Zanzibar - Construction and Renovation

Stone Town is the capital of Zanzibar and about 20 minutes by car away from the volunteer house. It has a labyrinth of chaotic alleyways interposed between towering limestone houses with ornately carved arched hardwood doors with brass finishings and terracotta roofs. Stone Town is a melting pot of cultures and one of the last remaining ancient towns in Africa. It offers a rare cultural and historical insight into a former era of trade and exploration. As a primary trading post on the spice, silk, and slave trade routes for over a millennium, Stone Town has been a unique meeting place, blending African, Indian, Arabian, and European cultures. It is one of the few remaining ancient towns in Africa.

Not only is this city visually beautiful, with old colonial buildings and exquisitely carved Zanzibari doorways, but your senses will be overwhelmed with the scent of the sea and spice and the calls to prayer echoing from the minarets. For history buffs and culture addicts, Stone Town offers plenty of activities for 2-4 days of exploration. Swahili is a local language used by people and is spoken extensively in Zanzibar. English is also spoken by many people.

- Improve standards of local schools by various construction and renovation activities

- Help improve local schools by creating better learning environments.
- Engage in hands-on tasks like bricklaying, painting, and landscaping.
- Contribute to building renovations, including furniture and equipment repair.
- Use your creativity to beautify the school’s surroundings.
- Collaborate with local coordinators and foremen for guidance and support.

- Perform physical tasks such as carpentry, laying tiles, and gardening.
- Assist with repairs and renovations to improve school facilities.
- Use artistic ideas to enhance the school environment.
- Work collaboratively under the guidance of local coordinators and foremen.
- Contribute to creating a positive and inspiring space for students.

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule
08:00 - 08:30 Introduction
09:00 - 12:30 Orientation, Do's and Don'ts, Paperwork, Culture Lesson
13:00 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 18:30 Swahili Lesson, Pre-Teaching Plan, Stone Town Tour
18:30 Dinner

Monday and Tuesday (but not on Orientation Day)
08:30 - 09:00 Depart to the programs
09:00 - 12:30 Construction Work
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch and Rest
15:00 - 16:30 Construction Work
16:30 - 18:00 Wrap up and Return to the Accommodation
18:30 Dinner

Wednesday
08:30 - 09:00 Depart to the programs
09:00 - 12:30 Construction Work
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch and Rest
14:00 - 18:00 Group Beach Trip (Paje or Nungwi)
18:30 Dinner

Thursday
08:30 - 09:00 Depart to the programs
09:00 - 12:30 Construction Work
12:30 - 15:00 Lunch and Rest
15:00 - 17:00 One Activity: Afro-Dancing Class/ Beach Sports with Locals / BBQ Night / Swahili Dufu
17:00 - 18:00 Mandatory Weekly Meeting with Local Team
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner

Friday
08:30 - 09:00 Depart to the programs
09:00 - 12:30 Construction Work
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch and Rest
15:00 - 16:30 Construction Work
16:30 - 18:00 Wrap up and Return to the Accommodation
18:30 Dinner

***These activities can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions, and unforeseen circumstances.***

Ramadan is observed throughout Zanzibar. During this period, it is important to be mindful of certain customs and practices out of respect for the local community. The volunteer programs and activities are affected as they work with local community schools. The dates for Ramadan are not the same each year.

This program can also include a Culture Week which is highly recommended but not mandatory - just inform your travel advisor if you wish to include it. Get to know Zanzibar! Explore the rich culture, the complex history, and meet amazing people who call this fantastic place home.

Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Zanzibar through this action-packed adventure. Walk through the winding alleys of Stone Town, discovering its unique architecture and bustling markets. Delve into the secrets of Zanzibar’s spice trade, taste exotic flavors, and enjoy a hands-on cooking experience with local chefs.

Venture to Prison Island to meet the giant Aldabra tortoises and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Spend a day in Makunduchi Village, cycling through scenic paths, learning local crafts, and engaging in age-old traditions. Wrap up your experience with a full-day beach retreat, soaking up the sun and enjoying the turquoise waters of Zanzibar’s pristine coastline.

This program offers a truly immersive and unforgettable journey through the heart of Zanzibar.

Aims & Objectives
Help you learn helpful phrases in the local language
Broaden your knowledge of the local customs, history and culture
Enjoy local sights and activities
Provide a full induction, preparing you for a longer stay

Monday
Morning:
Orientation & Introduction - Settle in, meet fellow travelers, and get familiar with your surroundings.
Do’s & Don’ts - Essential cultural insights and etiquette to help you blend in.
Paperwork & Culture Lesson - A deeper look into local traditions and daily life.

Afternoon:
Swahili Basics - Learn key phrases to connect with locals.
Stone Town Exploration - Wander through Zanzibar’s historic heart, famous for its winding alleys, ornate doors, and lively markets.

Evening:
Sunset Views - Enjoy breathtaking golden hues over the Indian Ocean.
Forodhani Night Market - Dive into Zanzibar’s famous street food scene and mingle with locals.

Tuesday
Morning:
Prison Island & Bawe Island Tour -
Meet the giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island.
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters around Bawe Island.
Enjoy a packed lunch with fresh fruits and snacks while taking in the ocean views.

Wednesday
Morning:
Spice Farm Visit - Discover the island’s famous spices and their culinary & medicinal uses.

Afternoon:
Spice Tour & Cooking Class - Get hands-on experience preparing traditional dishes using fresh, local spices.

Thursday
Morning:
Local Transport to Makunduchi - A scenic 1.5-hour journey to an authentic Zanzibari village.

Afternoon:
Village Cycling Tour - Explore the rural beauty of Zanzibar on two wheels.
Khanga Demonstration - Learn the cultural significance of these vibrant fabrics.
Traditional Village Lunch - Enjoy a home-cooked meal featuring fresh fruit and a local main dish.

Hands-On Experiences:
Coconut Rope & Roof Making - See local craftsmanship in action.
Visit a Traditional Healer (Witch Doctor) - Gain insight into ancient healing traditions.

Friday
Full-Day Beach Escape - Relax on Zanzibar’s famous white sands and swim in turquoise waters.
Packed Lunch - Enjoy a carefree beach day.

Minimum age of 18
Basic level of competency in English
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Passport copy required on arrival
Travel & medical insurance (Older participants are required to have a medical clearance)
Have completed the following vaccines: Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies, Malaria, Hepatitis A, and Diphtheria
Visitor visa

Apply Online Before Arrival in Tanzania
The visitor visa costs 50 USD and can be applied for online via https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.