Program Reviews

Working at Cherish-Daycare was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. This was already my second time taking part in this project, which shows how much I value it. It felt great to come back and reconnect with familiar faces.

From the very first day, I was warmly welcomed by both the children and the local teaching staff. The open and friendly atmosphere made it easy for me to become part of daily life.

Working closely with the children was especially rewarding. Through play, learning, and creative activities, I was able to share my knowledge while also learning a lot myself.

Outside of the kindergarten, I was also really impressed by the nature, the landscapes, and the local culture. I’m still in contact with fellow volunteers and the local organization, which shows how meaningful this time was for me.

I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking for a great experience, new connections, and personal growth!

I've had the incredible opportunity to join this amazing project in Arusha not just once, but twice – and I would do it again in a heartbeat! In September 2024, I started my first volunteer placement in Tanzania. It was during my sabbatical, and I was ready to shake things up – to step away from routine and open myself to something completely new. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I wanted to try. Looking back, I can say: it was one of the best decisions of my life. 1. The children in the project – pure joy and energy What touched me the most right from the beginning were the kids. Every single morning, they lit up when we entered the classroom. Their joy, curiosity, and gratitude were contagious. Together, we painted, crafted, cut, and created – masks, cardboard animals, colorful sunshades, and so much more. Watching them express themselves creatively and enjoy every little moment was truly heartwarming. 2. The volunteers – a global family When I arrived at the volunteer house, I was warmly welcomed by volunteers from all over the world – people in their early 20s to mid-40s, each with a unique story and background. Despite our differences, we quickly became a close-knit community, sharing experiences, supporting one another, and learning together. This international exchange added so much depth to my time in Arusha. 3. Tanzania – a land full of wonder Tanzania’s natural beauty took my breath away: from majestic mountains like Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, to waterfalls, hot springs, and vibrant landscapes explored on foot or in a safari jeep. But what stayed with me just as much were the people – so warm, welcoming, and full of heart. In March 2025, I returned – because it simply felt right. It was amazing to see how the work we had started in September had grown, and to reconnect with familiar faces. My conclusion: This program was so much more than just volunteering – it was a personal journey, a shift in perspective, and a deeply meaningful experience. If you’re open to learning, connecting, and making a real impact, this project is absolutely for you. And the story didn’t end there: I still work for the organization today because helping the kids touched me so deeply. Being part of this meaningful mission, together with international volunteers and the project leaders, motivates me to keep driving positive change forward. In the meantime, my family and friends have also been inspired and want to get involved and help.

My time in Tanzania was truly one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I volunteered at a school, where I had the chance to spend a lot of time with the children. Playing with them, helping them learn, and supporting the teachers in their daily work was incredibly rewarding. The kids were always full of energy, curiosity, and joy, and it was amazing to see how much they appreciated even the small things we did together.

Working alongside the local teachers was also a great experience. They were very welcoming and patient, and I learned a lot from them about teaching and about daily life in Tanzania. It felt great to be able to support them and contribute, even in small ways.

Besides volunteering, I also had the opportunity to explore the country. I went on a safari, which was absolutely breathtaking, seeing wild animals in their natural habitat was unforgettable. I also visited Zanzibar, which was beautiful with its stunning beaches and fascinating culture.

Through this program, you don’t just see Tanzania as a tourist, you truly get to experience the culture and meet incredible people. The warmth of the community and the connection with the children made it very hard to leave. I will always remember this experience and I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent there.

It was truly the best time of my life. The three months were exciting, varied, and unique. We went on a safari, visited Zanzibar, and had some amazing experiences. You grow so fond of the children that you don't want to fly home at the end... We stayed in touch with the children afterwards and kept in contact by phone. We miss them so much that we would love to fly back again. The culture is fascinating and the people are very friendly. It's a pure adventure. The food takes some getting used to, but it's also an experience. We miss the teachers, the children, and the whole country so much.

Tolles Team und sehr liebenswerte Kinder! Unvergessliche Erfahrung! Ich habe mich jeden Morgen gefreut zur Arbeit zu gehen. Die Atmosphäre ist sehr entspannt und von guter Laune geprägt. Die Kinder sind aufgeweckt und verspielt, wodurch es leicht ist schnell eine Verbindung zu ihnen aufzubauen. Die Unterkunft ist sehr schön und mitten im Grünen. Sowohl bei gutem als auch bei schlechtem Wetter kann man es sich drinnen oder draußen mit seinen Kollegen gemütlich machen. Tansania hat einiges zu bieten weshalb man seine Freizeit super nutzen kann um Ausflüge zu machen und die Natur und Kultur dieses Landes zu bestaunen. Ich bin sehr zufrieden und werde die Zeit für immer in guter Erinnerung halten.

English:
I looked forward to go to work every morning. The atmosphere is very relaxed and characterised by good humour. The children are bright and playful, which makes it easy to connect with them quickly. The accommodation is very nice and surrounded by greenery. Whether the weather is good or bad, you can make yourself comfortable inside or outside with your colleagues. Tanzania has a lot to offer, so you can make the most of your free time to go on excursions and discover the country's nature and culture. I am very satisfied and will always have fond memories of this time.

My fiancé and I volunteered at Cherish Daycare in 2024, and honestly, it was one of the best experiences of our lives. From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcomed by the kids, teachers, and local team — their warmth and kindness stayed with us every day. We got to help in the classroom, play, and work on small projects, all while seeing the real, lasting impact our time had on these amazing children. The project handled everything for us and offered constant support, making it so easy to focus on the kids. The friendships we made and the memories we created will stay with us forever. I will definitely be back, and I think everyone should have the chance to experience this — it truly changes you. Thank you Cherish Daycare!

Cherish Daycare is a wonderful program dedicated to supporting the children enrolled there, along with their families and the local community.

I was fortunate to volunteer here and see firsthand the positive impact it has.

Cherish runs a free educational program that teaches English and other essential early learning skills.

Seeing the children’s excitement as they learn and develop new skills is something I will always remember.

It was truly a rewarding experience to volunteer with such a caring and committed team.

I’ve been volunteering at Cherish daycare since January, coming in everyday and seeing the kids brings me so much joy. You can tell how much the community loves this daycare and the teachers. These schools are crucial for the local community, as they provide children in the area with free education and food. I’ve loved my time here, being able to support the children and daycare has been an experience I will never forget. Teacher Elly, made me feel so comfortable and she truely is a pleasure to volunteer with.

I volunteered at Cherish Daycare for 7 months and it was one of the best experiences of my life.

On day 1, Elly welcomed me to the accommodation which is super cozy and has everything you would need.

When I first walked into the daycare, all the the kids ran over and gave me a big hug! Everyday was filled with so much laughter and happiness.

Being able to help out in and out of the classroom was so rewarding, Elly was open to all of my suggestions and ideas for some fun play and craft Friday.

I would recommend volunteering at Cherish Daycare to anyone, it is in a great location, close to shops and transport into the city. Plus there are some lovely walks in the area.

I will 100% be back in the future, I look forward to seeing the kids again.

I spent two months volunteering at Cherish Daycare in Arusha, Tanzania, and it was an incredible experience. From day one, I felt so welcomed by the kids and the team, especially Elli, who was an amazing host — kind, patient, and always making sure we felt part of the daycare family.

I helped with classroom activities like reading, writing, and drawing, played with the children, and joined in small projects like painting and creating murals. The kids are full of energy and joy, and seeing them learn and grow every day was so special.

I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to volunteer — it’s truly rewarding and unforgettable.