An orphanage is a place where vulnerable children are provided with the care, attention, and stability they deserve. Be a part of a child’s daily life: playtime, teaching, comforting and sometimes simply being present in ways that create a lasting difference in the life of a child. This is the purpose of orphanage volunteering at Hostel Hoff.
Program Highlights
Here are few of the program highlights in the orphanage volunteer programs in Hostel Hoff:
- Work for the orphaned and vulnerable children in Moshi, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Placements available for volunteers with and without childcare experience
- Live at Hostel Hoff with a supportive community of fellow volunteers
- No agency mark-up; you only cover your accommodation and meals
- Minimum stay of 1 month, with flexible longer placements available
- Local team on the ground for orientation, placement support, and ongoing guidance
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Why Volunteer at an Orphanage in Tanzania with Hostel Hoff?
Many children in Moshi and the surrounding villages have lost one or both parents, or come from families unable to care for them. Local orphanages do everything they can with limited staff and resources, and volunteers help fill that gap, and offer one-on-one attention, consistency, and a sense of being looked after.
Hostel Hoff has partnered with local orphanages and children’s homes in the Moshi area for over 15 years. Because we’re a local, non-profit-driven agency, your placement fee goes directly toward supporting these projects rather than into agency overheads. You won’t be paying to volunteer, but only for your accommodation and meals at the hostel.
What You’ll Do in Orphanage Volunteering in Hostel Hoff?
Day-to-day responsibilities vary by placement and the needs of the children, but typically include:
- Playing games, singing, and doing arts and crafts with young children
- Helping with homework and basic literacy or numeracy for school-age children
- Assisting with feeding, washing, and daily care routines for younger children
- Organizing structured activities and outdoor play
- Providing comfort, attention, and consistency to children needing it the most
- Supporting local caregivers and staff with day-to-day tasks around the orphanage
Volunteers typically work Monday to Friday, with placements running for a set number of hours each day depending on the orphanage’s schedule.
Life at Hostel Hoff
You’ll be based at our volunteering hostel in Moshi for the duration of your program. It’s more than accommodation. It is a small community of volunteers from around the world sharing meals, stories, and downtime after a day at their placements.
- Safe, clean accommodation with shared and private-for-two room options
- Home-cooked meals included
- Orientation on arrival, including safety briefings and an introduction to your placement
- Ongoing support from our local team throughout your stay
- In your free time and weekends you can explore Moshi, take a Kilimanjaro day trip, or go on a safari
Program Details
| Program | Details |
| Location | Moshi, Tanzania (foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro) |
| Minimum age | 18+ |
| Duration | From 1 month (longer stays available) |
| Experience required | Noneenthusiasm and a genuine desire to help matter most |
| Start dates | Flexible, subject to availability |
| Includes | Accommodation, meals, orientation, in-country support |
Who This Program Is For?
You don’t need a background in childcare, teaching, or social work to volunteer at an orphanage in Tanzania. What matters most is patience, reliability, and a willingness to show up consistently for children who benefit from stable, caring adults in their lives.
That said, this placement can be emotionally demanding. You’ll meet children who have experienced loss, hardship, or neglect, and it’s important to come prepared for that reality, as well as for the joy, warmth, and connection you are expected to show.
Do I need experience to volunteer at an orphanage? | No formal experience is required for most placements. Some previous experience with children (babysitting, teaching, coaching) is helpful but not essential; what matters most is patience and commitment. |
How long can I volunteer for? | We ask for a minimum commitment of 1 month, since consistency matters for the children. Many volunteers choose to stay for 2–3 months or longer. |
Is this program safe and ethical? | Yes. We work with orphanages that have been long-term local partners, and we follow child protection best practices. We don’t support short “orphanage tourism” visits; our minimum stay and structured placements are designed to protect children’s wellbeing, not just create a feel-good experience for volunteers. |
What ages are the children? | This varies by placement, from infants and toddlers to school-age children. We’ll match you to a placement based on availability and, where possible, your preference. |
What will my daily schedule look like? | Most placements run on weekday mornings or afternoons, leaving you time to rest, explore Moshi, or prepare activities. Your exact schedule will be confirmed during orientation. |
Can I combine this with other activities in Tanzania? | Absolutely. Many volunteers use their weekends for Kilimanjaro day hikes, safaris, or exploring Moshi town while volunteering during the week. |
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join Hostel Hoff and become part of a child’s story in Moshi, Tanzania.