Speech Therapy 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 the Rift Valley Children's Village, which provides a permanent home and family for orphaned and vulnerable children in our community.

Position Overview

The Speech Therapist volunteer provides specialized support to children who may experience delays or challenges in speech, language development, or communication. Working closely with Tanzanian caregivers and teachers, the volunteer helps identify needs, create individualized support plans, and strengthen everyday communication skills—especially English language exposure. This role focuses on capacity building and direct support within the village environment.

Ideal Background & Skills

• Degree or ongoing studies in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or Communication Disorders
• Experience working with children ages 3–18 in clinical or educational settings
• Knowledge of developmental milestones, early intervention strategies, and communication support tools
• Strong command of English; familiarity with multilingual language development is a plus
• Ability to design simple, culturally appropriate speech activities
• Patient, compassionate, and sensitive to cultural norms
• Willingness to work creatively in a rural setting

Core Expectations

• Collaborate respectfully with Tanzanian staff, caregivers, and teachers
• Adapt speech therapy practices to the local context and available materials
• Prioritize relationship-building and trust with children and caregivers
• Provide guidance that empowers local staff to continue activities beyond the volunteer’s stay
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in working with children
• Use play-based, strengths-based approaches to communication development

Primary Responsibilities

1. Assessment & Identification

• Observe children in classroom, play, and home-like settings
• Conduct informal screenings to identify speech, language, or communication needs
• Document observations and share findings with caregivers and relevant staff
• Develop action plans tailored to each child’s needs and the village context

1. Individual & Small-Group Support

• Provide play-based speech and language activities for children with identified needs
• Focus on functional communication (expressive, receptive, social communication)
• Integrate English-learning naturally into sessions.
• Use songs, stories, visuals, and everyday routines to reinforce communication

1. Staff & Caregiver Capacity Building

• Train caregivers, ECCE staff, and teachers on:
  • Basic speech development milestones
  • Strategies for encouraging clear speech
  • Ways to model language during routines and play
  • Techniques for supporting children with communication delays
• Provide simple tools or visual supports that can be used after the volunteer’s departure

1. Resource Creation

• Develop low-cost, culturally appropriate therapy materials
• Create picture cards, communication boards, routine charts, or storybooks
• Offer guidance for using everyday items for speech activities

1. Village Engagement (Weekends & School Holidays)

• Participate in village-wide activities: arts, games, reading circles, sports
• Integrate communication support into fun, everyday interactions
• Assist in study hall by helping children with reading fluency or comprehension
• Provide language-rich activities that engage children across ages

Impact of the Role

The Speech Therapist volunteer/intern helps strengthen children’s communication abilities, supports early identification of developmental needs, empowers Tanzanian staff with practical tools, and enhances English exposure in a nurturing, culturally grounded way. This role can create lasting benefits by improving children’s confidence, social connection, and readiness for school and future opportunities.