Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the world, gain new experiences and training, see new career possibilities, do something different, get away from the normal grind, be adventurous, share your faith, or have you always had a secret desire to see Africa? We can help you achieve any and all of those goals.
The Maasai Girls Rescue Center (MGRC) is located in the beautiful, East African village of Longido, Tanzania. The MGRC is a registered NGO in Tanzania and are affiliated with a 501(c)3 nonprofit registered in the US. We care for the poorest, most at-risk Maasai girls from Longido district. Many of the rescued Maasai girls were running away from forced early marriage and/or FGM. We need all kinds of talents, from painting, teaching, building, pre-natal and post-natal education, and life skills such as cooking, sewing, etc.
You can volunteer for up to one month but a one to two week stay is recommended. To volunteer for longer than one month will require evaluation and approval from the MGRC directors.
All volunteers over the age of 18 are required to purchase a volunteer visa, regardless of their length of stay, unless you have been otherwise instructed by the volunteer coordinator. The volunteer Visa may cost $200 to $250, depending on where you are coming from. After you have applied to volunteer at MGRC and have received permission from our volunteer coordinator to plan your trip and come, you will receive additional instructions about getting your volunteer visa.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What we provide our volunteers
Volunteers will be staying on Maasai land, 95% of all residents who live in Longido district are from the Maasai tribe. You will have ample time to visit and explore the lifestyle and culture of this very colourful tribe. Accommodations are fairly inexpensive, $500 US dollars per month. If staying less than one month, the price is $150 per week. Volunteers will stary at our Volunteer house, separate from the girls home, with all the charm that Africa has to offer. Note, there is a small fee for pick-up and drop-off for the drive between the Mt. Kilimanjaro airport and MGRC. Please communicate with the volunteer coordinator for pricing.
Our Volunteer house has a cook and housekeeper, Monday thru Friday. Our cook will provide breakfast and evening meals. We have a varied menu which includes eggs, toast, cinnamon rolls, etc. for breakfast, and stew, hamburgers and frys, spaghetti, etc. for dinner. The morning chai and mid-day meal are provided while on duty at MGRC, but snacks and dining out are at your own cost. Most volunteers spend about $150 to $200 for extra food and eating out per month. Remember it is Africa and many of our meals at MGRC are African style – rice and beans, ugali and vegetables and luscious fruit.
Also included:
■ Training, supervision and support.
■ Driver and transportation while on duty at MGRC.
■ Safe, secure grounds with a fenced yard and 24 hour guards on the property.
While in Tanzania, many volunteers choose to visit our world famous national parks. MGRC can assist in scheduling game park visits, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Mt. Kilimanjaro treks and climbing Mt. Longido can also be arranged. We know many safari companies and will be happy to assist you in choosing a company that fits your budget.
Experience the Maasai Culture first hand. MGRC can take you to visit the girls' bomas, giving you a unique view into their cultural and upbringing. For the adventurer at heart, we can arrange for you to spend a night or two in a Maasai boma, an experience you won't quickly forget.
Get In Touch
For more information on visiting Africa and volunteering at MGRC, please contact Rick Morro at [email protected]