Program Reviews

I'm writing this review because the time I spent volunteering in Nkoaranga with The Small Things has been amazing. Everything was just perfect: accomodation (even though It's not what a volunteer is looking for, I ensure a confortable bed really is what you need at the end of the day!), people (all the volunteers and the staff are some of the best people I've ever met) and - last but not least - the kids are incredible. I've been home for three months now since I left Tanzania and I still miss them like the day after I left. I wish I was there to hug them all the time :)

I not only suggest this experience to anyone who is choosing if to go there or not, but I encourage you to write me to ask for opinions privately :) I'll promise I will answer as soon as possibile so... what are you waiting for? :)

Lorenzo

Volunteering with The Small Things has got to be one of the most surreal and amazing experiences of my life. I didn't exactly know what to expect coming in since it was my first time visiting Africa and also volunteering abroad by myself. However, all of my worries were squashed when I was welcomed into the community with open arms. Everyone- from the other volunteers to the Mamas, staff, and Nkoaranga locals- make sure that you feel right at home! Within weeks, you will feel settled and already have fallen completely in love with the babies and kids (seriously, they're adorable). I highly recommend this program for anyone who wants to experience the rest of the world in the friendliest environment anyone could ask for!

Since I'm a teacher, I worked both with the older kids at their school and pilot house, as well as the orphanage. Both experiences were well facilitated and rewarding. The kids are generally well behaved and certainly enjoy having you visit. I stayed with a local family who were immensely kind. All the accommodations and facilities were clean and comfortable (flush toilets, beds, hot water, electricity, etc) -- well beyond what I'd expected. It's certainly worth the investment of time and money to be a part of TST.

I was ready for a challenge when I went to Nkoaranga, and I found it!

Many who volunteer there are young, but I came as an 50-year old who had taken a leave of absence from my job to do this. I wanted to work hard and feel that my work was meaningful, not just to myself but to the people I was helping. I found what I was looking for at the orphanage. Why? The work is hard, but it is also energizing and rewarding. You arrive for your 3-hour shift(s), which can involve everything from changing diapers, dressing, and feeding the children their morning uji, to putting them to bed at night, draping the mosquito netting over their cribs and saying "lala salama" to each one. There are many children, and often lots of noise. It can be chaotic. They want your attention, your affection, your energy - and you want to give them everything you have. I thought it would take me weeks to get to know their names. I knew them all within three days, because I quickly realized they are not just "the children," but individuals, with their own stories, their own personalities. And they are incredible, resilient and wonderful little people.

The mamas who care so expertly for the kids, and whom the kids adore and obey, are friendly and kind but were not there, I quickly realized, to babysit me. Part of my challenge was humbling myself to ask for help, and make my own way a bit - to seize an opportunity to do tasks that needed to be done without being asked, and to fit into the orphanage's culture with as much respect and care as possible.

I was there in the fall, and there were no other volunteers in the volunteer compound with me after the first week of my stay. I thought I would be lonely, and sometimes I was, but it was also wonderful. My room was comfortable and private. Shabani, the compound's guard, was a friendly presence who helped me with my Swahili (helpful hint: bring a Swahili phrase-book). I made a few friends within the tiny village. Again, it was a challenge. I was a mzungu - a tall, blond one at that, so I stood out! I made an effort to learn how to greet people with respect, and they were friendly and responsive back. (Helpful hint #2 - visit Baba Gertrude's village store. He will always greet you warmly and will help you with anything you need. He may invite you to his home for a wonderful dinner!)

The village, located in the foothills of Mount Meru, is lushly surrounded by coffee plants, banana and avocado trees and all kinds of gorgeous flowering plants. It is not known for its nightlife - you have to go to Arusha (about 20 minutes away) for that. But if there are other volunteers there you can easily make your own nightlife because the compound is like your own small campus. Again, with a little effort the joys of being in Nkoaranga reveal themselves.

I think that being an older volunteer made this experience even more meaningful for me. As an example, I was able to use my years of experience as an educator to help the teacher in the orphanage's school. I know there are some older adults (although younger than I) who are planning to volunteer there this summer. I anticipate they too will find it very rewarding. If you bring to the opportunity as much of yourself as you possibly can, it makes it great.

I still miss the kids every day.

Orphanage kids are incredible. You will end up wanting to take all of them home with you. The Mama's and staff are welcoming, the guest house is nicest place to stay in the area, and the organization makes it a painless stay. Met so many great volunteers and locals. This is not a program for people searching for a good nightlife scene. This is a program for people who really want to make a difference in kids lives and in the community while living in REAL Tanzania. Not Mzungu paradise!

You're with the kids usually 3-6 hours a day. Feeding, changing, playing, and keeping them from fighting! It will test your patience and it will show you that you can love more than you ever thought possible. These kids probably won't remember you, but they need the loving hands and laps you have to offer. It's hard to see kids who hunger for attention and barely get it, but it can teach you so much about the world and yourself. The more you get to know the mamas (and, if you're studying medicine or have a medical background, the hospital staff!) through your work and interaction with them, the more you'll learn about Tanzania. Put yourself out there and learn all you can. Be humble and willing to see things from an angle you don't normally use to look at the world.

The great thing about volunteering with The Small Things at Nkoaranga Orphanage is you know you are definitely helping and work there goes far beyond spending hours sat with a baby on your lap. You often start the day as the sun rises, walking through the orphanage gate to hear the first murmurs of the babies and from there it is: nappy changing, drying children from their bath, finding clothes, finding shoes, feeding uji, cleaning, putting out laundry, potty training… and then repeat. The Mamas who work there have a lot to do and there is always a way to help them and make their job easier, even just by entertaining the children. If you are interested in volunteering and helping a worthwhile cause, I couldn't recommend working with The Small Things it more. Also, they are flexible and encouraging of you to really experience Tanzania during your stay, so your visit could include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or going on safari (like mine!) as well as getting to volunteer with the beautiful children.