About

During my enriching volunteer stint in Tanzania with Woven Connect, I played a pivotal role in shaping the association’s strategic vision. Collaborating closely with the dedicated team, I meticulously crafted compelling content for their upcoming website, ensuring a coherent and impactful online presence.

However, my involvement extended far beyond the digital realm. I actively facilitated and led workshops, providing valuable insights and guidance to the team and management on effective task prioritisation, skillful delegation, and overall organisational efficiency. Witnessing the positive impact of these sessions on the team dynamics and operational effectiveness was incredibly rewarding.

At the heart of this transformative experience was Justin, the coordinator, whose friendly demeanour, attentive nature, and flexibility fostered an environment of collaboration and innovation. His exceptional culinary skills added a delightful touch to our daily lives, and the thoughtfully organised excursions during our free time allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture.

The Woven House, my home during this adventure, offered a secure and comfortable haven. Complete with essential facilities such as hot showers and reliable WiFi, it served as a conducive space for both relaxation and productivity.

In essence, my time with Woven Connect in Tanzania was not just about contributing to their strategic development; it was a hands-on experience where I actively animated workshops, aiding in the enhancement of organisational skills and leaving an indelible mark on the association’s growth.

Hi, my name is Bente, and in March 2021, I travelled to Tanzania, Arusha to volunteer at Afrikan Wear Design. Run by Head Mama (Marylin) and Manager Justin Hokororo. I was warmly welcomed and immediately felt like part of the family.

As a Graphic Designer by profession, so I put my talents to work at Afrikan Wear Design. Such as managing social media, creating brochures and catalogues, handling photography, and assisting with customer acquisition. I truly felt that my hard work was appreciated, and they treated me like a family member. I got to enjoy a homemade meal at the project every day. Mama would show me the products (art) they made. She was really talented at making jewelry pieces, some of which I still wear frequently to this day.

Justin would taxi me around, even if I told him it wasn’t necessary. He showed me the town and hotspots nearby. He really was my guide and brother in the end. It was effortless to work and communicate with Justin.

During my stay, I also contributed to the development of the Woven House, a hostel designed to provide guests and volunteers with a genuine Afrikan Wear experience. I played a role in conceptualising the project, designing the logo, cleaning and making the furniture. There, I truly got to experience the culture up close. I learned to cook Tanzanian meals and even picked up some Swahili. I felt truly included in the community.

For anyone considering volunteering, I hope my story convinces you to go. I find myself wishing I were in your shoes to experience it all over again.

In May, I had the privilege of joining Afrikawear for a month. Justin, Mama, and the team welcomed me into their hostel and workshop, teaching me how to weave, batik print, dye, and bead.

Justin became our personal tour guide and took us on a safari, Irangi rock paintings, coffee tours, waterfall hikes, and introduced us to three tribes – Masai, Detoga, and Hudzabe. I even picked up some Swahili along the way. The food, language, and art (Tinga tinga) were all incredibly fascinating. My desire to experience Tanzanian culture, handcrafted textiles, and Arusha’s lush nature was more than satisfied.

I was left with amazing memories and lasting friendships. I highly recommend this experience to anyone seeking a truly unforgettable adventure.

My experience at the  Woven House was unforgettable. Justin was very friendly and thoughtful in presenting me the best culinary specialities cooked by him and his staff. I really appreciated his passion in showing me the Tanzanian culture and nature, organizing fantastic excursions around Arusha and in the natural park. The connection with the charity organization Afrikan wear design helped me to see and learn even more about thir culture. I racommend this place, because is perfect for those who want to travel and enter into the daily life of the local people.

My volunteer work at Afrikan Wear back in 2020 was one of the greatest and most educational experiences until now. The whole point of the NGO is to create a space for the transfer of skills in the arts and crafts sector to provide women with a source of income, which is incredibly important. With a cause like this, any help and fresh ideas are important and in this exchange I learned an incredible amount as a volunteer. I learnt what an important institution Afrikan Wear is in Arusha and how important this created space is for strengthening the independence of individual employees.
I myself learnt many things during my time there, including jewelry-making, the importance of crafts in Tanzania and working with the tourism sector. During my time there, we developed a workshop concept to enable tourists to visit Afrikan Wear for a day and learn how to make jewelry themselves. This is one of the many possible forms of income that have been created in co-operation with the NGO.
Foreign volunteers bring their skills and combined with those of the Afrikan Wear team, interesting and helpful synergies and projects can be created. Afrikan Wear is incredibly open to new ideas and approaches and it is a lot of fun to work with them as a volunteer. You immediately realise the impact that this collaboration can have and as a volunteer you always feel involved in everything and very valued.

Last year, I sought an opportunity to volunteer outside of my country and chose Arusha as my destination. After researching several NGOs, I opted for AfricanWear, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. Upon my arrival, Justin picked me up at the airport and escorted me to the Woven House, where I spent three weeks. From the moment I arrived, everyone embraced me warmly, making me feel like a member of their family in less than 24 hours.

During my stay, I dedicated my mornings to assisting in their atelier, immersing myself in their culture, and seamlessly becoming a part of their team. In my free time, Justin and Martin ensured that I had an unforgettable experience by guiding me to explore numerous incredible locations in Arusha and its surroundings. They even arranged visits to the Masai tribe, providing insightful explanations about the diverse cultures within Tanzania.

What I miss the most, however, is our dinner time, where we all gathered around the table to enjoy traditional Tanzanian food. These moments were filled with laughter, as they patiently tried to teach me Swahili and shared anecdotes from their lives. The warmth that everyone gives me it’s what I take with me. I’m looking forward to coming back again.