Ever wondered what it’s really like to volunteer with MGRC? Follow Sarah, a recent volunteer, through a day in the life of a volunteer at our center in Tanzania and discover the joys, challenges, and profound rewards of hands-on service.

“Every day here challenges me to grow while showing me the incredible impact of simple acts of love and education. These girls aren’t just being rescued — they’re rescuing me right back by showing me what courage and hope really look like.”

6:00 AM — Morning Preparations Sarah wakes to the sounds of rural Tanzania — roosters crowing and gentle morning conversations in Swahili. She reviews her planned activities: English lessons with the younger girls and helping the older ones write letters to their sponsors.

7:00 AM — Breakfast and Morning Circle The day begins with shared breakfast and morning circle, where girls share their dreams for the day. Sarah practices her Swahili while the girls giggle at her pronunciation and patiently correct her.

8:30 AM — Educational Activities Sarah leads English lessons, using games and songs to make learning fun. She’s amazed by how quickly the girls pick up new vocabulary and how eager they are to practice conversations about their hopes and dreams.

10:00 AM — Creative Time Art therapy and creative expression time. Sarah helps girls create artwork to send to their sponsors, marveling at their creativity and the stories they tell through their drawings.

12:00 PM — Lunch and Cultural Exchange Shared meals become cultural exchange sessions. Sarah learns to eat ugali properly while teaching the girls about American foods and traditions. Laughter transcends language barriers.

2:00 PM — Life Skills and Personal Development Sarah teaches the journaling technique — helping each girl write what she loves about herself. Watching shy girls find their voices and strengths becomes the highlight of her day.

4:00 PM — Community Exploration A supervised trip to the local town gives Sarah perspective on daily life in rural Tanzania. She experiences being in the minority while observing the resilience and joy of the local community.

6:00 PM — Reflection and Planning Evening planning session with MGRC staff. Sarah shares observations and receives feedback on how to better support each girl’s individual needs and learning style.

8:00 PM — Evening Stories and Songs The day ends with storytelling and songs. Sarah shares American folk songs while learning traditional Maasai songs, creating bonds that transcend cultural differences.

Ready to experience the life of a volunteer?

Ready to experience the transformative power of volunteering? Apply to volunteer with MGRC and discover how service changes both you and the lives you touch.