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FAQ
Q: How do I apply to be a volunteer?
A: To apply to the volunteer program, applicants must apply online. Please fill out and submit the form here. After you apply, we will confirm that the form was received and then notify you within two weeks whether you have been accepted. When you submit your travel details to us, we will consider you confirmed and make arrangements to welcome you to Arusha town. For information about fees, please read the "Volunteers" page.
Q: What is the best way paying my LOFATA fee?
A: You can pay with US$ cash while in Arusha, or through bank transfer before you arrive. However, the cheapest way would be through money bookers, which is an online international money transfer system that only takes a small percentage. For more information on doing this contact us and we will send you more details of our account.
Q: Do I have to speak the language?
A: Kiswahili and English are Tanzania's official languages. It is best to have a working knowledge of English but no other local language skills are required.
Q: Do volunteers get paid?
A: Volunteers will not receive any pay for their services. LOFATA does not receive any money from the government and therefore relies on the contributions of volunteers and other organizations for its operation costs. All food and lodging are provided by LOFATA so volunteers will only need additional money for free time activities or other purchases.
Q: What qualifications and work experience do I need?
A: LOFATA volunteers are not required to have any special skills or qualifications. All you need is the desire to help others and the patience and flexibility to deal with cultural differences. Things may not work or progress as smoothly as they do in your home country.
Q: What if I want to return home early?
A: Volunteers are free to leave the program at any time.
Q: What if I have health problems?
A: If you have a regular health problem that is under medication, you should have not to worry, many medications are sold in pharmacy shops and are easily accessible but we recommend that you bring doses of your regular medication with you.
Q: Will I have time to travel?
A: Yes. Our volunteers usually work during the days, Monday through Friday, and travel on the weekends.
Q: Can I extend my stay in Tanzania?
A: Yes, volunteers are encouraged to extend their stays in Tanzania by notify LOFATA at least 14 days before end of stay to allow LOFATA make appropriate arrangement for additional stay.
Q: What about housing?
A: Volunteers will be hosted with local families, in some cases it is necessary for volunteers to share their accommodations with another volunteer. Houses vary and some are traditional houses without running water or electricity. Toilets are either modern or local (pit latrine) style. The host family will provide breakfast and dinner, and lunch will be prepared for you in the field. You may eat out at your own expense as well. The home stay is a great way to really learn about daily life in another country and be part of the community. There are also many affordable guesthouses in and around Arusha that LOFATA can recommend; volunteers may stay in a guesthouse at their own expense. If you have any special need or requests, please notify us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Q: Can special dietary and housing requirements be accommodated?
A: Yes, many volunteer participants have had special dietary needs. Host families can accommodate vegetarians, as well as other participants with dietary needs. If you have dietary restrictions, please notify LOFATA when applying and an appropriate host family will be assigned to you.
If there is a special demand for hostel instead of a local home, Please indicate this as a priority, on your application, and every effort will be made to accommodate you.
Q: Why is there a fee, if I am volunteering and what does it cover?
A: The fee that the volunteers contribute pays for their housing, food; transportation costs to and from the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Since we do not receive money from the government, the fee will covers also LOFATA's administration costs.
Q: Can I talk to someone who has been a LOFATA volunteer?
A: Yes Contact LOFATA by email and we will provide you with an email address of our past volunteers that has recently worked with LOFATA and who are ready to be conducted. You can also visit our website www.lofataproject.org/comments.html
Q: What type of pre-trip orientation is provided?
A: Upon signing up for a project, volunteers receive an orientation manual with information on the country and program, along with a reading list, packing list, and other heath, safety and travel tips.
Q: Will I be able to join the program with a friend or family member?
A: Yes. We encourage volunteers to come with friends or a spouse.
Q: Will I have access to clean water?
A: In town and in the neighborhood where the projects are located, there are many stores selling bottled drinking water at a reasonable price. Additionally, the host families can boil tap water for drinking. If you like, you may bring a water filter or water purification tablets, but they are not necessary.
Q: Am I too young/ old to volunteer?
A: At LOFATA we have volunteers of all ages. We recommend volunteers are at least 18 years old, but you can never be too old.
Q: What is the best way to access money?
A: We suggest bringing Cash (USD is easiest, but also Euro, GBP and others) and traveler’s checks or debit cards for both your spending money. They are easily cashed all over Tanzania and credit cards are not widely accepted. Visa, cirrus, maestro, visa plus etc can be used at the ATMs in town. MasterCard is accepted at some though not as widely.
Q: What are appropriate clothes?
A: The Tanzanians take pride over their appearance, and, especially women, dress fairly conservatively. Although many tourists wear short skirts and shorts and spaghetti-strap tops, it is respectful to cover the shoulders and knees, especially when working and living with the locals. Also, while it is acceptable for women to wear pants, Tanzanians more often wear skirts. For volunteers of both genders, it is good to bring clothes that can stand up to getting dusty and dirty in the course of volunteering. Good walking shoes are a must. The weather in Tanzania, and particularly in Arusha can vary greatly over the course of a day, so volunteers should bring plenty of layers. For the cooler months of May to September you will need trousers and jumpers.
Q: What should I bring with me when I come?
A: Here is a list of things that you should consider bringing with you:
Medicine/Health - If you are on any special medications you should bring dosages with you because you may not be able to attain them in Tanzania if needed. It is recommended by the Center for Disease Control that you receive vaccinations for the following diseases - yellow fever, malaria (pills), typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis A, B and C before entering Tanzania. You will need to get many of these shots weeks before your arrival for them to provide proper protection.
Insect Repellent/Mosquito Net - Many areas of Tanzania are infested with mosquitoes. The best way to avoid contracting malaria is to take malaria tablets and use insect repellent. It is possible to bring your own mosquito nets, but they can also easily be bought in Tanzania.
Other useful items - Flashlight, sunscreen, sunglasses, Swiss Army knife, small first aid kit, camera and film or digital camera accessories, alarm clock, electricity converters (Tanzania has the British three-square-pin or two-round-pin variety of electric sockets), contact lens solution, baby wipes, etc. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to bring a sleeping bag, binoculars, bathing suit, and warm clothes (especially if you are planning on doing any trekking or a safari).
Q: Will my mobile phone work out there?
A: Local sim cards here are very cheap, and most volunteers get a local phone number. If you think you may like to do this, ensure that your handset is not locked for to your home network. Alternatively if you would like to keep your home mobile number, you again have to ensure that it is unlocked to use abroad.