The project is organized along five themes accompanied by series of workshops as well practical manual activities in the community.
Holistic worldview: The big picture: why do we need to be developing sustainable communities? Listening to nature, celebrating life, discerning your role and creating your dream.
Ecological: Bioregionalism, defining a watershed, introduction to local food issues and permaculture techniques.
Social: Building and embracing diversity, introductory communication skills.
Economic: Shifting the global economy to sustainability, understanding the global versus local argument, analyzing your ecological foot print careers in sustainability.
Hands-on activities: Establishment and management of demo plot/garden for organic vegetable production, establishment of demo plot of free range/organic chicken.
Accommodation and food:
Accommodation will be at the Youth hostel. Volunteers should expect to share rooms with other volunteers. There is also option of camping outside especially when received good number of volunteers. Three meals will be provided at accommodation where volunteer will enjoy actively participation in meals preparation, dish washing and kitchen cleaning. For sustainability reasons, we will consume only food available in the area/Region. However vegetarian meals will be available.
Location and leisure:
Mafia Island is a Tanzanian archipelago in the Indian Ocean known for its pristine environment, rich marine life, and peaceful, less-touristy atmosphere. It is known as well as a premier destination for diving and snorkeling in the protected Mafia Island Marine Park facilitating and boasting diverse coral reefs and fish species, and is also a popular spot for whale shark sightings. The population of Mafia Island is estimated to be 66,180 people based on the 2022 census data. The majority of the residents are fishermen or smallholder farmers, with the main town being Kilindoni. Mafia Island is accessible by both Air and water transportation. Flights primarily depart from Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) to Mafia Airport (MFA), a journey of approximately 30-40 minutes. The ferry departs from Nyamisati village on the mainland to Kilindoni sea Port in Mafia Island. Mafia Island enjoys access to most social services like health, banking, Markets and business centers are available and accessible. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays are free, however, volunteers are advised to have an allowance of extra 2-3 days before or after the project to enjoy the most of Mafia Island. The most enjoyable activities on Mafia Island are related to its abundant marine life, including swimming with whale sharks and diving in the Mafia Marine Park, but also include cultural and historical exploration, such as visiting the Kua Ruins and the lighthouse at Ras Mkumbi. Relaxation on the beaches, taking a sunset cruise, or kayaking are also popular option.
Requirements: Travel information and motivation letter.
About the Organisation:
Uvikiuta is a youth development organization that values volunteerism as a tool to promote and enhance peace, solidarity and sustainable development. The organization was found in 1983 under the patronage of the late Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere, first president of the United Republic of Tanzania through the famous policy known as “Nguvu kazi”, which called the needs of young men and women to raise their living standards through developing and enhancing social and economic capacities. Our goal is to contribute in building sustainable and self-reliant communities through providing holistic experience that broaden minds, expand horizons and empower young people and their communities to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.