Karibu
Volunteers!
"Make a Lasting Impact: Empower Communities Through Education and Advocacy"
We warmly invite you to join our school, nestled in the breathtaking savanna, where you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Maasai culture and experience the warmth and love of our teachers, children, and community. Your skills and contributions can make a transformative difference, and we value the unique strengths you bring. Whether you’re passionate about teaching, hands-on projects, or helping us grow through networking and fundraising, there’s a place for you here at BEMS.
We provide on-site housing, conveniently located near the girls’ dormitory, and offer three nutritious meals a day. To cover food and cleaning expenses, we charge a modest fee of $5 per day.
Upon acceptance, you will receive a comprehensive Volunteer Manual containing all the essential information to help you prepare for your stay. The manual includes details on internet access, visa requirements, a packing list, travel directions to the school, an overview of a typical school day, and more.
To streamline our volunteer process, most inquiries are handled through WorkAway, (a paid subscription will be needed to apply) where you can explore reviews and gain a deeper understanding of life as a volunteer at BEMS. However, you’re also welcome to contact us directly — we’d love to hear from you! We are more than happy to answer any questions and provide advice on important topics such as health, culture, weather, excursions, travel arrangements, visas, safety, and special events.
While volunteering, you’ll also have the chance to explore the rich beauty of Tanzania and the surrounding region. Some of the exciting activities available include:
1. Visiting Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks
2. Day Trip to lake Natron and Ngaresero Waterfalls
3. Exploring traditional Maasai villages and markets
4. Enjoying scenic hikes in the picturesque Loliondo region
Our team, including Mr. Baraka and Juliana, will gladly assist you in planning these adventures, ensuring you make the most of your experience both at the school and beyond.By joining us, you’ll not only make a lasting impact on the lives of children and the surrounding community, but you’ll also embark on an unforgettable journey of cultural exchange and personal growth. We look forward to welcoming you to the BEMS family!
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
01
Teaching and Classroom Support
Assist our teachers by helping with lesson preparation, classroom activities, and one-on-one support for students. Whether you’re sharing your knowledge in English, Math, Science, or other subjects, your guidance can greatly enhance the learning experience. Volunteers can also lead workshops or bring creative teaching methods to engage students in new and exciting ways.
02
Maintenance and Infrastructure Projects
Help maintain and improve our school facilities through hands-on projects like painting, repairs, gardening, and even assisting with construction tasks. Your efforts contribute directly to creating a safe and welcoming environment for our students to learn and grow.
03
Fundraising and Networking
Use your skills to help BEMS grow its reach and secure resources. Assist with creating fundraising campaigns, applying for grants, or building connections with organizations and sponsors. This work is vital for sustaining our programs and ensuring the school’s continued success.
04
Social Media and Digital Outreach
Support our online presence by creating engaging content for social media platforms, updating our website, or designing promotional materials. Your work helps us share our story, raise awareness about our mission, and attract more supporters and volunteers worldwide.
WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US?
Transform Lives, Enrich Your Own.
Volunteering with BEMS is not just an opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of children and the surrounding community — it’s a chance to grow, learn, and immerse yourself in experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. Here’s why volunteering with us could be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make:
1. Make a Tangible Difference in the Lives of Others
Your contributions as a volunteer help provide quality education, improve infrastructure, and create opportunities for children and families who might otherwise lack access. Whether you’re teaching, fundraising, or supporting our community outreach, every effort you make has a lasting impact.
2. Gain Valuable Skills and Hands-On Experience
Volunteering is a great way to develop and refine skills in areas such as teaching, project management, communication, and fundraising. You’ll face new challenges, adapt to unique environments, and build a skill set that’s highly valuable in both personal and professional life.
3. Boost Your CV and Career Prospects
Employers value candidates with volunteer experience, as it demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to making a difference. Whether you’re looking to start a career in education, community development, or beyond, your time with BEMS will be an impressive and meaningful addition to your CV.
4. Immerse Yourself in Maasai Culture
Experience the beauty of Maasai traditions firsthand as you work and live among the local community. From traditional dances to shared meals and market visits, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this unique culture while forming connections that transcend borders.
5. Forge Lifelong Relationships
The relationships you build with fellow volunteers, teachers, students, and community members will be one of the most enriching aspects of your experience. Many of our volunteers form bonds that continue long after their time at BEMS, creating a global network of like-minded individuals.
6. Explore Tanzania’s Natural Wonders
Volunteering with us offers more than just meaningful work — it’s also a chance to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. From the awe-inspiring Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to hiking in the stunning Loliondo region, you’ll have opportunities to create unforgettable memories in your downtime.
7. Contribute to a Sustainable Future
By supporting education and advocating for cultural and gender equality, you’ll be contributing to long-term positive change in the region. Your efforts help empower communities, foster development, and promote values that will benefit generations to come.
8. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Volunteering at BEMS will challenge you in new and exciting ways. It’s an opportunity to step outside your routine, embrace the unexpected, and grow as a person. You’ll return home with new perspectives, greater resilience, and a stronger sense of purpose.
PAST VOLUNTEERS
Wow, where to start? Well, of course from the hospitality of Mr. Baraka and his wife Juliana! They are the most welcome people I've ever met in my life, they make you feel home from the first moment, through their smiles, nice words and warm hugs!Second, the school is a dream that come true: without even mentioning the fact that they are giving hopes and dreams to so many kids, which would be enough to describe it, the school is located in a beautiful hill, surrounded by sunflowers and unspoiled nature. The teachers, the workers, the kids, everyone is so kind with you, and they affect you with their positivity and joy!The accomodation is very enough for a workawayer: the rooms are clean, each room has a private bathroom with shower and all the things you need in order to be "safe and clean".They provide you with daily food, which is not bad at all, just a bit repetitive, but once you get used to it, you can't do without it anymore!In addition to all the things above, the school organizes for so many activities such as visiting the tribes around the school, or participating to the "celebrations" of the towns/tribes, etc.. you never get bored!So, I highly recommend this school! Believe me, you will fall in love with everything here that you never want to go back!Thank you Mr. Baraka, thank you Juliana, and thank to everyone who crossed my path during this incredibile journey! I will never forget you.
- Matteo, 26 June 2024
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