Tanzania – Zanzibar Teaching Assistant

Zanzibar is more than spices and beaches, it also amazingly combines different cultures and unique traditions. Swahili, Persian, Arab, Indian and European influences culminate together in Stone Town, the biggest city on the island. In 2000, UNESCO recognized Stone Town as a World Heritage Site. It boasts a unique fusion of architecture and cultures which date back to the 18th century.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region within the United Republic of Tanzania. It consists of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, and some populated islets. After the 1964 revolution, Zanzibar joined with the then Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar maintains its own government and handles all non-union affairs, including health services.

Unguja Island covers an area of about 1,464 square kilometers, and Pemba Island covers an area of about 864 square kilometers. The local people are a mixture of ethnic backgrounds. Islam is the dominant religion and practiced by most of Zanzibaris. There are also followers of Christianity and other ethnic beliefs. Swahili is a local language that is widely spoken in Zanzibar. Many people also speak English.

Our volunteer program partners with various primary, secondary, and high schools located in and around Stone Town. These schools need teaching support in a variety of areas, including English, Math, and Science.

As a volunteer, you will prepare lessons and assist local educators in teaching basic English by exchanging songs and playing educational games. You will support children through activities like handicrafts, sports, drawing, coloring, and writing. Higher-level education programs in mathematics and science are available as well.

Our teaching program supports the education of children aged 5 to 14 years old (grade 1 – 7). The school operates between the hours of 8 AM until 3 PM in the afternoon. Volunteers will engage with students 4-5 hours per day between class sessions and after school.

Aims & Objectives

• Improve the children’s English skills and widen their cultural interactions
• Provide you with a teaching assistant experience, an invaluable life skill!
• Assist the teaching staff with extra hands

Daily Schedule from Monday to Friday: 

• Breakfast
• Assisting Teachers and Students at the school
• Lunch break
• Free time or afterschool programs
• Lesson Planning for next day
• Dinner

Internet: No Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation. You can purchase a local sim card nearby.

Laundry: Laundry facilities are located nearby for an extra fee

Accommodations: You will stay in a traditional and comfortable guesthouse in the heart of Stone Town with multiple bedrooms, communal bathrooms, a kitchen and one sitting room — suitable for enjoying the company of your fellow participants. Please note that all rooms are of single gender with 4-8 people per room. You will easily find a few small local stores that sell snacks, drinks and any basic supplies you might need during your stay. Nearby, there are ATM’s, banks, shops, a local pharmacy, etc.

Food: The program includes 3 meals on weekdays and 2 on weekends. We will provide local meals that are typical of Zanzibari culture at the accommodation.

• Recommended age of 25 plus. The program carefully vets mature young adults aged 18 plus to make sure they meet the requirements.
• Online Visa before arrival, around $50
• Police clearance form
• Good English level (some previous teaching experience will be helpful, but is not essential)
• Proof of a COVID-19 vaccination & a negative PCR test for COVID-19 before arrival
• All participants must bring along with them 4-5 COVID-19 self-test kits (average 1 per week) to cover their stay