Volunteer
Help launch the first ever Girls Run Global running team at the SEGA Girls’ School in Morogoro, Tanzania.
We are so excited to announce that our first Girls Run Global Program is launching at the SEGA Girls’ School in Morogoro, Tanzania. We hope to have a few dedicated volunteers join the trip to help lead the girls and teach them the foundations of running. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in launching our first ever running team, the first of what we hope will be a network of Girls Run Global teams spanning the globe. We understand it’s a last-minute commitment, but that means your impact is exponentially more important if you choose to volunteer on this trip. This is an incredible chance to support girls’ involvement in sport and inspire young dreamers, while having a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience and making lifelong friends. If you are a leader passionate about running and girls empowerment, we encourage you to apply to join us on this opportunity of a lifetime.
Itinerary
While volunteering, you will work alongside co-volunteers and the Girls Run Global leaders to teach the SEGA Girls’ School team the foundations of running. We will begin with the basics and teach them key tools for long-term success in sport as we gradually build throughout our time there. Additionally, you may be in charge of leading a small group during portions of training sessions and will also participate during learning workshops and group activities.
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May 26: Arrive in Tanzania
Arrive in Dar es Salaam, transfer to our beautiful hotel on the Indian Ocean, enjoy a great welcome dinner, and get some rest.
May 27: Transfer to SEGA Girls’ School and settle in Breakfast, 5 hour drive to SEGA with lunch on the way, orientation and room assignment at SEGA visitor house, school tour, dinner, bed.
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May 28 - June 6: Programming & Cultural Excursions
We wil spend 10 days leading running sessions, workshops, and getting to know the girls. We will enjoy team bonding activities, welcome guest speakers, and more.
In addition to the programming, volunteers get to take part in incredible cultural activities and off-campus excursions. Find those detailed below.
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June 7th: Safari Day!
June 8th: Depart from SEGA Girls' School
After some sad see-you-laters (never goodbye), we depart from SEGA Girls’ School and transfer to our hotel in Dar es Salaam. We will stop for lunch on the way and spend time reflecting on our time launching this first-ever Girls Run Global running team. We will enjoy a final night in Tanzania and prepare to head home.
June 9th: Depart Tanzania
We will enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the airport to travel home.
Your Role
As a volunteer, you will play a crucial role in organizing our running programming at the SEGA Girls’ School. With 69 girls enrolled in the team, you will help lead small groups, run with girls at practice, participate in workshops that promote life skills, join in team bonding activities, and more. You will also serve as a key mentor to the girls as they are introduced to the sport of running. Through meaningful conversation, running, and two weeks of fun, we will inspire and learn more about one another — both our unique differences, and all that we have in common. Lifelong connections and friendships will be made with the girls and like-minded co-volunteers.
By empowering girls through running, an entire community can be transformed. This program will not only make a true difference in the lives of the girls, but also in your own. Regardless of future involvement in Girls Run Global, your essential role in the establishment of our first-ever team will be solidified forever.
Apply to volunteer and help launch the Girls Run Global running team at the SEGA Girls’ School!
Worried about getting in your own running? We understand that many runners are in an important training block over the summer, but not to worry! The SEGA Girls’ School sits on 30 acres and is surrounded by plenty of dirt roads perfect for running.
We can all benefit from breaking out of our bubbles, and learning about cultures different from our own. That’s why our volunteers will have an opportunity to take part in meaningful learning activities to better understand the lives of the girls at SEGA, have a deeper appreciation of their culture, and make the most of their time in Tanzania. Due to the Tanzanian government’s stringent requirements in the classroom, we are unable to sit in on student classes other than English language immersion. However, that means we will have time to take part in the following activities, all of which are included in the trip.
Cultural Experiences
Uluguru Mountain Hike to Choma Waterfall & Village
The Uluguru Mountains, named after the Uluguru tribe, are part of the Eastern Arc mountain chain that stretches across Kenya and Tanzania. This 5-6 hour guided hike is one of the most popular in Morogoro.
We will visit the village where we’ll have an opportunity to meet with local Luguru people and get to know their history and culture. We will also enjoy a soil cake making demonstration and visit the gorgeous Choma waterfall.
Visit the local APOPO Facility
APOPOs animals, nicknamed HeroRATs and HeroDOGs, help rid the world of land mines and tuberculosis! They’re trained to detect these community threats by smell.
We will visit their local facility and witness the inducible work they’re doing to return safe land back to communities for development, and free people from serious illness so they can get back on their feet.
Morogoro Town Tour
Morogoro is a growing Tanzanian City nestled at the base of the Uluguru Mountains. The town features one of the country’s best produce markets because the land is extremely fertile and at a major crossroads.
There are many shops, local crafts, fabrics, restaurants, and historical sights to learn about, take photos, and share. When we head into town, we will get to experience all the amazing things that Morogoro has to offer!
Home Visit with SEGA Students
We have a very special invitation to visit a student’s home and community inside the Morogoro district. This is a unique opportunity to join a student as she travels with us, sharing about her life, Tanzanian culture, and her village culture.
We will first be taken through the Morogoro Town Markets to purchase gifts for the family, such as food and water, which we will present to the family as thanks for welcoming us into their home. Once at her home we will learn how she and her family cook a family meal, and then join them over food and conversation! The students love to visit home, and they are very excited to share their home with us.
Experiencing the various aspects of the girls’ lives is a game changer in being able to support one another and create meaningful connections.
Mikumi National Park Safari
Located between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango range, Mikumi is the 4th largest National Park in all of Tanzania. The park has an abundant wildlife that can be easily spotted, and visitors are never disappointed. We’ll spend a full day in the park tracking down the Big Five (cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and adventuring through Mikumi’s incredible natural beauty.
On-Campus cultural exchange opportunities:
+ Chapati cooking lessons
+ Participate in creative activities like bracelet making, sewing, and tye dye with the Art Club, Sewing Club, and Entrepreneurship Program
+ Traditional dance lessons
+ Join the Sunday religious sessions (various religions are practiced on campus)
Accommodation & Meals
During our time leading running programming at the SEGA Girls’ School, we will be staying in their wonderful Visitors’ House. With its cheerful yellow walls and inviting aromas, the Visitors’ House provides a cozy stay with comfortable guest rooms and homemade meals. The sounds of girls singing and chatting creates a lively atmosphere, setting the tone for our time spent here. Staying here allows us to fully immerse ourselves among the SEGA community of students and staff, and experience all that the SEGA community has to offer. See the brochure or video to learn more.
SEGA Visitors’ House
Dar es Salaam Hotels
Upon arrival and before departing we will be staying in two different hotels in Dar es Salaam. Both are sited along the gorgeous Indian Ocean in a great area of town. We will provide a more detailed description of each stay location once you are a confirmed volunteer, but know that we’ve planned to stay in two wonderful places where we’re guaranteed a great night’s stay.
Meals
All main meals are included during your trip beginning with dinner in Dar es Salaam on arrival day, and ending with breakfast on the day of departure. At the SEGA Girls’ School, the SEGA Visitors’ House has a fully equipped kitchen. A private chef will prepare delicious breakfasts and dinner for us, and we will enjoy lunch with the SEGA students. Typically, breakfast consists of options like eggs, toast, chapatti, banana porridge, and seasonal fruit. Dinner is usually a traditional meal. We will also have access to local fruits and fresh filtered water throughout the day. Gratuity for meals is included. Any allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
Other Information
Travel Documents
In addition to a valid passport, all volunteers will need to obtain a Multiple Entry Visa for this trip. We will apply for that in person upon arrival. Once you are confirmed as a volunteer, we will guide you through the steps to ensure you have all necessary documents to travel with us to Tanzania.
Medical Information
There are no specific vaccinations or medical requirements mandated to travel to Tanzania. That said, the CDC does have a few recommendations to better protect your health while visiting. You can find those suggestions on this site, but we also recommend consulting with your doctor based on your individual medical history.
Flights
We will be flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. Flights should be arranged from your departing town so that you arrive in Dar es Salaam during the morning/day of May 26th. Our Girls Run Global leader will meet you upon arrival and we will wait until the entirety of our group has arrived before transferring to our hotel.
Applicant Requirements
This trip is open to individuals above the age of 18 - all genders are welcome! Previous experience and interest in running in some capacity is recommended, but there are no ability requirements. No matter how fast or how far you typically run, if you are committed to girls’ empowerment and passionate about the sport, we believe you’ll be a great fit for this trip.
Example Daily Schedule (will vary each day):
5:30 am - Early wake up!
6-7am - Running session
7:15am - Breakfast
8:30am-2:30pm - Cultural experience while girls are in class
2:30pm - Lunch
4:00pm-5:30 - Guest Speaker
6:30pm - Dinner
Free time and bed!
Fill out the application form for the volunteer trip!
Before confirming a spot on the trip, each candidate will need to fill out the following application form to be considered. Following completion of the form, one of our team members will review your application and be in touch with you. If you seem like you would be a great fit, we will schedule a 1-on-1 call to introduce ourselves before confirming your spot. We hope you’ll join us!