45Plus & More Volunteering-Program
Make a personal difference – make the world a better place!
Have you ever felt that something truly special might still be waiting for you?
Perhaps you have a little more time now, retirement is just around the corner, or you’re already retired. If so, this is the perfect time to experience something new, discover different cultures, and create meaningful connections and unforgettable memories.
As a volunteer at our newly renovated Hopeful English School in Arusha/Tengeru, you'll become part of a warm and welcoming family. We are looking for people who will truly feel at home with us and who want to brighten the lives of our children through their time, kindness, and commitment. ❤️
Our small and charming school is located in the heart of a beautiful African village, surrounded by banana plantations and a vibrant local community. Together with our head teacher, Gabriel, and our dedicated local team, you'll help children learn English and assist with everyday activities at the school, such as preparing the children's daily porridge.
We also encourage you to share your own talents and interests. Whether you enjoy singing, dancing, arts and crafts, sports, storytelling, or bringing new creative ideas, anything that brings joy to the children and enriches everyday life is always welcome.
By the way, families with children are warmly welcome too. For children, spending time in Tanzania is often a life-changing experience. It gives them the opportunity to discover a different culture, build new friendships, and broaden their perspective on the world.
Our main focus is helping children develop strong English skills. In Tanzania, speaking English often opens the door to further education, better job opportunities, and a more independent future. Together, we will discuss which area you feel most comfortable in and where you would like to use your strengths. It's not about being
perfect—it's about showing kindness and compassion. No teaching experience is required; all you need is an open heart and a genuine love for working with children.
Preschool-Program (Pre-Unity-Class)
Every weekday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., children between the ages of approximately 4 and 6 years attend our preschool. Learning is fun, interactive, and play-based and the children are introduced to English in a joyful and natural way.
We currently care for 53 children in this program, and this is where we especially appreciate the support of our volunteers. As a volunteer, you can help with songs, oral activities and games, support the children in their academic activities, assist with drawing and colouring, take part in outdoor activities, help serve the morning porridge, and assist with cleaning the cups after breakfast. Fridays are dedicated to sports and games.
Breakfast & Playtime for Our Youngest Children (Baby Class)
In addition, we open our doors every day from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for our youngest children, aged approximately 3 to 3½ years. They receive a breakfast, have time to play, and simply enjoy being children.
As a volunteer, you can support the children through oral activities, games, and singing songs. You can help them trace numbers and letters, assist them with writing on the blackboard, encourage them during drawing and colouring activities, work on puzzles together, and participate in many other fun and educational activities that foster their learning and development.
English Support for Primary & Secondary School Students (Age: 8 - 15 years)
Beginning at 4:00 p.m. tp 6:00 pm, after finishing their regular classes at local public schools, primary and secondary school students come to our school for additional English lessons. Although English plays an important role in Tanzania, many public schools have limited opportunities to teach and practice the language effectively. Our goal is to provide additional support that helps students improve their English skills and opens the door to brighter opportunities for their future. Fridays are dedicated to sports and games.
English Classes for Adults
We also offer English classes for mamas and other adults in our community, which take place daily at 6:00 p.m. Many people in the region speak little or no English. Since tourism is one of Tanzania's most important industries, English language skills can significantly improve employment opportunities and provide greater financial independence.
With this multi-generational approach, our goal is not only to support children, but to strengthen entire families.
Together, we'll find the area where you feel most comfortable and where you can share your strengths and interests.
Our commitment does not end in the classroom. Together with our local team, we visit families in the surrounding communities on Saturdays to gain a better understanding of their living conditions and identify where support is needed most. Sometimes that means providing food packages, mattresses, school supplies, clothing, or helping in other practical ways. Every situation is different. As a volunteer, you're welcome to join us during these
visits. It's a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of everyday life in Tanzania and experience the strong sense of community that makes our project so special. Our goal is not only to educate children, but to strengthen families and create lasting hope throughout the community.
To help you get a good idea of what your volunteering experience will look like, we've put together the most important information about the daily schedule.
To help you get a good idea of what your volunteering experience will look like, we've put together the most important information about the daily schedule.
Of course, you're also very welcome to spend your free time on our campus. Our peaceful Banana Tree Park is the perfect place to:
If other volunteers are staying with us during your visit, you'll also have the opportunity to spend time together and get to know one another.
Please note: The daily schedule may occasionally change slightly. Together with our local team, we continuously adapt our routine to meet the needs of the children and the school. If there are any significant changes, we will of course let you know in advance.
You don't need to speak perfect English. Basic conversational English is all you need.
What matters most to us is:
We would ideally love to have between one and three volunteers at any given time, depending on how the volunteers' schedules overlap.
To give you a better picture of our local team: Gabriel is our teacher in charge and teaches in the afternoon. Esther is our English teacher in the morning, Veronika is our local assistant English teacher, and Witness is our nanny and housekeeper. Together, they make up a wonderful local team that runs the school with great dedication and care. All of them are passionate about giving the children not only a strong foundation in English, but also the self-confidence and positive mindset they need to believe in themselves and their future.
For us, volunteering is a true win-win experience. The children benefit from meeting people from different countries, practising their English, and gaining new perspectives. At the same time, our volunteers become part of the local community, build meaningful connections, experience authentic Tanzanian life, and take home unforgettable memories.
Your weekends are yours to enjoy. Discover Tanzania, go on safari, explore the beautiful surroundings, or simply experience everyday life and the warm hospitality of the local people.
Of course, you're always welcome to spend additional time with us outside your volunteer hours. Perhaps you'd like to share your knowledge, skills, or passions with the children or even with the adults in our community. Whether it's leading a small workshop, organizing a creative activity, playing sports, making music, doing crafts, or simply spending time together, every contribution is greatly appreciated. We especially value people who enjoy sharing their experiences, bringing fresh ideas, and enriching our community with kindness and an open heart.
We'd be happy to recommend and arrange a variety of activities for you, including:
Safaris to Tanzania's world-famous national parks
Day trips to waterfalls and nature reserves
Canoeing on beautiful Lake Duluti
Hiking on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and in the surrounding mountains
Visits to wildlife sanctuaries
Coffee plantation tours and traditional village visits
Traditional African dance and drumming workshops
Relaxing days at lodges or hotels with swimming pools
A weekend getaway to Zanzibar with its breathtaking white-sand beaches and turquoise waters
We'll gladly help you choose excursions that best match your interests, budget, and the time you have available.
unforgettable way.
Arusha, the nearest city to our school in Tengeru, is only a short drive away.
Known as the gateway to Tanzania's famous northern safari parks, Arusha combines authentic African culture with modern conveniences. Here you'll find charming cafés, restaurants, shopping opportunities, art galleries, and colorful local markets where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It's the perfect place to experience everyday Tanzanian life and culture.
As a small and newly established NGO, we are just beginning our journey. Hopeful English School only opened its doors in June 2026, and we are taking one step at a time.
At the moment, we don't have our own volunteer accommodation, so our volunteers stay in carefully selected hotels close to the school. We are happy to send you a list of our recommended hotels. You can choose the accommodation that best suits your preferences and budget and book it directly through Booking.com. One of our recommendations is the Almasi Lounge Arusha / Tengeru. Feel free to have a look on Booking.com.
The hotels are about a 15 to 30-minute walk away. If you wish, we would be very happy to help you arrange a TukTuk (three-wheeled taxi) for your journeys to and from the school. The costs are low and can easily be paid directly on site.
Most hotels also offer dinner on request. As part of your volunteer experience, you'll enjoy a free freshly prepared local lunch every day at the school.
You can find our school on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b7typnvX4GRNEEd36
Depending on availability, we currently offer our volunteers the opportunity to stay in a homestay located very close to our school. The cost is USD 10 per person per day and includes three local meals per day.
We are also working on expanding our network of local host families so that we can offer more homestay options in the future, subject to availability. Staying with a local family gives our volunteers a unique opportunity to experience everyday life in Tanzania firsthand, immerse themselves in the local culture, and gain a deeper and more authentic understanding of life in the local community.
This way, your stay becomes not only a special and meaningful experience for you, but also a direct way to support a local family.
Free WIFI is available on the school campus, in the homestay, and at the hotels. And it is also possible to buy a local SIM card.
All volunteers are welcome to use Mama Laki's washing machine at the school grounds.
If you're traveling directly from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, or most other European countries, no vaccinations are required to enter Tanzania.
Basic medical care is available at Meru District Hospital in Tengeru. For more specialized care, Arusha offers several well-equipped private hospitals and medical clinics with a high standard of healthcare.
To ensure you can fully enjoy your stay with peace of mind, we recommend checking your insurance coverage before traveling.
We strongly recommend having:
Health insurance with international coverage
Travel insurance
Any additional insurance appropriate for your personal circumstances
Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Tanzania and contains enough blank pages for visa stamps and immigration requirements.
The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located between Arusha and Moshi, approximately 40 minutes from our school in Tengeru.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is well connected to many major international destinations.
Several airlines offer regular flights, including:
KLM (via Amsterdam)
Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa)
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
Emirates (via Dubai)
Depending on where you're traveling from, additional airlines and routes may also be
available.
For flight information you can check: Google-Flights or use any booking platform you already know and prefer.
Once you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we will be happy to arrange a private airport transfer for you through an external and highly reliable company. The cost is USD 50 per vehicle, each way. If your accommodation offers an airport transfer service, please book it directly through your accommodation.
From the moment you arrive, you will be in good hands.
Your airport transfer will pick you up reliably at Kilimanjaro International Airport and take you safely to your accommodation. The following morning, you will be picked up again and taken to Hopeful English School. There, you will meet our team, get your first glimpse of the school, and have time to settle in and get comfortable.
Throughout your entire stay, we are always here for you if you have any questions or need support. We stay in close contact with you and make sure you feel safe, welcome, and well cared for at all times. Every volunteer is important to us, and we do our very best to make your stay a positive, enriching, and unforgettable experience.
For volunteer placements of up to 3 months, most international volunteers are required to obtain the appropriate Volunteer/Humanitarian Visa before travelling to Tanzania. The current visa fee is generally USD 50, although visa requirements and fees vary depending on your nationality.
It is the responsibility of each volunteer to check the entry requirements that apply to their nationality before travelling.
After your placement has been confirmed, we will provide you with an official invitation letter and any supporting documents required for your visa application.
As immigration regulations may change, we recommend checking the latest requirements with the Tanzanian Immigration Department or the Tanzanian Embassy in your country before booking your flight.
The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Cash can easily be withdrawn from ATMs throughout Arusha. You may also bring U.S. dollars and exchange them at official banks or licensed exchange offices. Please make sure to bring new, undamaged U.S. dollar bills issued in 2009 or later, as older bills are generally not accepted.
… whether our volunteers can bring anything with them. Of course – almost everything is welcome and can be put to good use locally: gently used children’s and adult clothing, shoes, toys, stationery, school supplies, and much more.
But please don’t feel any pressure to bring anything at all. It is absolutely not expected – most of all, we’re simply happy to welcome you! 💛
One small advise: In the unlikely event that you are asked at the airport what you are carrying, please refer to these items as gifts rather than donations, as officially declared donations may require additional paperwork.
Arusha is located at an altitude of approximately 1,400 metres (4,600 feet) above sea level. Thanks to its elevation, the climate is pleasant year-round and much milder than many people expect when they think of Africa. Daytime temperatures generally range between 23°C and 30°C (73–86°F), while the evenings and nights can be refreshingly cool. Even during the warmest months, the heat is usually very comfortable.
January to the end of February (approx. 27–30°C during the day, 16–19°C at night). These are the warmest months in Arusha and are generally dry.
March to May – Rainy Season (approx. 24–27°C during the day, 17–19°C at night). The rainy season may sound intimidating, but it is often much more pleasant than people expect. It usually rains at night, and during the day there may be a short shower lasting one or two hours before the sun comes out again. It certainly does not rain all day, nor does it rain every day. Temperatures remain warm and comfortable throughout this period.
June to October – Dry Season (approx. 23–25°C during the day, 11–14°C at night). These months make up the dry season. The weather is mostly sunny and dry. Due to Arusha's altitude, the nights and early mornings can be quite cool, while daytime temperatures remain pleasantly warm.
Mid-November to December – Short Rainy Season (approx. 26–28°C during the day, 16–18°C at night). During this period, the short rainy season begins. Rain showers are usually brief and often occur in the afternoon or at night. There are still plenty of sunny hours in between, so daily life and volunteer work can continue without any problems. Temperatures remain pleasantly warm.
Many people have concerns about safety before traveling to Africa for the first time. Our experience in Tanzania has been overwhelmingly positive. I've been traveling to Tanzania regularly for several years and have always felt very safe. The people are incredibly welcoming, respectful, and genuinely kind. Personally, I've never experienced theft or harassment during my time in Arusha. In fact, I often feel safer there than in some well-known European cities such as Rome or Barcelona, where pickpocketing is unfortunately much more common.
As anywhere in the world, we simply recommend using common sense and taking normal precautions with your valuables. Personally, I always keep my passport, money, and phone in a secure crossbody bag.
If everything you've read has inspired you to become part of the Hopeful English School family, we would be absolutely delighted to get to know you!
Let's arrange a video call! It's a great opportunity for us to get to know each other, for me to answer all of your questions, and together we'll find the time that suits your volunteering experience best.
Important: Once we've agreed on your volunteering dates, you're welcome to book your flight. As soon as your flight is booked, your stay with us is officially confirmed – and the excitement can begin!
From that moment on, we'll take care of everything else and guide you every step of the way until your arrival. We can't wait to welcome you to our Hopeful English School family in Tengeru!
My name is Marion Duschletta, 53 years old and I'm the founder of the Hopeful Hearts Foundation Switzerland.
For more than 20 years now, I have been working as a professional Pop Art artist in Switzerland. My artwork has been exhibited internationally and can be found in private collections around the world. Creativity has always been an important part of my life. My artist website: www.marionduschletta.ch.
In 2023, my first journey to Tanzania changed my life. What started as a Safari soon became a heartfelt mission. Together with an incredible local team, we brought the Hopeful English School back to life and founded the Hopeful Hearts Foundation to support education and create brighter opportunities for children and families.
Today, I divide my time between Switzerland and Tanzania, usually spending around three months in each country. Whenever I'm in Tanzania, I visit the school regularly, support the local team, and help the project continue to grow.
Please note: Although I founded this volunteer project, I won't be at the school on a daily basis. Our wonderful local team will be your main point of contact throughout your stay. Malaki, our NGO Director, together with our Head Teacher Gabriel and the other teachers and the founder family, Mama Laki and Baba Laki, will warmly welcome you, guide you, and support you every step of the way. They are a caring and experienced team who will make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and at home from the moment you arrive.
If we're both in Tanzania at the same time, I'd be delighted to meet you. I'm always happy to have a chat, answer your questions, or enjoy a coffee together.
If you're smiling while reading this... maybe that's already your answer 😉 Sometimes all it takes is one small step for something truly life-changing to begin.
📞 Phone / WhatsApp:
+41 79 236 68 90
Email:
Warmly,
Marion
Founder Hopeful Hearts Foundation Switzerland and Tanzania
