect local culture, dress modestly when working with children and in the community
No alcohol or drugs on the premises
Smoking only in designated outdoor areas, away from children
Treat all staff, children, and fellow volunteers with respect and kindness
Accommodation Rules:
Keep shared spaces (kitchen, bathroom, common areas) clean and tidy
Respect quiet hours in the evening for other volunteers and staff
Guests/visitors in volunteer accommodation must be approved by staff in advance
Report any maintenance issues or concerns to staff promptly
Commitment:
Minimum stay. 1 week and more
Volunteers are expected to complete their full commitment period once confirmed
Advance notice required for early departure (except emergencies)