About the Project
Tabasamu Project and School is a community-based initiative supporting underprivileged children, widows, and vulnerable families in Nkoaranga village. For over 10 years, we have provided food, education, medical care, psychological support, and long-term mentorship.
To ensure sustainability, we operate an organic farm that supplies food for the children and volunteers while offering hands-on learning in banana and coffee farming. Nkoaranga is found in Arusha northern Tanzania at the base of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, it is about 1400 m above the see level near Arusha town. The pre dominant climate is highland climate with mild to cool temperature due to its altitude. The population is about 10,229 people according to Tanzania census of 2022.
The Idea Behind WWOOFing & Organic Farming
Sustaining daily food supplies for children and community members became financially demanding. To ensure long-term sustainability, we chose to invest in organic farming, producing food for both the project and the volunteers.
Nkoaranga village is predominantly agricultural. Most households farm for subsistence and income, supported by a tropical highland climate ideal for both seasonal and permanent crops.
🌾 What You’ll Do
Farm Activities
• Plant banana and coffee seedlings
• Apply organic cattle manure
• Weed, prune, and maintain crops
• Plant maize and beans
• Harvest seasonal produce
• Prepare fields and clean farm tools
Community & School Support
• Teach or assist in classrooms
• Help children with homework
• Support small construction or painting projects
• Light domestic chores after main activities
⏱ Working hours: ~5 hours per day (flexible)
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🌱 What You’ll Learn
• Organic banana and coffee farming (Planting and harvesting)
• Composting and soil management
• Sustainable food production
• Tanzanian rural life and culture
• Basic Swahili language skills
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🏡 Accommodation & Meals
• Private or shared room
• Running water and clean toilets
• Spacious storage
• Strong 24/7 Wi-Fi
• Three meals per day, featuring local Tanzanian dishes
• Dietary needs (including gluten sensitivity) are respected (example gluten and vegetarian)
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🤝 Community Life & Culture
You will be encouraged to fully immerse yourself in village life. Tanzanians are warm and friendly, and greetings are important. When someone says “Mambo”, you can reply “Poa” (I’m fine).
Casual and modest clothing is appropriate.
Most locals are Christian and attend church on Sundays. Attendance is optional but culturally enriching.
Please note: smelling food out of curiosity is considered impolite in local culture.
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🛡️ Safety
Nkoaranga is a safe and peaceful village, but general awareness is advised.
• Lock your room when away
• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious with motorcycle taxis (boda boda); choose responsible riders
• Most road accidents in Tanzania are linked to reckless motorcycle riding
We are always available to guide and support you.
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✈️ Arrival & Practical Info
• Airport pickup/drop-off from Kilimanjaro International Airport (small fuel contribution appreciated)
• Assistance with local SIM card purchase and currency exchange
• Orientation upon arrival, including a farm and orientation of our sorroundings
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🌄 Free Time & Exploration
Weekends and public holidays are free for:
• Hiking, and outdoor activities.
• Visiting Maasai villages or do your own stuffs like laundry or getting time to visit Village.
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💚 Who We’re Looking For
• Open-minded and respectful volunteers
• Interest in farming, community work, or teaching
• Willingness to learn and share skills
• Positive attitude and cultural curiosity.
We are looking foward to see you in Tanzania.
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Poultry farming
Cattle farming
Sheep or goat farming
Raising of other farm animals
Dairy farming
Forestry
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Methods or systems
Animal drafting
Permaculture
Host type
Production farm
Certified organic
5
Hectares
|
12.4
Acres
