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Volunteers

International volunteers have been welcomed at Shukrani College for some years. They have brought a variety of skills, and staff and students have benefited from the time and expertise, which both young and old volunteers contribute.
 
For the volunteers, time at Shukrani offers an opportunity to live and work in another culture, not as a tourist but as a participant. It is an opportunity to contribute to the development of young people who are working hard towards their own future, and thus towards that of their country. It can be a very enriching experience, offering situations that demand initiative, flexibility, and creativity.
 

The college

Shukrani College is a non-profit educational institution, opened in 1995. It is located at Shukrani Centre in Soweto in Mbeya City, with easy access to market shops and the city centre. It is owned by The Salvation Army Tanzania Territory. It offers a range of secretarial and management studies, and is registered with all appropriate educational bodies. The college is situated in a quiet secure compound, with adequate buildings and attractive surroundings. It is equipped with adequate teaching and learning facilities, and hostel accommodation for full-time students. Currently there are around 60 full-time and 200 part-time students, aged from 18 to more mature adults.
 

The town

Mbeya is a large inland city of around 1 million people. It is the transport centre for travel between Tanzania / Zambia / and Malawi. It is in the Southern Highlands region, and the weather is temperate and pleasant for most of the year. It is reached by bus from the capital Dar es Salaam.
 

The work

There are many opportunities for volunteers to contribute in a variety of ways: - teaching; educational theory and practice; management and administrative roles; supplementary staff for areas not covered by paid staff (e.g. library, English conversation groups). Younger volunteers particularly can contribute towards to development of a recreation program.  
The college’s management is continually working to improve the facilities, and qualified tradesmen and competent handymen are invaluable. There are possibilities for larger projects – partnerships, team visits, construction projects, especially as the college has received a grant of land in a developing part of Mbeya for expansion.

The time frame

The college semesters run from end of January to late May; end of July to late November. Part-time courses run continuously throughout the year. There are opportunities for volunteers during both semesters and holidays.
The preferred time frame is for a visit of 2 months minimum (longer if desired). This allows for settling in and familiarisation with staff and students. Shorter times are appropriate for specific task-oriented projects. But all proposed volunteers would be considered.
 

Accommodation

Volunteers are accommodated at Karibuni House, a 2-bedroom self-contained cottage on the compound. Accommodation and power is free, food costs and Internet costs are the responsibility of the volunteer. Meals are not provided at the college – students have a dining area where they cook for themselves.
 

Finances

It is the responsibility of the volunteer to have adequate money for their stay. A rough guide suggests that it will cost about the equivalent of A$70, or less, for food, if choosing simple locally produced food plus some imported items. Internet costs again depend on the individual – possibly a minimum of Tsh. 10,000 per week.
 

Applications

An application form can be downloaded here.