"Volunteering at the Rafikisana Foundation "

In November 2023 I spent about a month in Tanzania as a volunteer for the Rafikisana Foundation.
I got a nice room with a shower at the volunteers house, where also good, typical meals were provided for those staying over.

Together with his wife, the headmaster of the school I was assigned to, took good care of me.
They took me from and to the airport, regularly invited me to a restaurant or bar and, most importantly, agreed with me on what I should do at the school site.

I opted for the set-up of a reading class, a dedicated room for the kids to have a separate session, at their specific level, to improve their English reading and writing skills.
The kids really liked it, being away from their classroom and getting the full attention of a teacher! :-)

On the weekends I also got the occasion to visit the country as a tourist: we walked to the Kilimanjaro waterfalls, visited a Masaai village, went on safari and even flew to Zanzibar!

I can strongly recommend this to other possible volunteers: it's a perfect combination of adventure and giving back to society!

" just go for it, you won't regret it"

I decided to volunteer abroad as every now and then I like to do something that puts me out of my comfort zone, so I chose Uganda as I wanted to go somewhere that I had never been before and somewhere I didn't actually know much about, so I would be in a situation that was unfamiliar to me.
I decided to come here after leaving college as I believed the experience would help my confidence and independence for going to university – I figured that if I could go to a foreign country by myself and live with a family I had never met before, then moving out and studying for a degree shouldn't be a problem!

I decided to come with Go Volunteer Africa because of the support that was given. Even before I had made my mind up at to exactly where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do, they were on hand to answer any questions that I could think of.

I have been part of the 4 week special placement, which I have really enjoyed. My host family has some of the nicest people I have ever met. They have made me feel so welcome and comfortable and the food!
The first week I was here felt like a crash course in getting to know Kampala and its history, as it included visits to places such as the Mabira rainforest and source of the longest river in the world- the Nile.

I got to visit and work at the children’s center which many of the children attended. Those children displayed a tremendous amount of energy and love, attaching themselves to you at any opportunity! I definitely felt like a piece of my heart was left behind there.

I am already planning my next trip to Kenya now with Go Volunteer Africa, but it might be more wishful thinking seeing as I am about to become a student! But my advice to those thinking of volunteering is not to think about it too much, obviously planning for your trip is important but try not to get too caught up in what might or might not happen when you're here – just go for it, you won't regret it.

"I was incredibly impressed with Go Volunteer Africa"

Before leaving for Uganda, I was told by many friends and family that I was about to have the 'experience of a lifetime'. Truth be told, I thought this was an extremely cheesy expression and I didn't seem to share their enthusiasm because at that point I was beginning to question why I was about to put myself through this - at only 18 years old, I was VERY nervous to travel to another continent alone and speak in a different language.

My nerves were instantly put to rest upon arriving in Uganda. The Local Coordinators were there to pick me up and I was instantly greeted with the Ugandan atmosphere - welcoming and so much fun! I can say in all honesty that during this first trip with Go Volunteer Africa, I did not feel homesick for one moment of the two months that I spent. In fact, I was devastated to leave.

When I first met my host family I was keen to see where I would be staying and who with as I had no idea what to expect. I couldn't have imagined a better family and other volunteers to have stayed with during my trip. I found all the local people that I met to be so light hearted friendly and generous, and my host family were no different. I also had two other volunteers staying at the house with me, with whom I became and remain close friends!

I arrived at the house at dinner time, when I was introduced to both my house mates and the local food. Having never eaten a real “organic” meal in my life, it was difficult at first to get used to, but within a very short space of time I was an expert and loved the healthy dishes!!

My daily routine began soon after arrival which for me consisted of a morning at a local hospital and an afternoon spent at a children’s centre. This, I was able to combine two of the projects available and therefore share my time. I loved this as it was two completely different experiences and let me meet so many people.

At 18, I was hoping to go on to study medicine, so the time spent in the hospital was a valuable learning experience and something that was fantastic for my future CV. I was able to help in some tasks and saw many procedures carried out.

The staff in the hospital were really friendly and so keen for me to try what I could. I also visited many different schools with the medical coordinator to tell the children about the importance of brushing their teeth etc. and to help if we could with any ailments they had. This was a great experience as the coordinator was keen for me to learn and even provided me with details of some of the common diseases seen there.

Overall, I think it's obvious that I was incredibly impressed with Go Volunteer Africa and I have since recommended them too many friends. I had a fantastic time in Uganda and in terms of my placements, my host family and the social aspect, they couldn't have been better.

"An Experience Abroad That Was Meaningfully Legit"

I wanted to travel, experience, and learn about a developing country through the eyes of a volunteer. I wanted to travel somewhere and have an experience abroad that was meaningful. I didn’t want to be a tourist, but be someone who could bring something to a community in need and gain something from the local community members as well.

I soon decided that Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, was where I needed to go as a volunteer. Go Volunteer Africa was the perfect organization to go with and it was indeed. My experience volunteering at the orphanage with Go Volunteer Africa was wonderful.

On my first day as a volunteer I was taken to an orphanage which is part of the organization. As we pulled up to the orphanage, all the children ran out to greet me, fighting to hold my hand. I spent some time playing and interacting with the children and then spoke with the Director of the Orphanage.

I learned that most of the children were found on the street or in garbage dumps and brought to the orphanage. The woman who cares for all the orphans, is a wonderful woman and she has beautiful heart.

I am both happy and sad as I am about to leave the orphanage as I see both happiness and sadness in the eyes of the children when I tell them, I am about to go back home. My mind is flooded with a mix of emotions. I feeling nothing but pure happiness as I hope, I have contributed positively to their lives. Thanks Go Volunteer Africa for this great experience and can’t wait to see the children again.

"AMAZING TRIP IN TANZANIA"

I really did have such an amazing trip in Tanzania with Go Volunteer Africa and would absolutely recommend it to anyone. I chose them primarily as they were the cheapest organisation I found, but honestly they cut no corners.

Go Volunteer Africa were very helpful with my questions beforehand and managed to get me sorted even though I only enquired 3 weeks before my departure date! Everything needed was given to me in writing which was a comfort and was very accurate information.

The pre-departure support from Paul and his local team was so useful. Arrival was very easy on my part and the volunteer house in Dar-es-Salaam is perfect! I settled in so quickly as all the in-country Go Volunteer Africa staff were so lovely and helpful as well as the other volunteers being amazing.

I spent 4 weeks in Tanzania and I wish I had gone earlier and stayed longer as the experience just gets more enjoyable as you get to know the other volunteers and the staff. The accommodation is relatively basic - there was no Wi-Fi while I was there (not always the case) and the showers aren't consistently warm - but it was extremely social, comfortable and I wouldn't change anything major.

The staff in-country are fantastic and there is always someone available to chat to and ask any questions or reports any concerns. I did a Childcare and Urban Farming placements and a member of local staff escorted us on the first day to show us the journey and introduce us to projects staff.

I made some great friends in the time I was there, as we spent loads of time together in the house and on the weekend trips. All I can say is the more you put in, the more you get out of your experience.

I would definitely recommend this experience if you're willing to be spontaneous and settle into the 'pole pole' lifestyle in Tanzania :) I also think that going in June/July time is perfect as there are always other volunteers around and the weather isn't too hot.

It's difficult to describe how it's so enjoyable but it is definitely worth doing through Go Volunteer Africa. Go Volunteer Africa will totally look after you, so go with a totally open mind and you'll have a trip you will not forget.

"Direct opportunity to volunteer and become immersed within the community"

My volunteering experience organised with GVA, exceeded my expectations.
I was hosted by a wonderful couple called Samuel and Miriam based in Nakuru.
I formed enriching memories with a number of different organisations that of which included an orphanage, a school for the deaf and community support of the local prison.
Paul of GVA ensured of a smooth transition with organising my experience from the point of my initial contact to completion.

There were details of my itinerary of which could be considered inaccurate, however this in no way reduced my experience.

"It's a SCAM!"

It's a SCAM!! They are not repassing the money you pay to the organization they send you!! It's just horrible!

"They dont repass the money!!!"

Really, don't go volunteer with this organization! Although the places they sent us are great places with loving caring people, they are not repassing the money you pay!! Not only, they will charge you almost 3 times what they are suposedly to repass to the centers (so they keep much more than their fees). In both places I went to volunteer with them, I found out they simply did not repass any money!! And they simply dont answer the MANY emails when I asked about it. Also, after you make the payment to them their comunication just becomes horrible! Find another serious organization! Really! They dont deserve our money or resources!

"Do NOT travel with this company under any circumstance"

Do NOT travel with this company.

This summer I flew out to Sénégal to volunteer teaching in a school for 4 weeks. I am a teacher in the UK, and so I thought that my skills would be greatly appreciated.

Prior to going, I received very little information about my placement. Despite this, I was still really excited to go and just thought that the level of communication was normal for a company in Africa.

When I arrived at my host’s home, I was surprised to find that the school term had just finished and that no children would be attending classes for 3 weeks, apart from 1 day a week for a couple of hours.

Immediately this seemed wrong. The primary reason why I decided to embark on this trip was to have an impact through volunteering yet there was hardly any opportunity for me to do this.

I am incredibly frustrated by this situation. My frustrations do not lie with my host (who has been very welcoming) but with Go Volunteers Africa as I was misled and missold an experience that was not possible given the time of year. My program fee certainly did not reflect the experience that I received whatsoever.

No where does it state on the GVA website information regarding term times in each country. I applied 3 months prior to departing which would have given them ample time to advise when schools are open, and given that I did apply for a teaching volunteer program, one would assume that schools would be open.

Even after applying, no one from Go Volunteers Africa explained the dates of terms for schools, which would have been the right and decent thing to do.

This demonstrates a clear lack of communication and a purposeful lack of honesty and transparency. They saw no issue with accepting my money despite knowing that they would be unable to fulfil their promise of an impactful volunteering experience.

This has caused me a great deal of stress and after one week of being in Sénégal, I rearranged my flights so that I could return home and not waste any more of my time.

I discussed this issue openly with my host, who was very understanding. My host also informed me that she contacted GVA on April 26th to inform them that their school term would finish on 3rd July, therefore there was no reasonable explanation for GVA’s choice to accept me on to the program.

Since I voiced my frustrations to GVA, I have received no further communication from them, they have gone silent. In recent weeks, I have been in contact with my host again who has also told me that she has not received money for 4 volunteers who stayed with her not money for airport transfers, which GVA claim they pay for. This demonstrates poor ethics and poor business practices.

I am most frustrated by the lack of honesty, transparency and communication by GVA. The choice to facilitate this trip despite knowing the situation shows how little Go Volunteer Africa care about their volunteers, sending them to a country on a different continent where they are unable to take part in any volunteering, leaving them isolated and stranded.

In addition, this highlights the sheer greed of Go Volunteers Africa, who are clearly only interested accepting money from well-intentioned, willing volunteers, with little care for their experience.

I have been disgusted by the minimal amount of accountability that GVA have refused to accept in being responsible for this awful experience.

In hope that no one else has the same unfortunate experience as me, I shall be contacting an international consumer group who can share my experience on a global platform.

"Scam organization"

Scam organization. Everything seem legit on there website and platforms. Attractive programs and great reviews. But after making payments which was confirmed by Beatrice Naigaga. They went mute and stopped responding. Wrote to them on Facebook, same reaction. Eventually they blocked me on all platforms. Terrible experience. I wonder how they haven’t been taken down yet.