There is a difference between visiting a country and becoming part of it.
When you volunteer with us, you have the opportunity to step beyond the usual tourist experience and spend time alongside the people and communities that call Tanzania home. You’ll contribute to work that matters, while gaining a deeper understanding of the country, its people and the realities of community life.
Come with an open mind and a willingness to get involved. What you take away may be just as meaningful as what you leave behind.
- Make a meaningful contribution
- Learn from the people and communities you work alongside
- Experiencing Tanzanian culture beyond the tourist trail
- Develop new skills and perspectives
- Build genuine connections
How do you want to make a difference?
Why volunteer with us?
There are plenty of ways to volunteer abroad. Here’s what makes doing it with FEF different.
Real relationships with local people.
When you volunteer with us, you’re working directly with the people who founded and run these projects, not a third-party coordinator. Our team knows the communities, the schools, and the families you’ll be working with, so your placement is personal, not generic.
Built by the community, for the community.
Our programs weren’t designed in an office overseas and rolled out globally. They came from lived experience of what rural Tanzanian communities actually need, which means your time is spent on work that’s genuinely useful, not a pre-packaged “volunteer experience.”
Your contribution goes further.
Large international agencies often take a significant cut to cover global operations and marketing. Because FEF is small, local, and community-run, your contribution goes directly into the projects and people you’re there to support.
What to expect.
Volunteering with FEF isn’t a packaged tourist experience. It’s real, hands-on work alongside a local community. Some days will be structured, others less predictable, and that’s part of working within a community rather than a fixed program. You’ll be guided by our team throughout, but flexibility, patience, and an open mind go a long way.
Expect to be welcomed warmly, to work alongside local staff and community members (not just other volunteers), and to see the direct impact of your time; whether that’s in a classroom, on a project site, or in conversations with the families you’re supporting.
What's included?
Airport Pickup
We'll be there when you land. No stress navigating a new country alone. Just a friendly face and a ride straight to your accommodation.
Accommodation
A safe, comfortable place to call home for the duration of your stay, close to your project and the local community you'll be working with.
Orientation
Before you get started, we’ll help you settle in and get familiar with the local area and what to expect so you start your placement feeling confident.
24/7 Support
Your safety and wellbeing is our priority. Our local team is available throughout your stay, ready to help with anything that comes up.
Tour Discounts
Make the most of your time in Tanzania! We partner with Lauwo Adventures so you can explore more of this beautiful country at discounted rates.
Responsible and Ethical Volunteering.
We take our responsibility to the communities we work with seriously, and we expect the same from our volunteers.
We put community needs first.
Every project exists because the community identified a real need, not because it makes a good photo. We don't create work for volunteers to do; we involve volunteers in work that's already meaningful.
We protect children and vulnerable people.
If your placement involves children, you'll be briefed on our child protection standards before you start. We don't support short-term, unsupervised contact with children, and we ask all volunteers to respect the same boundaries our own staff do.
We work with communities, not for them.
Our role is to support local people to lead their own development, not to arrive with outside solutions. As a volunteer, you're there to contribute skills and effort under local direction, not to take charge.
We're honest about impact.
Real community development takes time, consistency, and local leadership, not a two-week fix. We'll be upfront with you about what your visit can realistically achieve, and what it can't.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Pricing varies depending on the project and the duration of your stay. Our rates start at US$29 per day which includes accommodation, arrival transfer and 24/7 in-country support.
How long can I volunteer for?
Most of our projects run from 1 week, up to 3 months, with flexible start dates.
What skills or experience do I need?
We have projects that cater for everyone. Some have specific requirements, others need only motivation. Get in touch with us to find out the pre-requisites for the program you’re interested in.
Can I volunteer with a friend or group?
Yes. Volunteering with a friend or as part of a small group can be a great way to share the experience. Let us know who you’re travelling with when you enquire and we’ll discuss the options with you.
Is it safe to go by myself?
Yes, more than 50% of our volunteers travel solo.
Do I need a visa to volunteer in Tanzania?
Yes, a visa is required to join a volunteer program in Tanzania, but a tourist visa is usually sufficient. Most nationalities can get one on arrival for US$50, valid for up to three months. Ensure your passport has at least three blank pages. You can also apply in advance but check with your local Tanzanian embassy for specific requirements and processing times.
Are vaccinations recommended for travel to Tanzania?
Yes, vaccinations are recommended for diseases like yellow fever, hepatitis A & B, and malaria. Consult a doctor or travel clinic to determine the specifics for your trip.
Do I need to speak Swahili?
You don’t need to be fluent in Swahili to volunteer with us. You’ll have support throughout your placement, and your time in Tanzania is also a wonderful opportunity to learn some of the local language and connect with the community.
Their freedom starts with you.
Get in touch and tell us a little about yourself, your interests, your preferred dates and the type of volunteering you’re interested in, and we’ll take it from there.