Early Childhood Education Support Volunteer

Please Note: Volunteer positions are temporary and the length of your volunteer term can be anywhere from 3 weeks to 1 year. You must be at least 21 years old to be a volunteer with us.

Organization Overview

The Tanzanian Children's Fund (TCF) works to eliminate generational poverty in rural northern Tanzania by ensuring that the children and families in this region have access to all of the care and services they need to lead healthy, secure, and fulfilling lives. Our work falls into 4 key program areas: Education, Health, Home and Family, and Economic Opportunity. You will be supporting activities in our Early Childhood Care and Education Center (ECCE), a combined day-care and preschool for community children between the ages of 2 and 5, as well as the Rift Valley Children's Village, which provides a permanent home and family for orphaned and vulnerable children in our community.

Position Overview

The Early Childhood Learning Support volunteer works with our Early Childhood Care and Education Center (ECCE) and the Rift Valley Children's Village (RVCV), supporting children between the ages of 2 and 5 years. The volunteer plays a key role in enriching the learning environment for young children at the ECCE. This role focuses on English-language exposure, play-based learning, and early childhood development while collaborating closely with Tanzanian teachers. Volunteers assist at the ECCE during school hours and support RVCV activities during weekends and school holidays.

Ideal Background & Skills

• Passion for early childhood education, child development, or primary education
• Experience working with young children in learning or caregiving environments
• Strong command of spoken and written English; ability to model natural, clear English
• Creative, flexible, culturally sensitive, and respectful of local teaching staff
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural setting
• No formal teaching certification required

Core Expectations

• Respect and support the Tanzanian-led teaching environment
• Contribute to English-language exposure through consistent, positive interaction
• Help create a safe, engaging, and nurturing atmosphere for young learners
• Participate actively in both school-based and village-based activities
• Demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and patience
• Ability to adapt to rural, community-centered living and working conditions in Tanzania. You will not always have access to the internet or some of the comforts you are used to.

Day-to-Day Activities (School Hours)

• Assist teachers with classroom routines and transitions
• Lead or support “discovery time” activities (art, science, music, movement, storytelling, sensory play, nature exploration)
• Engage children in English-speaking practice, conversations, songs, and games
• Read books aloud and run small reading circles or individual reading sessions
• Help prepare learning materials, visual aids, and simple teaching resources
• Observe classroom dynamics and offer support where needed

Curriculum & Teacher Support Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Tanzanian teachers to develop age-appropriate, play-based activities
• Provide input on English-language materials, vocab lists, phonics tools, storybooks etc.
• Help design simple weekly discovery activities aligned with the ECCE curriculum
• Share techniques for interactive learning, ensuring respect for local expertise
• Assist with organizing classroom resources and improving learning centers

Weekend & School Holiday Responsibilities (At RVCV)

• Support weekend activity programming for children of all ages in the village
• Help run recreational activities: sports, arts & crafts, music, games, nature walks
• Facilitate after-school enrichment, English practice sessions, or reading clubs
• Participate in evening study hall, offering homework or reading support
• Assist caregivers in creating structured, positive, and engaging free time

Impact of the Role

Volunteers in the ECCE Learning Support position expand children’s exposure to English and creative learning, reinforce the partnership between Tanzanian and international cultures, strengthen early literacy and communication skills, and contribute meaningfully to the daily life of the children’s village.