- Introduction:
Cultural exchange project is an international series of activities aiming to facilitate cultural exchange for volunteers from different places of the world for a determined period of time as a means of becoming sensitive to social, cultural and economic realities of the world.
At this time of globalization when people are moving around than even before, cultural exchange projects is becoming more important. The project serves as vehicle of introducing people around the world to ideas they might not normally be exposed to. Based on the past experience many barriers have already begun to fall between people around the same community, country and the world through the opportunity of allowing one opposite sides to interact.
It is evident that the project encourages people to appreciate and understand different cultures and play key role in promoting peace, solidarity and sustainable development.
- Project Activities:
Cultural Exchange project is a four weeks program with intense activities underlined below.
Language Class - Participant of this project will participate in an intensive Kiswahili Language class. Kiswahili is a Tanzania National Language, however the language is spoken in most Eastern and central African region, it is one of the fast grown African Language.
Arts & Crafts - This will include learning on how to make African design barbeques. E.g batik, tie tye and other crafts.
Drumming and Dancing - Drumming classes as well dancing. All in Tanzanian/African rhythm.
Cooking & Home stay-Visit - Opportunity to visit various local homes, learning how to cook and eat local food.
Workshops & Study tours - Series of workshops, study tour and meetings will be organized to enable Participants to understand more of Tanzania culture. Participants are also expected to organized and make cultural presentation in the community and other audiences to be planned during the orientation.
- Study Part:
Study part will include series of workshops and visits. The main topic will be “The role of Culture in promoting peace, solidarity and sustainable development”. Volunteers are encouraged to bring information from their home communities on the subject matter for sharing. Please note that, you might be requested to facilitate some of the workshops.
- Free time activities:
The project provides you with an opportunity to enjoy what nature and Tanzanian landscape offer. Options are to visit the historical town of Bagamoyo, Zanzibar as well Mikumi National Park .These are some of the closest attractions you can see for that short period of time. We are working with our tour operator to prepare a good package for you and it should be presented during the orientation. This activity will be financed by the volunteers themselves. Please note, more options are available but they should be organized before or after the project since it may need longer time.
- Accommodation:
Volunteers will be hosted in Youth Center located in the community. There are adequate sanitation facilities. Volunteers will be sharing rooms, some with mattresses on the floor. Electricity will be available though not reliable.
- Food:
Food will be provided to the volunteers throughout the project while in the community. Volunteers will share cooking in turns with a support of a local kitchen staff. Volunteers with meals restrictions should inform the camp leader on arrival for prior arrangements. Vegetarian meals will be available.
- Language:
Kiswahili is the National language spoken by most Tanzanians. Knowing a few words and phrases of Kiswahili is highly appreciated by the locals. In the projects people will be able to communicate in English. A large number of people in Tanzania are able to conduct a basic conversation in English. It is very important that volunteers can communicate at least Basic English in order to benefit from the project activities.
- Requirements for this project:
Volunteers coming to this project are encouraged or should to be...
Interested in cultural issues
Interested in learning languages
Creative, flexible, and patient
Open minded and independent
Interest to work with as a team
Able to work under limited resources and less supervision
Volunteers are also very welcome to create new ideas and methods to assist in teaching children especially English such as bringing English book on how to teach. Other supporting material such as creativities books and pictures will also be helpful.
- Project Finances:
Participation fee - 400 Euros (Non-refundable) to be paid on arrival. The fee does not cover medical services cost, Visas, pocket money, free/leisure activities and other personal expenses.
Airport Pick up - 20Euro (Optional, and if this service is needed inform the organization seven days before the arrival date for arrangements).
- Meeting point:
Dar es Salaam, on 20th June 2014 at 14h00. Please inform us if you are not able to be there on time.
- Departure date:
The project will officially end on 24th June 2014 and volunteers will be free to leave the place any time up to 10.00am on 20th June 2014. Please inform us in advance if you need any help to organize other trips after the project.