Volunteers Needed to Make an Impact in Rural Tanzania: Planting, Educating, and Building for a Healthier Future 

Global Volunteers has received grant funding to demonstrate sustainable methods for school feeding programs in Tanzania.  The months of January, February, March, and April are a critical time for the success of this transformative initiative aimed at improving the lives of children and families in four rural schools in Tanzania. Volunteers are urgently needed to plant over 300 Earthboxes, educate families, teachers, and students about the importance of micronutrients and healthy school meals, and help build a water harvesting station. These projects will lay the foundation for a sustainable future, but the success of this phase depends on having dedicated volunteers to make it all happen. 

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The Project Timeline  

The weeks leading up to the end of April will be the most essential for laying the groundwork that will enable these schools to thrive. This stage of the project involves: 

• Planting over 300 Earthboxes across four village schools 

• Educating teachers, students, and local families about healthy school meals and micronutrient-rich food 

• Constructing a water harvesting station to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives 

For the success of this first phase, it is crucial to have volunteers who can work together to support the schools and families involved. This work is key to demonstrating the impact of these efforts and will provide the evidence needed to secure additional funding to expand the program to more village schools in the future. 

The Work Projects 

There are four primary tasks for volunteers to assist with: 

1. Planting Earthboxes: Volunteers will help plant and set up over 300 Earthboxes for the schools, providing a sustainable method for growing nutrient-rich vegetables. These Earthboxes are ideal for the local environment, helping schools produce fresh vegetables like kale, spinach, and peppers. 

2. Educating Families, Teachers, and Students: Volunteers will play an essential role in teaching families, teachers, and students about the importance of a balanced diet and the key role that micronutrients (such as vitamins A, C, and iron) play in health and development. This education will be essential for ensuring that the crops grown in the Earthboxes are used effectively to enhance school meals. Volunteers able to present on nutrition and diet can play a key role in this project.   

3. Building a Water Harvesting Station: A reliable water source is vital for maintaining the Earthboxes and ensuring the success of future vegetable production efforts. Volunteers will assist with the construction of a water harvesting station, a sustainable system to collect and store rainwater, ensuring that schools can continue to grow food even during dry spells. 

No Specialized Skills Required 

The great news is that building the water harvesting station and planting Earthboxes does not require specialized skills. Volunteers from all walks of life, including teachers, students, retirees, and working professionals, are encouraged to join and make a real difference. Volunteers will work alongside Tanzanian staff, families, and teachers. 

All materials needed for planting, construction, and education will be provided on-site, and local project directors will ensure that the work is completed efficiently and with care. Volunteers will be part of a collaborative and supportive team, working together toward the shared goal of improving nutrition and food security for these rural schools. 

Your Journey to Tanzania 

Volunteers will fly directly to Iringa, Tanzania, from Dar es Salaam, and will be transported in Global Volunteers’ vehicles to the community lodging the same day. The Global Volunteers guesthouse is a modern, comfortable, and safe facility with in-room bathrooms, showers, and hot running water. Three delicious and nutritious meals will be prepared daily by the guesthouse staff, ensuring that volunteers have the energy they need for their activities. 

Why Volunteer? 

This is a unique opportunity to be a part of something truly impactful. By joining the team, you’ll not only help provide immediate assistance to village schools but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of agricultural and educational initiatives that will benefit communities for years to come. 

Through your hands-on work planting, teaching, and building, you’ll play a key role in improving food security and promoting better nutrition, two crucial factors in ensuring that children in these rural areas can grow, learn, and thrive. 

How You Can Get Involved 

The need for volunteers is urgent, and your help is essential to the success of this important initiative. If you’re interested in making a meaningful difference this January through April, please reach out to Global Volunteers to register and secure your spot. 

Together, we can plant the seeds for a brighter, healthier future for the children and families of rural Tanzania. 

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