Our volunteers drive success and are the heartbeat of MGRC. They bring skills, love, and global perspectives that transform not just our girls’ educational experience, but their entire outlook on life. Since our founding, volunteers have been essential to our mission of rescuing and empowering vulnerable Maasai girls. Here’s how our amazing volunteers drive our success and create lasting impact.

1. Bridge Cultural Gaps Through Language Learning

Our volunteers work one-on-one with girls to improve their English, math, reading, and writing skills. But it’s more than academics—they’re opening doors to global opportunities while learning Swahili and Maasai culture themselves. According to UNICEF Tanzania education reports, girls who receive additional language support are 40% more likely to complete secondary education.

Volunteers Drive Success

“I came to MGRC thinking I would teach the girls English, but they taught me so much more about resilience, joy, and what true strength looks like. Watching Grace find her voice through art therapy was life-changing—for both of us. When I left, the girls had learned new words, but I had learned a new way to see the world. I’m already planning my return trip.” – Christy B., volunteered for 3 weeks in 2023

2. Strengthen Sponsor Connections

Volunteers help our girls write heartfelt letters to and create beautiful artwork as gifts. These personal touches strengthen the bond between sponsors and the girls they support, making the relationship more meaningful for everyone involved in our sponsorship program.

3. Build Self-Confidence Through Personal Development

One of our most impactful volunteer initiatives: teaching girls to keep journals where they write everything they love about themselves. When they feel sad, they can read their journals to lift their spirits—a practice they’ll use throughout their lives. This approach aligns with research on girls’ empowerment strategies in East Africa.

4. Provide Practical Life Skills

From hair braiding to hand games, volunteers teach practical skills and self-care practices that boost the girls’ confidence and help them feel valued and beautiful. These activities are especially important for girls recovering from harmful traditional practices they may have experienced.

Volunteers Drive Success

“Nothing prepared me for the impact these girls would have on me. On my first day, 12-year-old Maria helped me braid my hair while teaching me Swahili words. By my last day, she was confidently reading English stories to the younger girls. The transformation wasn’t just hers—I realized that real change happens when you show up with love and stay long enough to build relationships. MGRC doesn’t just rescue girls; it creates a family.” – Joyce H., volunteered for 2 weeks in 2024

5. Serve as Positive Role Models

Our girls see volunteers as “American Idol superstars” and role models. Volunteers understand this responsibility and consistently demonstrate values like hard work, kindness, and pursuing education and dreams. Learn more about the incredible staff who work alongside our volunteers daily.

6. Facilitate Educational Experiences

Volunteers drive success by taking girls into local towns for real-world learning experiences. These trips help girls understand their community better while volunteers gain perspective on life in rural Tanzania. These cultural exchanges benefit everyone involved.

7. Document and Share Our Story

Volunteers help create videos of our programs, document our ecoVillage progress, and capture moments that help us share our impact with supporters worldwide. Their documentation helps us secure continued funding and support.

“Helping the girls learn new things and build their self-confidence makes us feel good about what we are doing and how to set a good example for them.” – Recent MGRC Volunteer

Volunteers drive success, are you ready? Apply to volunteer with MGRC and become part of our girls’ transformation stories.

Not ready to travel? You can still make a difference by donating to support our volunteer programs or sponsoring a girl today.