Zanzibar is a Tanzanian group of islands off the coast of East Africa. On its main island, Unguja, familiarly called Zanzibar, is Stone Town, a historic trade centre with Swahili and Islamic influences.

Receiving basic and more specialized medical care is often a challenge in most African countries. On Zanzibar the government provides a number of public hospitals and some communities have privately owned clinics offering a one-stop solution with a general practitioner, nurse, dentist and pharmacy all in one building.

If you are a medical student, the hospitals are an extraordinary opportunity to observe and gain experience under supervision. If you are a doctor and/or specialist and want to practice medicine, we would happily assist you with the necessary certificates/permits to allow you to practice medicine in a clinic.

Needs

In general there are a variety of needs and volunteers should keep in mind that you come to volunteer to help where it is needed most, not just to take part in your favourite activities. So be flexible and open-minded to any changes, or other activities that might need your support a little bit more than the ones you prefer. There is plenty of fun to be had while you work!

Any possible gifts and donations provided by volunteers and their networks are extremely appreciated. Please feel free to ask us for a needs list.

Guidance and supervision

You will be supervised by our local Khaya coordinators in Stone Town; who will pick you up upon arrival, take you around, introduce you to the hospital/clinic staff and guide you during your stay.

It is important that volunteers at this project understand the following:

• Tanzania is a peaceful country, but is old-fashioned by Western standards. Be enthusiastic and independent and willing to accept that things can be challenging at times.
• Show respect towards the people and culture of the local community. The people of Zanzibar are 95% Muslim so prepare yourself accordingly.
• At all times, follow rules regarding clothing and appearance. Zanzibar is in the tropics and therefore hot. It is not as strict as the Middle East, so you can dress coolly but modestly, with limbs and shoulders covered if possible. Wear what you like on the beach though!
• Time is a concept that is different in Africa! Volunteers must accept that things don’t move at the rushed pace and in the highly organized way that Westerners are used to. Be patient and learn to appreciate “African time”.