Tanzania Zanzibar International Volunteer Association — Local services in Malindi

Accommodation and Living Conditions

The living conditions provided by Tzivia were functional but left much to be desired in terms of comfort. The house was modest, with basic amenities that could have been better maintained. Hygiene was somewhat questionable; while the conditions were bearable, they could be challenging at times, especially when it came to the upkeep of common areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.

The food provided in the house was simple and repetitive. Rice was a staple at almost every meal, which can become monotonous over an extended period. While the meals were filling, the lack of variety was a downside, particularly for those used to a more diverse diet. Some days, it felt like nutrition was sacrificed for simplicity.

Experience at the School

The school experience was the most rewarding part of the program. Working with the students was an enriching and fulfilling experience. Their enthusiasm for learning and the joy they brought to each lesson made every challenge worth it. The highlights, as shared, included seeing the students grow in confidence and the connections formed through teaching.

However, there were challenges, particularly in terms of resources. The lack of adequate teaching materials and the crowded classrooms meant that creativity and patience were essential. But the students’ eagerness to learn and their warm-hearted nature made up for these difficulties. You really do get as much as you put into this program. You have to find gaps and do your best to fill them without the expectation that someone will guide you.

Rajab as Course Coordinator

Rajab, the course coordinator, played a crucial role in facilitating the program. He was approachable and genuinely cared about both the volunteers and the local community. His knowledge of the island and the education system was invaluable, and he was always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that we had what we needed. I will miss my friend.

Weekends Exploring Zanzibar

The weekends offered a much-needed break from the week’s work and provided an opportunity to explore the diverse and beautiful landscapes of Zanzibar. Each part of the island has its unique charm, from the historic Stone Town to the pristine beaches of the eastern coast. Exploring these areas added a sense of adventure to the volunteer experience and offered insights into the rich culture and history of the island.

These explorations were not just leisure but also a deeper immersion into the life and traditions of Zanzibar. Whether it was visiting forests, swimming in the clear blue waters, or engaging with locals in the markets, these experiences were integral to understanding the island beyond the volunteer work.

Overall Impression

Zanzibar is a place that grows on you. The people are warm, the culture is vibrant, and the landscape is stunning. However, one month feels like the bare minimum for volunteering here. The complexity of the challenges faced by the local communities means that shorter volunteer stints may not do justice to the work or the relationships built. Volunteering for a longer period allows for deeper connections and a more significant impact, both for the volunteers and the communities they serve.

In conclusion, while there were certain aspects of the program that could be improved—particularly regarding living conditions and variety in meals—the overall experience was deeply enriching. Zanzibar has a way of touching your heart, and the memories made during this month will last a lifetime. For anyone considering this program, my advice would be to approach it with an open mind, patience, and a willingness to embrace the island’s unique pace...

What is the best thing about your placement so far? Without a doubt, being able to go into the operating room and witness real surgeries up close. It was something I’d dreamed of, and getting to be part of that environment was incredibly inspiring.

Your biggest achievement so far? Assisting in a caesarean section. It was such a powerful experience, one I’ll never forget, and it made me realise just how passionate I am about surgery.

In your time there so far, has anything happened that has stood out, or touched your heart, or made you laugh? What touched me most was seeing the strength and courage of the local women giving birth without medication. Their resilience, and the calm, reassuring presence of the hospital staff, was something truly special. Also, the friendships I formed with other volunteers made every day joyful, we shared so many laughs and unforgettable moments.

What experience do you feel you are gaining? This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve gained clinical confidence, cultural awareness, and a deep appreciation for surgical teamwork, all in a setting that’s so different from home. It’s helped me grow as a future researcher and as a person.

Any other relevant comments? Zanzibar is incredibly beautiful, from the beaches to the sunsets to the energy of Stone Town, every day felt like a gift. I made amazing friends along the way, and the Volunteer International Adventures staff were super kind and supportive throughout. The hospital professionals were equally welcoming and generous with their time and knowledge. I would recommend this programme to absolutely anyone. It’s been the best experience of my life so far, and I’d do it again a million times over.

Please write a short case study to help future volunteers: During my placement at KMKM Hospital in Zanzibar, I worked primarily in the maternity ward, supporting women in labour and assisting in C-sections. I also had the rare opportunity to scrub in for orthopaedic surgeries, including flap creation and external tibial fixation. These experiences gave me hands-on exposure to the OR and a deep sense of respect for surgical care in resource-limited settings. Outside of the hospital, I was surrounded by warm, welcoming people and made friendships I’ll always cherish. The whole experience confirmed my love for surgery and inspired me to pursue a career focused on innovation in cancer surgery.

Any other comments: Thank you for offering such a life-changing opportunity. I’ll carry this experience with me forever, professionally...

I went to Zanzibar to do a 3 week volunteering in health care. After the outbreak of COVID-19 I was the first and only volunteer at TZIVA. And it was absolutely worth it! While the rest of the world goes crazy about the pandemic, Tanzania somehow managed to keep the virus very low and carry on with normal life. This was not only an opportunity to escape from the whole drama for a while, furthermore it was an amazing and memorable experience!

From the very first beginning Rajab and Hannah were very welcoming and immediately made me feel at home at the TZIVA accommodation, which is based in the middle of Stone Town. They were very pleased to help me with everything I needed, to serve me deliciouse food every day and to show me some of the most beautiful places on Zanzibar! Even though I was the only volunteer during this time, I never felt alone! Rajab showed me many stunning places all over the island and was very considered to make me feel the most comfortable, which I definitely was.

During the 3 weeks of volunteering I worked in Tawakal hospital, it is located a little outside of Stone Town, but easy to reach by Dala Dala (the local bus). This gave me an unforgettable and tremendous insight of a local hospital. The probably most exciting day was the day I could assist in the operating theatre during numerous surgeries. Aside from that, I also got an unique chance to be integrated into the culture of Zanzibar and the kidness of the very open minded and easygoing locals! Even if the communication wasn’t always easy (due to the fact, that their english isn’t too good and my Swahili even worse) I felt very estimated and utterly accepted.

A big thanks to TZIVA for this...