A Call to Change Lives
Education is the cornerstone of opportunity, but in Tanzania, it faces significant hurdles—overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and limited resources, especially in rural areas. At Volunteers Tanzania, we believe every child deserves a chance to learn and thrive. Through our partnership with Zara Charity and the visionary leadership of Zainab Ansell, volunteers are bridging these gaps, empowering students, and transforming communities. Join us to discover how you can make a lasting impact in Tanzania’s education system.
The State of Education in Tanzania
Tanzania’s education system follows a 7-4-2-3 structure (7 years primary, 4 years secondary, 2 years advanced secondary, 3+ years tertiary). While free primary education since 2001 has increased enrollment, challenges remain:
- Teacher Shortages: Rural schools often have one teacher for 60-80 students, leading to strained learning environments.
- Resource Scarcity: Many schools lack textbooks, desks, and proper classrooms, particularly in regions like Moshi and Arusha.
- Access Disparities: Only 60% of children complete primary education, with girls in rural areas facing cultural and economic barriers, per UNESCO data.
- Learning Outcomes: Over 50% of students fail to meet minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics, limiting future opportunities.
Volunteers Tanzania, in collaboration with Zara Charity and Moshi Kids Centre, addresses these issues by deploying dedicated volunteers to support students, teachers, and communities.
How Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteers are the heartbeat of educational progress in Tanzania. Through hands-on teaching, mentorship, and community initiatives, they create tangible change. Here’s how you can contribute:
1. Teaching in Understaffed Classrooms
With teacher shortages plaguing rural schools, volunteers provide critical support. At Moshi Kids Centre, a flagship project of Zara Charity, volunteers teach core subjects like English, mathematics, and science. For example:
- English Proficiency: Volunteers offer one-on-one tutoring, helping students master English—a vital skill for Tanzania’s tourism-driven economy in Moshi.
- Small-Group Learning: By reducing student-teacher ratios, volunteers ensure personalized attention, improving comprehension and confidence.
2. Empowering Marginalized Communities
Zara Charity, under Zainab Ansell’s leadership, prioritizes education for vulnerable groups. Volunteers play a key role:
- Orphans and Underprivileged Children: Moshi Kids Centre supports over 800 children with free education, meals, and shelter. Volunteers mentor students, fostering resilience and ambition.
- Maasai Women and Children: Through Zara Charity’s Maasai Literacy Project in Ngorongoro’s Isirwa and Endulen villages, volunteers teach literacy and vocational skills, empowering women to start small businesses.
Explore these initiatives at Zara Charity’s Projects.
3. Building Schools and Resources
Volunteers contribute to physical infrastructure, ensuring access to quality learning spaces:
- Classroom Construction: Volunteers have helped build schools in Moshi and Isirwa village, providing safe environments for learning.
- Resource Provision: Fundraising efforts led by volunteers supply textbooks, uniforms, and desks. In 2023, Zara Charity delivered 500 textbooks to Moshi schools, reducing financial barriers for students.
4. Fostering Cultural Exchange
Volunteers bring global perspectives, inspiring students to dream big. At Moshi Kids Centre, international volunteers share stories from their home countries, motivating children to pursue education. In return, volunteers immerse in Tanzanian culture, learning Swahili and engaging with Maasai traditions, as highlighted on Volunteers Tanzania’s Cultural Immersion page.
5. Addressing Social Barriers
Volunteers tackle non-academic obstacles to education:
- Menstrual Hygiene: Through Zara Charity’s 2023 Women’s Day campaign, volunteers distributed sanitary pads to 200 girls in Pasua-area schools, reducing absenteeism.
- Nutrition and Health: Moshi Kids Centre’s meal programs, supported by volunteer fundraising, ensure students are healthy and focused.
Real Stories: Volunteers Changing Lives
Emily, Germany: “Volunteering at Moshi Kids Centre was life-changing. The children’s enthusiasm, despite limited resources, inspired me. Teaching English through games and songs made a real difference—I saw their confidence grow daily.”
Juma, Tanzanian Teacher: “A volunteer from Volunteers Tanzania trained me in interactive teaching methods. Now, I use roleplay and visual aids, and my students are learning faster and enjoying class more.”
Amina, Maasai Student: “Through the Maasai Literacy Project, I learned to read and write. A volunteer helped me start a beadwork business, and now I support my family.” Amina’s story reflects the impact of Zara Charity’s initiatives, driven by Zainab Ansell’s vision.
Zainab Ansell: A Visionary Leader
Zainab Ansell, known as Mama Zara, founded Zara Charity in 2009 to blend sustainable tourism with community development. Her leadership, recognized by the 2025 World Travel Awards and Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce, drives education-focused initiatives:
- Volunteer Programs: Through Volunteers Tanzania, Ansell places skilled volunteers in meaningful roles, ensuring alignment with local needs.
- Funding Education: Profits from Zara Tanzania Adventures support Moshi Kids Centre and Maasai schools.
- Empowering Communities: Initiatives like the Maasai Literacy Project and Moshi Kids Centre reflect her commitment to gender equity and child welfare.
Learn more about her impact at Zainab Ansell’s profile.
Moshi Kids Centre A Hub of Hope
Moshi Kids Centre, a Zara Charity initiative, provides free education, meals, and care to over 800 underprivileged children. Volunteers are integral to its success:
- Teaching and Mentorship: Volunteers lead classes and mentor students, helping them advance to secondary education.
- Community Engagement: Initiatives like the Asali (Honey) project in Isirwa village generate sustainable income to fund schools.
- Holistic Support: Volunteers organize recreational activities, creating a nurturing environment for children.
Measurable Impact of Volunteers
Volunteers Tanzania, in partnership with Zara Charity, has achieved:
- Academic Progress: In 2024, 70% of Moshi Kids Centre students improved reading and math scores, with many advancing to secondary school.
- Reduced Dropout Rates: Sanitary pad distribution and meal programs increased girls’ attendance by 15% in Moshi schools.
- Community Empowerment: Over 200 Maasai women have started businesses since 2020 through literacy and vocational training.
- Infrastructure Growth: Volunteer-built classrooms serve 1,000+ students annually across Zara Charity’s projects.
Why Volunteer with Volunteers Tanzania?
- Ethical Impact: Our programs prioritize community needs, ensuring respectful and meaningful contributions.
- Sustainable Change: We focus on long-term solutions, from building schools to empowering teachers.
- Cultural Immersion: Live in Moshi, learn Swahili, and experience Tanzania’s vibrant culture, from Maasai villages to Kilimanjaro treks.
- Adventure Opportunities: Combine volunteering with safaris or Zanzibar adventures through Zara Tanzania Adventures.
Get Involved: Your Role in Tanzania’s Future
You don’t need to be a teacher to make a difference. Whether you’re a student, retiree, or professional, Volunteers Tanzania offers opportunities to:
- Teach in primary and secondary schools.
- Support early childhood development centers.
- Train local teachers with innovative methods.
- Mentor children and inspire their dreams.
How to Start:
- Apply: Join our Education Volunteer Program at Volunteers Tanzania.
- Donate: Support Moshi Kids Centre’s scholarships and resources at Zara Charity Donations.
- Share: Amplify our mission on X with hashtags #VolunteerTanzania, #MoshiKidsCentre, and #ZainabAnsell.
Be the Change
Education is more than classrooms—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and hope. Volunteers Tanzania, alongside Zara Charity and Zainab Ansell, is rewriting Tanzania’s future, one child at a time. From teaching in Moshi to empowering Maasai women, your efforts can create lasting change. Join us at Volunteers Tanzania and become part of this transformative journey.