LITERACY AID FOUNDATION
PERFECTION IS ACHIEVED NOT WHEN THERE IS NOTHING MORE TO ADD, BUT WHEN THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO TAKE AWAY.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SAFETY ( 3 QUESTIONS)
How can you re-assure me that it will be safe?
Is there anything I can do to ensure my own safety?
Yes. Though we’ll do our best to keep you safe you are more in charge of your own safety than we are. Bring a money belt to put your passport and money in. Keep your money belt hidden under your clothes. Don’t walk around with lots of cash. Don’t pull out large sums of money in front of locals. Its rude and disrespectful. Don’t walk around at night – especially by yourself. Do not wear jewelry or expensive clothing. Do your best to blend in. Be humble – and a smile goes a long way.
Please keep in mind that this is
HEALTH (2 QUESTIONS)
Which vaccinations should I get?
Yellow Fever vaccination is legally required to enter the country. Malaria pills are highly recommended. Polio, Hep A, Hep B, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Tuberculosis and Cholera vaccinations are a good idea. Discuss with your local travel clinic for the most up to date list of required vaccinations.
Should I get travel health insurance?
We strongly suggest you make arrangements to have travel health insurance during your stay in
VOLUNTEERING (9 QUESTIONS)
That depends on you. When you come here just take a look around. There is a lot that needs to be done. In addition to your daily responsibilities pick something that you see is missing and make it your own project. Don’t give money to someone to get it done – do it yourself. Pick a manageable size project for the time that you are here. When you leave your project will be the legacy you leave behind.
Can I volunteer for only a few weeks?
Absolutely. Its not the duration of time you’re here but the quality of work and amount of heart you put into your work. We have had volunteers who have stayed for only a few weeks but had tremendous impact. We need your help even if its for a short period of time.
No. We are flexible and do our best to accommodate your schedule. You may come and go as you please. However, you must communicate and coordinate with us for the purpose of airport pickup.
Absolutely not. We strongly encourage long term stays.
How far in advance do I need to apply for a volunteer placement?
Plane tickets are expensive so we suggest you plan far in advance. For registration purposes we need to have received your payment (50% of the overall fee) few weeks prior to your start date.
Do I need a Visa or Work Permit?
Please note that a work permit is required to volunteer in
NOTE: A Visa can be obtained upon arrival Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The process takes a few minutes and is quite hassle free. The cost is $100 for US nationals and $50 for other nationalities. Check with the Tanzanian high commission in your own country for more details.
Is there anything I can bring with me for Henmaq Foundation?
We certainly could use laptops. We do not need the latest technology but please do not bring electronic equipment that will break down in a few months.
English, French, Spanish or other language books would be great. Anything that you imagine might teach our orphans, youth and widows new skills would be useful.
We also always encourage to support the local economy.
Your money pays for:
- Pre-arrival administrative fees
- Airport pickup
- Orientation program & Swahili Class
- Your food and accommodations
- Rent and utilities for the orphanage and vocational school buildings
- Wages paid to our qualified teachers
- Food for the orphans, widows and HIV patients
- Supplies for the orphanage and vocational school
- Fees for starting new projects in neighboring towns
Our goal is to be self-reliant and sustainable; however, we are still a young organization and therefore need financial assistance to build a strong foundation. The financial support and volunteering you provide are absolutely vital to the survival of our organization.
Are there grocery stores near by?
There are super markets in Arusha that are similar to western supermarkets. The prices are quite high. There are also shops and vegetable stands where you can purchase most staple food items.
LOCAL LIFE ( 8 QUESTIONS)
Internet is available at numerous locations in Arusha. Internet connection can be intermittent and slow compared to western standards, We also provide free wifi at the volunteer house.
During your orientation we will take you into Arusha town and help you buy a phone. You can purchase a Vodafon cell phone for approximately $35USD. Then you can buy cards in $5, $10, $20 denominations for airtime. Using a phone is quite easy and reliable in
There are no laundry machines. You can either wash your own clothes by hand or hire a local who would be more than happy to wash your clothes for a fee. Out of respect do not ask locals to wash your private garments.
Can I make my own food at the home stay?
Absolutely. It is one of the great joys of traveling to share the foods of your country with your new friends. Especially the children at the Orphans Home, are happy when volunteers make some food they don’t know yet.
Can I get my own room or do I need to share?
We will do our best to accommodate your preference; however, this will depend on the number of volunteers we have at a given time. Please indicate your preference during registration and we will do what we can to accommodate you.
Can you help me arrange a hike or a safari?
We can help you to find a driver for safari with tents or to climb
Yes. There are Barclays and Standard Bank Financial ATM machines in Arusha. These ATM machines accept debit and credit cards from most major banks around the world.
AIRPORT (2 QUESTIONS )
Which airport should I fly into?
Due to limited resources we can only do airport pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you plan to fly into
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes. Once your plane lands you will stand in line for a Visa (if you don’t already have one) and then go through security. A representative will be waiting for you at arrivals with a sign that has your name on it. The representative will take you to your homestay.
Prior to your departure from your home country we will send you our local phone numbers and address just in case there is miscommunication and you have to find your own way to the homestay.
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