Volunteer
JGI's International Volunteer Program
The Jane Goodall Institute’s (JGI) International Volunteer Program gives volunteers from all over the world the opportunity to the participate in Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program in Tanzania. Tanzania is the location where the environmental and humanitarian education program was founded.
International volunteers have been vital to the Roots & Shoots program in Tanzania. One of the most important aspects of the international volunteer program is the cultural exchange that occurs between international volunteers and local Roots & Shoots program members, staff, and volunteers. These interactions alone fulfill a goal the Roots & Shoots mission, that of promoting understanding of all cultures and beliefs.
Volunteer placements run for a minimum of six months. After a three to four week orientation in Dar es Salaam (where JGI-Tanzania’s main office is located), volunteers are placed in one of two locations in Tanzania: Dar es Salaam or Moshi. Placement locations are based upon the individual volunteer’s interests and background, space in each location, and the current needs of the program.
Activity Descriptions:
The primary role of the volunteer program is to collaborate with local staff and volunteers to support Roots & Shoots-Tanzania clubs. Volunteers facilitate educational activities and assist in the planning and implementation of projects that make a difference in the local environment and communities. More specific activities that former volunteers have participated in include the following:
Dar es Salaam
- Raise awareness and conduct educational activities on coastal and marine ecology, urban ecology, and social issues affecting urban communities.
- Facilitate field trips for urban youth to Mikumi National Park and camping trips to the Uluguru Mountains.
- Assist clubs in mangrove planting campaigns, beach clean-ups, and campus/city greening activities.
- Participate in curriculum development, grant writing, fundraising, and event planning.
Moshi
- Enhance the effectiveness and expand the reach of the Roots & Shoots Environmental Education Site on Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Develop educational materials and presentations related to the environmental issues affecting the Mount Kilimanjaro ecosystem.
- Facilitate field trips to Mount Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Parks.
- Fuel efficient stove promotion and construction initiatives.
Other Details
Program Fees:
The volunteer contributes the following program fee to cover living, program, and administrative expenses:
- Dar es Salaam: $3,650 for 6 months, $600 for each addition month
- Moshi: $4,650 for 6 months, $775 for each additional month (2 meals per day included)
What is covered by the contribution?
- Accommodation in country
- Local travel and communication (including cell phone)
- Basic Kiswahili language training
- In-country program orientation, training and materials
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Professional staff coordination and support
- Administrative fees
- Moshi ONLY: two meals per day
What is NOT covered by the contribution?
- Airfare to and from Tanzania (and travel to and from Kigoma for Kigoma volunteers)
- Residence Permit ($550 USD, our staff will help you obtain your permit)
- Passport fees
- Immunizations
- Visa entry fees ($50 to $100 USD depending on your citizenship)
- Medical/travel insurance
- Food
- Spending money
Testimonials
As a volunteer with Roots & Shoots in Tanzania I was rewarded with the opportunity to meet and work with some of the most passionate and environmentally conscious youth. Tanzanian youth have a bright environmental future ahead of them and I was so fortunate to be apart of their learning process.
—Laurel, 2008 International Volunteer
My favorite aspect about being an International Volunteer with Roots & Shoots Tanzania was the ability that R&S youth had to keep me in a constant state of awe as I witnessed the unyielding passion driving their ideas, discussions and projects. It was absolutely incredible to travel to remote villages and find in the midst of dust and grass, a dynamic R&S clubs excited to show off their outstanding projects.
—Erica Hall, 2011 International Volunteer
Qualifications/Experience:
We are seeking individuals who have experience in one or more of the following areas: environmental education, community development, public health, teaching, sciences, conservation, event planning, fundraising, and grant writing. The ideal volunteer is mature, flexible, patient, self-motivated, creative, culturally competent, adapts to new environments easily, and possesses a sense of humor. Experience working in Africa or a developing country is a plus. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.
2012 & 2013 Program Start Dates:
January 7, 2013 and July 1, 2013, (minimum six month commitment, the start dates are somewhat flexible)
How to Apply:
We are currently accepting applications for 2013. To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to the JGI International Volunteer Recruiter at volunteer.jgi.tanzania@gmail.com.
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Community members maintaining the Roots & Shoots Kilimanjaro Conservation Education Site. Photo Credit: Peter Nash -
Meeting with Roots & Shoots secondary school students in Dar es Salaam. Photo Credit: Erica Hall -
Tree planting on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Photo Credit: Allison Pemerl -
Photo Credit: Sam Wagstaff -
Secondary school students learning about tree species at the Roots & Shoots Kilimanjaro Conservation Education Site. Photo Cred -
Roots & Shoots Kilimanjaro Conservation Education Site. Photo Credit: Peter Nash -
Primary school students at the Roots & Shoots Kilimanjaro Conservation Education Site: Photo Credit: Peter Nash -
Environmental education activity with Dar es Salaam youth: Photo Credit: Amy Sherwood -
Roots & Shoots in Moshi collaborated with TATEDO to build fuel efficient stoves at Mt. Kilimanjaro schools. Photo Credit: Allis -
Volunteers with secondary school students.
