EMFERD TANZANIA
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
My name is Carolin, I come from Germany, and I spent a year volunteering at EMFERD. The year was unique and exciting, and I learned so much about life and myself. I received a warm welcome from the very beginning and quickly grew fond of the children and teenagers. Mama Bakhita and the other staff members taught me a lot about Tanzania, its culture, language, diet, the people's outlook on life, and much more. At the same time, I shared as much of my knowledge as possible and helped the children and teenagers at the orphanage with their English. I always tried to lend a hand wherever my help was most needed and organized fundraising events, which enabled many projects to be implemented. Coming to Tanzania and living for a year on the beautiful Emmaus-hill was the best decision of my life, and I found a second family far from my home.
My Name is Isa:
I had a wonderful time in Mvomero and met even more wonderful people who would try their best to involve me in all the community work, and treated my like I'm a family member
My name is Olivia:
I spent an amazing and unforgettable time volunteering at EMFERD. I had the opportunity to participate in activities such as Community-Based Rehabilitation, where I joined physiotherapy sessions and home visits, as well as teaching English, doing administrative work, joining awareness seminars about disabilities, and taking part in the daily life of EMFERD.
It was a great opportunity for cultural exchange, where I was not only able to exchange ideas, experiences, opinions, and skills, but also to learn about Tanzanian culture, including its cooking, dancing, environment, ways of living, sense of community, and much more.
Thank you for welcoming me into the EMFERD family.
Johnny:
Spending time with EMFERD was not just a visit, but a true life experience. An experience that taught me to see life and others differently, to understand challenges in another way, and to rediscover myself through something deeply meaningful.
Living alongside Mama Josephine Bakhita, the entire team, and the children, I was immersed in rare human values. Every day, I witnessed something real: strength, patience, resilience, inclusion, and dignity — at their deepest level. And today, all of this is a part of who I am.
What marked me the most is that I thought I was coming to give, to contribute. But I received so much more. Far more than I could have imagined. I learned. I grew. I understood.
If I had to say one thing, it would be this: come with an open mind, as free as possible, leaving behind what shapes your everyday life. Come without expectations, that your heart will be free to receive what this experience, these people, and what Africa carries within can offer you.
Because if this experience touches you — and it will — it will change you forever.
Hi, my name is Sara:
My time at EMFERD was already 7 years ago, but still I often thinkt about it and I am conntected with Mama Bakhita. By that time I was traveling through east and south Africa and wanted to really get in touch with the people, country and the culture of Tanzania - which I absolutely experienced at EMFERD! At the Community in Morogoro I was warmly welcomed! I was offerd a own room with a bed and very good meals every day. The days went by very fast being togheter with the children, playing, discovering the neighbourhood, buying fresh food at the market, repairing, cleaning and most time caring for Joel (a very very lovely boy, with disabilities) and other sick children (because I am a pediatric nurse). Also I stayed some days at Mvomero, the beautiful green mountain area. There I could join Mama Bakhita at her family visits in rural areas. Another wonderful work she is doing. This was very life-enhancing for me. Also they took me to the fiels where they grow their food. Every evening I was tired in this beautiful fulfilling way. I am very thankful for all that I learnt at EMFERD. This time had a strong influence on me and my perspective on the world. Thank you so much!!