Mary Mushi

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Mary, a mother of 3, born and raised in East Africa, has been working for Hostel Hoff since 2011. Mary believes every human being would want to lead a healthy, happy life—but not everyone in our world is fortunate enough to do so. Disease, poverty, and social injustice are a burden in many societies. She also believes everyone needs to be valued and everyone has the potential to give something back.

It is because of these that she has dedicated her life to helping link-local needy projects with international volunteers who volunteer their time and resources into making this world a better place.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory was witnessing the great Immigration of wildebeest at the Serengeti national park together with the children from Hope Orphanage. This is an orphanage that is fully supported by Hostel Hoff. It was great seeing all these little faces light up with joy as they watch this breathtaking activity. It was amazing seeing thousands of wildebeest running over the Serengeti plains.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Yes, It has really changed my thinking. It has taught me the importance of giving: the more we give, the more we will receive. Being kind and generous has lead me to perceive others more positively. I have met and learned from a range of new people; this has helped me create memorable experiences and many positive relationships.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Here's one review from one of our volunteers:

"I have traveled many places around the world, but Hostel Hoff and volunteering in Moshi has been one of my most favorite and life changing experiences to date. It's been over a month since I left and I still constantly reminisce back to my life at Hostel Hoff. They organized my volunteering at Faraja Farajika orphanage - highly recommend. The rooms are cleaned (beds made) every day and so comfortable with hot showers. The staff went above and beyond to make sure we were happy, the food beat any expectations I had of African food, it was fresh, healthy and delicious. The overall energy of the hostel was wonderful, especially the huge green gardens that wrapped around the vicinity. It was incredibly easy to make friends, especially if you are a solo traveler."

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I were to go on any program offered by Hostel Hoff, I will choose Kili kids.

I'm a permaculture enthusiast and the beautiful gardens, the fresh water spring at the edge of the farm, the beautiful trees, animals, staff and the view of Kilimanjaro mountain on the walk to the project is everything for me.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We believe volunteering should not be expensive. At Hostel Hoff. you pay for your living costs and the experience is free. We are a link between the volunteers and the needy projects; we, therefore, make sure the volunteers spend most of their funds in these projects rather than paying thousands of dollars for administration & running costs.

Getting a certificate of excellence as number one volunteer Hostel in Moshi. We couldn't have had achieved this without the hard work and dedication from our team.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is having a clear mission and vision. Also, it is very important for a company to set up goals that will enable the achievement of the mission and vision(these should be realistic and achievable) and having a great team that will enable this to happen in the best way possible.