Volunteer in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Make a real difference with KYGN.
No program fees, only cover your board & lodging.”
KYGN
KYGN (Kilimanjaro Young Girls in Need) is a private primary and secondary school based near Moshi, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Founded in 2006, it provides education, health care, and safe-house accommodation for some of the region’s most vulnerable children, especially girls who might otherwise miss out on schooling. Supported by the UK charity GAGA UK, KYGN now teaches over 900 students and continues to grow.
Volunteers are a vital part of our community, and we’ve been welcoming people from around the world for more than 15 years to share their skills, time, and kindness with our students.
Why Volunteer with KYGN?
Experience a life-changing adventure — while making real impact
At KYGN, we believe volunteerism should be ethical, sustainable, and community-led. When you join us, you will:
Support, not replace, our local Tanzanian staff and teachers
Be integrated into the school community — live, work, and celebrate with us
Enjoy full logistical support: accommodation, daily transport, orientation
Have opportunity for excursions in off time: Mt. Kilimanjaro treks, safaris in the best parks in the world, Maturuni Waterfalls, coffee plantations, hot springs.
Unlike many volunteer programs, KYGN does not charge a program fee, you only pay your flight, board & lodging.
Who Can Volunteer?
We welcome anyone. No prior experience is required to join one of three core volunteer roles.
During orientation, we’ll match you to the role that fits your interests, skills, and the school’s needs.
Why it matters - Many of our year groups have large class sizes so we cannot offer the individual attention many of our students require. Your support helps students catch up, build confidence, and access quality education.
Your role - Sit alongside teachers, run conversation classes, help with reading, writing, maths, run educational games, support small-group learning
Classroom / Teaching Volunteer
Medical Volunteer
Your role - Assist local medical staff: health education in schools & community, basic screening (BP, vitals), aid in community health outreach, assist in school clinic, health campaigns (malaria prevention, hygiene, nutrition)
Why it matters - In rural Tanzania, many communities have limited medical access. Your help strengthens our healthcare outreach, supports preventative health, and reduces disease burdens.
Construction / Maintenance / Mechanic Volunteer
Your role - Help build new classrooms, repair existing infrastructure, maintain school grounds, upgrade sports & playgrounds, build garden beds, assist in vehicle & bicycle maintenance
Why it matters - As our school expands, we need hands-on help to keep facilities safe, growing, and welcoming. Your efforts improve learning environments and community pride.
Testimonials & Volunteer Stories
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"My first two months in Tanzania were spent at KYGN; undoubtedly the most valuable and rewarding experience of my life so far."
Heather
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“It has been an inspirational experience for all of us, including my children who are 8 and 11 years old.”
Jamie Kokot
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"Our time at KYGN was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives."
The Clarke Family 2025
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When I look back at this period I get the biggest smile on my face. I’m very grateful that I got to help the children of KYGN. I will be back!
Annemiek de Jong
Your Volunteer Journey — What to Expect
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Fill out a short application. We’ll arrange a call and talk about your interests, skills, availability, and match you to one of the volunteer roles above.
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You’ll receive a volunteer guide, suggested packing list, recommended vaccinations, and basic Swahili phrases.
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We’ll arrange for someone to pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodation. On your first day you’ll meet the team, tour the school and community, get an induction briefing, and observe a few classes.
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You’ll volunteer Monday–Friday during school hours (0800-1500). Evenings and weekends are free for rest, travel or excursions. We can help organise excursions and Swahili lessons
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We help coordinate weekend and holiday trips: Kilimanjaro treks, safaris, hot springs, waterfall hikes, local markets, coffee plantations, cultural visits.
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At the end of your stay, we’ll hold a debrief, share stories, and help you stay connected with KYGN & the community.
Practical Details & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Minimum 2 weeks (longer stays are very, very welcome - we often have gap year students and university students with us)
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There is no program fee. You just need to pay for your food, accommodation and transport to/from Tanzania.
We will provide transport to and from the school every day.
Hostels cost from $5 for a dorm bed to $25-30 / night for a private room. -
KYGN has it’s own guesthouse. Please contact us for more information. All profits from the guesthouse go to the KYGN charity to support children in need.
There is a lot of hostel and hotel accommodation available in Moshi. For longer stays we can help you find a house to rent. -
We can organise an airport transfer for you.
To get to and from the school every day, we can organise a taxi or you can join us on the school bus.
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Age 18+ (14+ if accompanied by parents, younger volunteers help in the nursery school).
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For teaching assistants - no experience needed.
For medical assistants - experience / qualification in the healthcare sector. You will be assisting local medical staff.
For construction volunteer - no professional experience necessary but you must be able to work alone and do basic building maintenance projects without supervision. -
English is used in education and in the school.
Volunteers are encouraged to learn Swahili phrases to help integrate into the local community.
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We provide support, staff oversight and emergency protocols and will assist in any medical emergency.
Malaria prevention, vaccinations and travel insurance are required. Medical insurance is obligatory.
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You will need a volunteer visa.
We’ll guide you through the visa requirements and provide the contract you need to attain the visa.
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At the end, we’ll review your stay and we can give you any recommendations or certification you may require.
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There are good private clinics/hospitals in Moshi town KCMC and JAFARY, just 10 mins from the KYGN guesthouse. These hospitals offer international-standard care.
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Monday-Friday, approx. 6 hours/day. Weekends are free.
Almost all our volunteers go on safaris and day trips and visit Zanzibar. You just have to let us know a few days before the trip.
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On the weekends you can go on short safaris, visit the hot springs and the Materuni waterfalls. During the holidays and after the program you’re free.
We can arrange day trips, safari and Kilimanjaro day hikes, or trips to Zanzibar at very good rates. We have a tour operation company called KYGN safaris tours which is an income generator for the KYGN school project Tumaini foundation. -
Yes, of course we can connect you with 2-3 past volunteers for honest feedback. Solo travellers, schools, and families have all volunteered.
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We usually have between 1 and 5 volunteers at any one time unless we have school trips where there are many more. Volunteers are usually aged between 18 and 40 from Europe, USA and Asia
Why Tanzania
& Kilimanjaro Region?
Tanzania lies at the heart of East Africa volunteering. It’s known for its wildlife, mountains, and rich culture, and attracts thousands wanting to volunteer in East Africa.
The Kilimanjaro region offers unique advantages:
Proximity to Mt. Kilimanjaro and national parks such as The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater for safaris
Easy to get to - Kilimanjaro airport is under one hour away
A region with real needs in education, healthcare, and infrastructure
If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity that will not only have the most impact but also be close to the most iconic locations in East Africa, KYGN is a great choice.
Next Steps
Ready to join us? Here’s how to start:
Click “Apply to Volunteer” to fill the application form
Or email us with your name, skills, and preferred role
We’ll respond within 48 hours with next steps