Q - When does the next volunteer program begin and how long can I volunteer?
A. Due to the Current Immigration Visa Changes.... Effective July 1, 2011 .... of $550 for a volunteer visa,
we are not accepting any volunteers at this time. You may visit our facilities as a tourist. Rates for R/B
are 75% of listed volunteer rates. It is beautiful , most comfortable, and safe. There are many sites to see
and treks to make. So Welcome!
Q - How do I apply and pay?
A - Please contact Edith in America (see "Email Edith Here" link above) and she will supply you with volunteer/visitor
availability dates. There are no special qualifications or application forms to complete .... just a desire to help an orphan. If
Volunteer openings exist for your selected time period, a special email will be sent to your personal email address directing
you to return to this page. You can then click on the "DEPOSIT" LINKS (right or above) where you can use a Visa or Master
Card to pay the "Volunteer Security Deposit Fee" of $195 to cover your first week. This FEE is REFUNDABLE if you give us a
30 day cancellation notice. Then, 30 days prior to your arrival, you will receive a second special link where you can pay the
balance due. Final payment is due prior to your arrival. All Internet Visa or Master Card Payments are executed through
Cybersource.com and The Bank of America and are fully encrypted and secured. Payment is made to "The Roch Charitable
Trust", sponsor of the Orphans of Kilimanjaro Project. Example of payment below.
You request to stay 4 weeks .......... From the chart above a 4 week stay is ...... $750
You receive an invoice by email and pay the "Security Deposit" ........................ $195
30 days prior to your arrival you will receive an invoice for the balance ........... $555
Special Note: The balance is due prior to your arrival.
Q - Can I Telephone Any Staff Members?
A - YES! Our telephone numbers are
Babu Bob : +255753842648 in country 0753842648
Mama Flora : +255755069334 0755069334
Babu Msuya : +255754677503 0754677503
Q - How do I get to the facility?
A - Most volunteers arrive via KLM Airlines in the evenings. We can arrange to have you picked up upon arrival at
Kilimanjaro Airport. Taxi to Moshi is about $50. Overnight stay in Moshi is about $15 (includes breakfast). One of our
Volunteer Coordinators can meet you at the airport or in Moshi and will personally escort you by dala-dala (van) or taxi from
Moshi to Kilema the following morning. The walk to our facilities in Kilema is very short. It is about another 30 minute walk to
our facilities in Lasso. See the "Location" link. Once you arrive, your volunteer fee covers everything, including some free
guided tours and our staff will wash and iron all your cloths free. PLUS 24 hr/day free Internet!
Q - What can I do on the mountain as a volunteer?
A - You will work under the guidance of one of our four current volunteer coordinators (Exuper Mosha, Flora Assey, Bosco
Mairo, or Christian Mosha) assisting in the delivery of food, clothing, school supplies, medicines, and other necessary items
to the orphan's family or school Additionally, careful follow up by our volunteers is ALWAYS conducted to insure that the
items reach the targeted orphan and are used solely for the benefit of the targeted orphan! Since everyone comes from
diverse backgrounds, we will do our best to see that your talents are properly channeled. There may be volunteers,
particularly couples, where one half would enjoy doing something different. They may be TEACHERS who would enjoy
teaching English, Science, Computer Training, or Math in one of the local Primary or Secondary Schools ( or simply work one
on one with one of the children in our care) . If you have a MEDICAL background, you may wish to assist at our local hospital
or clinics.
Things are very relaxed with our program. Volunteers can take a much free time off as they wish. Mornings are usually free
since orphans we assist attend primary school. Volunteers can work with the orphans after school assisting them with
homework or just entertaining the children. We prepare a mid afternoon snack for them .... just to make sure they get the
daily necessary nutritional needs. Volunteers make periodic trips to the schools as well as the home of each orphan. We try
and educate the extended family caring for each orphan.
Q - Where will I live?
A- We have several available houses, most with American/European bathrooms with hot showers. Rooms have 2 bunk beds
so you will have roommates. Rooms with a single bunk bed or double bed (2 volunteers/room) are limited with availability on
a first come first serve basis. Notify Us when you email us. Meals are prepared by the local villagers (we supply needed local
jobs). Everything is fresh (nothing comes from a can) and there is no problem if you are a vegetarian. All your washing and
ironing of cloths is done free by our Staff.
Q - What about AIDS?
A - AIDS is a nightmare. The percentage infected in the Kilimanjaro area (including Moshi) is 35%-45%. We sometimes have
several funerals a week in our villages. Africa is losing the working class where the latest life expectancy in Tanzania for
men has dropped to 39 years and women to 40 years. The country of Botswana probably has the highest rate of any country
in Africa where an estimated 60% of the population are infected. As a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in 1993 I had 5
internationally trained Tanzanian Swahili teachers and one nurse at our Peace Corps training facility in Arusha in 1993. Today
3 of the teachers have died of AIDS and the nurse is currently dying from this devastating disease. Although the new AIDS
medications are available at local pharmacies, the cost of $40/month is simply beyond the reach of 95% of the population
where the average monthly income is $30. Tragically, because of massive corruption in Tanzania, free malaria and AIDS
medicines reach the people.
Q - What does it cost for round trip tickets?
A - That of course depends on your departure point, how far in advance you book, and the season. For the U.S., NWA/KLM fly
7 days a week into Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). Click Here for NWA (if in America) or Click Here for KLM (outside USA) There
are of course other airlines and cheaper rates if you fly into Nairobi, Kenya but you will have to take a shuttle to Moshi
(Riverside Shuttle is very good and safe) plus spend the night in Nairobi. Special Note: Nairobi is a very dangerous town, so
be careful. Generally the best American based African Travel Agent is Spector Travel in Boston.
Q - What's the weather like?
A - In the winter time (June, July, August) the temps at night can fall below freezing with temps in the 40's-70's during the day.
As for the summer time (November, December, January) the temps generally are very nice in the 60's-70's. The rainy season
generally begins in early April and can last until late May. Getting around in the rainy season can be very difficult since the
ground turns to grease when it gets wet. Remember that we are in the mountains (about 5,000 ft. or 1,500 Mts.) so regardless
of the time of year you should be in fairly good physical condition - if you're not we guarantee that you will be when you leave
the mountain.
Q - What about Malaria and other diseases?
A1 - Malaria - We will supply you with the proper prophylactics (mefloquine, doxicyclin, etc) if you wish to take them.
Generally, prophylactics are used short term because of their side affects. Mefloquine (also known as Larium) can induce
severe depression and crazy dreams in a percentage of the people. Doxicyclin can cause slight gastric problems. We also
will supply you with one of the artimesinin based drugs (cotexin, plasmotrim 200, or the new ACT drugs, etc.) in case you
contract malaria. Even with prophylactics, there still is a slight possibility that you may contract malaria. If you are off the
mountain, you need to carry one of the above artimesinin based drugs with you at all times. They are 100% effective against
our cerebral malaria and have no side effects. I do not wish to frighten you, but malaria will redefine your definition of sick -
unless you take one of the artimesinin drugs in the early stages. Additionally, unlike those old war stories you hear, the
malaria most common to East Africa (cerebral malaria) does not return (recur) later on in life.
Since I live here, I don't take any prophylactics because of the long term side effects. I've had cerebral malaria 35+ times
over the last 16 years and I know what I'm talking about! Do not listen to your doctor concerning any other malaria treatment
drugs. Special note: I'm not talking about prophylactics here, but TREATMENT if you contract malaria. If you wish to take your
local doctors recommendation for malaria treatment different than what I suggest and do contract the disease, you will regret
not listening to me.
A2 - Other diseases - It always is a good idea to get your typhoid immunization (shots/tablets) up to date. The hepatitis shots
are a good idea if you start the A&B shots in time for your trip. You will not be asked to show your immunization card upon
entry to the country. As far as any other immunization shots, they should not be necessary for your stay. Just remember -
NEVER DRINK WATER that has not been boiled or bottled - that is of course unless your constipated (smile)! Also, NEVER
eat any salads or foods that appear not to have been cooked very well.
Q - What about my Entry Visa?
A - A 3-month tourist visa for US citizens is $100. Visas are available at the Tanzanian Embassy in your country but
remember it can take weeks for them to process your application. It generally is easier to get your Visa AT THE
AIRPORT.....just takes an extra 15 minutes or so. Simply ask for a "Tourist Visa".
Q - What can I bring into the country?
A - Generally, most airlines (KLM) will allow you to carry 2 - 50lb suitcases/boxes plus carry on items. Computer items are
custom free but you may have to pay customs on other items if they are in a box. The custom officials very rarely check if
you pack everything in suitcases, but if you bring boxes you can guarantee they will open and inspect them. They won't
bother you for items like cameras or personal items, but anything that they feel you are going to sell may be subject to
custom duties.
Q - What about the cost of carvings and other African made items?
A - Anytime you enter one of the larger cities (Moshi,Arusha,Dar es Salaam, etc.) you will be driven crazy by people wanting
to sell you something. If you are interested, always bargain - generally you can get the item for 25% of the starting quotation. I
also can suggest where to buy anything and at the best price.
Q - What if I want to take a Safari or Climb Kilimanjaro?
A - Check with us FIRST - I've been here for 16 years and I know who you can trust and who has the best rates!!
Q - What handy things should you bring?
A - Flashlight, rain breaker, comfortable hiking boots/tennis shoes, digital camera, laptop (handy for downloading digital
photos), hat, sun screen, umbrella (can purchase locally for $3 USD), dress according to season (see above for temps in
winter or summer - remember for those in the northern hemisphere our winters are your summers and vice-versa), deck of
playing cards, small trinkets for children(balloons - i.e.simple things). You can buy just about anything you may have
forgotten or need in Moshi on our weekly trips.
Q - What about electrical converters for my gadgets?
A - The voltage is 220 at 50 Hz. You can purchase step down transformers locally, but you may experience some problems
with any of your electrical gadgets if they are 60 Hz. Adapters and small battery chargers for AA and other types of batteries
can also be purchase locally. Things generally are cheap - with the exception of rechargeable Nickle Medal Hydride batteries.
Most of the safari vehicles have cigarette lighters for access to 12 volts DC.
Q- Can I rent a car and drive in Tanzania?
A - Not really. Besides if you come from the States you need to remember that "Americans drive on the right side of the road
while Tanzanians drive on the wrong side (smile).
Q - Are there ATM Machines where I can withdraw money with my Credit/Debit Card?
- Yes, ATM Machines are available in the local town of Moshi and Arusha, but generally Master Cards are not accepted - only
Visa Cards. Also you will be limited to a maximum of 200,000 /- or 400,000 /- for each transaction. The current exchange rate
can be found at the following Internet Site
http://www.exchange-rates.org/history/TZS/USD/G
Q- Are there Currency Exchange Offices available?
A - Yes, but most prefer US Dollars in denominations of $100. Other currencies may pose a problem.
Q - Are Travelers Checks accepted?
A - Yes, but they are generally a pain to use. Try sticking with a Visa card and ATM machines.
Q - How much cash should I bring?
A - Limit your in pocket cash to a few hundred US dollars. You can always use your Visa card for extra money. Also, be very
careful with your passport. You will never be asked to show it unless the ATM machine eats your Visa Card, so it's generally
best to leave it on the mountain.
| Misson Statement The goal of The Orphans of Kilimanjaro Project (Sponsored by The Roch Charitable Trust) is to care for our orphans by supplying food, clothing, and educational assistance. Orphans continue to live with extended family members or friends where they can attend local schools, churches, play, and associate with their childhood friends....thus preparing them to rejoin society and re-infusing Tanzania with healthy, aware, and productive individuals, eager to contribute to a brighter future. Additionally, we support local schools and medical facilities by recruiting educators/teachers and medical personnel/doctors/nurses. Facilities to house, feed, and care for our crippled orphans are currently in the planning stage. Volunteer Program The "Orphans of Kilimanjaro" needs volunteers who would like to live in the "Garden of Eden" for a period of 1 to 12 weeks assisting The Orphans of Kilimanjaro Project. You may choose to work with the orphans, part time teach in our local primary/secondary schools, or assist at our Kilema Hospital or local medical clinics. R&B for one week is $195. Volunteer rates for extended stays are listed in the CHART ABOVE. If you volunteer for two weeks we will guarantee one orphan a full year of primary school including tuition, books, new uniforms/sweater/shoes, a nourishing lunch, and medical support. See Volunteer Rates above. NO MONEY IS EVER GIVEN to the supporting family members, friends or schools. Delivery of food, clothing, school supplies, medicines, and other necessary items are personally delivered by the volunteers to the orphan's family or school . Careful follow up by our volunteers is ALWAYS conducted to insure that the items reach the targeted orphan and are used solely for the benefit of the targeted orphan! All volunteers to Kilimanjaro will find their journey to be one of a deep and spiritual nature, and one that will sustain their faith in the human race and the need within each of us to serve. The famed Dr. Albert Schweitzer, who committed the majority of his life to Africa, once said, "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know. The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." Because our orphans come from various religious backgrounds (Christian and Muslim) we ask that all volunteers refrain from any proselytizing. Our Orphans need love, food, cloths, and an education. Their religious foundation is the choice of the extended family in whose care the orphans are placed. There is nothing to fear in Tanzania (with the exception of buses and dala-dala's). It's very poor but safe. Below you will find a Questions and Answers Section. Please don't hesitate to email Edith (Volunteer Coordinator) or myself if you need further assistance. Thanks and Welcome to Tanzania - Babu Bob |
| Please Contact Edith for Assistance edith@orphansofkilimanjaro.org |
