Swahili, lots of kids and the time of my life

In January of 2015 I started as a volunteer at help2kids in Tanzania. I had planned to go on to Malawi after 2 month but after a month I already knew that I would not leave TZ any sooner than really necessary.
Working with the kids and really getting to know them requires some time. That's why I would recommend that if it's possible you go for at least 3 month.
I got to learn some Swahili and also how to really move and be in TZ culture.
Haggling at markets or with a bajaj driver, going with the daladala everyday, buying oranges at the side of the street in May, finding new ways of teaching, no umbrella during rainy season and really getting to know everyone in the projects, especially the kids and staff members, are just a few parts of my experience with help2kids. I really came to see Dar es Salaam and the Friendly Gecko as my home for 5 month - a feeling you might not get if you're only there for a few weeks.
I also got to see Kilimanjaro during my Visa run to Kenya and words wouldn't do the experience any justice.
Overall I loved living in TZ (even if only for 5 month), I came to love the kids and everybody who works at the projects and I made some really special friends.
My piece of advice for people who think of volunteering: go as long as possible, think of fun, educational activities that you can do with the kids (you might want to bring crafting supplies), don't expect the projects being about you volunteering but really about the kids, try supporting the staff and Mamas as best you can and just bring loooots of love and ideas and joy.