Arts and dance

Arts and dance

The arts and dance project offered by Mama Dan Organization in Iringa, Tanzania, provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to contribute to cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and community development. By sharing their skills and knowledge, volunteers can make a significant impact and create a positive change in the lives of individuals

Objectives of the Arts and Dance Project

Preserve Tanzanian culture: Through this project, Mama Dan Organization seeks to preserve and promote traditional Tanzanian arts and dance forms, which are integral parts of the country’s heritage. This is accomplished by organizing workshops, performances, and educational activities.

Empower youth: The project is designed to provide opportunities for young people to develop their artistic talents, boost self-confidence, and gain leadership skills. By participating in dance and arts activities, youths are encouraged to express themselves creatively, fostering personal growth and empowerment.

Community engagement: The project also focuses on engaging the local community in the arts and dance activities. This not only creates a sense of unity but also encourages community members to participate and actively contribute to the preservation of their cultural heritage.

Role of Volunteers

Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the arts and dance project. They bring their skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the community, creating a vibrant and diverse learning environment. Here are some ways volunteers can contribute:

Teaching and mentoring: Volunteers can share their expertise in various art forms, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, or dance. They can provide workshops and classes to community members, including children and young adults, guiding them in developing their artistic skills.

Organizing events and performances: Volunteers can assist in planning and organizing cultural events, showcases, and performances. This includes coordinating logistics, promoting the events, and ensuring a memorable experience for both performers and audience members.

Documentation and research: Volunteers can contribute to documenting traditional Tanzanian arts and dance forms. This could involve conducting research, recording interviews with local artists, and creating materials for educational purposes.

Cultural exchange: Volunteers have the opportunity to learn about Tanzanian culture and traditions directly from the local community. It’s a chance to engage in meaningful cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

Impact and Benefits

The arts and dance project has several positive impacts and benefits, both for the community and volunteers involved:

Cultural preservation: By promoting traditional arts and dance forms, the project helps preserve Tanzanian culture for future generations. It ensures that these rich traditions are not lost or forgotten.

Youth empowerment: The project provides a platform for young people to discover and explore their talents, boosting their self-esteem and confidence. It also encourages them to pursue creative careers and become leaders in their communities.

Community development: Engaging the community in arts and dance activities fosters a sense of unity, pride, and belonging. It also enhances cultural tourism, attracting visitors to Iringa and generating income for the local economy.

Personal growth for volunteers: Volunteers gain valuable experiences by immersing themselves in a different culture, learning new skills, and making meaningful connections. They also contribute to a sustainable and impactful project, leaving a lasting legacy.

Project Details

Our arts and dance Project has a start date on 01 and 15 of each month. You should arrange your flights to arrive into and depart from Iringa-Nduli Airport for the dates specified in your booking confirmation.

Please contact us for start dates.

From $240/week

Included

  • Accommodation
  • Orientation
  • All project related transport
  • 24 hour support of experienced on-site project co-ordinator
  • A donation to the project and care of the children
  • Airport transfer on arrival and departure on set dates

Excluded

  • Flights
  • All meals and drinks
  • Travel insurance and visas (C class visa for volunteering costs $200, plus tourist visa price for up to 2 months)
  • Extra excursions and trips

You will receive a comprehensive orientation with one of the project managers on arrival. This will cover the following areas:

  • An introduction to Tanzanian culture and values, food and practices.
  • Your health and safety whilst in Tanzania.
  • Transport and money in Tanzania.
  • Workplace ethics and code of conduct.
  • A familiarisation tour of Iringa town and introduction to its surrounding areas.
  • An introduction to the project areas.
  • An introduction to the sports coaching activities, aims and methods.
  • Places to visit in your free time and at weekends.

There are a couple of nice places in and around Iringa that you can relax at during the weekend.  Iringa is also well located for safaris to the Ruaha National Park, Mikumi, and Selous.  The project managers will be happy to help organize excursions if you are interested during your stay.

Whilst you are at the arts and dance project in Iringa the project managers will be available to provide assistance and support 24/7.

A project staff member will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to the volunteer house, which is approximately 30-45 minutes drive from the airport. You will be transferred back to the airport at the end of your volunteer project. Please arrange your flights for the dates specified in your booking confirmation.

You will be quite active on this sports volunteer project, so we recommend that you are reasonably fit and healthy to participate. Please remember to be respectful and considerate if you wish to suggest any improvements, or new ideas that you feel would benefit the project. Local project staff may have different cultural expectations and values to you and yours are not necessarily right. Things may run to Africa time, which can be decidedly laid back, but learn to relax a little and you may find you enjoy the difference in pace. The project managers have significant experience at managing local project relationships, so ask for their advice if you are unsure about something and please listen to it.

Minimum age is 18. There is no maximum age, as long as you are fit and healthy enough to participate in project activities.