Volunteering in Tanzania’s public sector is not just a service to the nation—it is also a stepping stone to career growth. In 2025, the government has formalized two major volunteering programs: Health Volunteers and Teacher Volunteers.Mishahara ya Walimu wanaojitolea serikalini 2025, This article compares the two programs based on official guidelines, covering remuneration, eligibility, duties, and benefits.
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Overview: Why Volunteer in Government Institutions?
Tanzania continues to face staffing shortages across essential sectors. To bridge the gap, the government offers structured volunteer roles—especially in education and health. These roles offer:
- Practical experience
- Basic financial support
- Priority in future employment
- Access to professional networks
1. Remuneration (Mishahara) Comparison
Despite being “volunteer” roles, both health and teacher volunteers receive allowances to cover basic costs during service. Below is a side-by-side comparison:
| Volunteer Type | Service Level | Allowance Rate (%) | Payment Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Volunteers | National/Zonal Hospitals | 50% of TGHS Salary Scale | Based on cadre and level |
| Regional Hospitals | 50% | TGHS | |
| District Hospitals | 50% | TGHS | |
| Dispensaries/Health Centres | 50% | TGHS | |
| Community Level (CHWs) | 30% | TGHS or Equivalent Scale | |
| Teacher Volunteers | Primary Schools | Tsh 250,000/month (max) | Depends on LGA budgeting |
| Secondary Schools | Tsh 300,000/month (max) | Determined by district council |
TGHS = Tanzania Government Health Scale
2. Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Health Volunteers | Teacher Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be Tanzanian with NIDA ID | Must be Tanzanian with NIDA ID |
| Education | Recognized health qualification, diploma or degree | Diploma or degree in Education |
| Professional Registration | Valid license from health board (e.g., Medical Council) | Registered with TSC or relevant teaching authority |
| Age Range | 18 – 60 years | 18 – 60 years |
| Criminal Record | None | None |
| Commitment | Willing to work in underserved areas | Must accept rural/posting school placement |
3. Contract Terms and Duration
Both volunteer programs run on formal contracts, typically between 12 to 36 months. Contracts include rights, responsibilities, and duties.
Health Sector:
- Volunteers undergo orientation, medical checks
- Quarterly performance evaluations
- Mentorship and coaching offered at facilities
Education Sector:
- Volunteers sign agreements with respective Local Government Authorities (LGA)
- Regular supervision by head teachers and ward education officers
- No automatic employment, but volunteering boosts recruitment chances
4. Allowance Sources
| Sector | Funding Sources |
|---|---|
| Health | NHIF, CHF, Government budgets, Development partners, NGOs |
| Education | Council budgets (OC), Community contributions, NGOs |
5. Roles & Responsibilities
| Role Area | Health Volunteers | Teacher Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Duties | Patient care, lab work, health education | Teaching, lesson planning, student assessments |
| Conduct & Ethics | Must follow hospital protocols & ethics | Must adhere to TSC and school rules |
| Workload | Based on department/unit demand | Assigned timetable by school management |
| Benefits | Skill building, career exposure, possible transition | Classroom experience, networking, reference letters |
6. Key Differences & Summary
| Feature | Health Sector | Education Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Remuneration Model | Percentage of salary scale | Flat-rate monthly allowance |
| Coordination Body | Ministry of Health, PO-RALG | PO-RALG, District Education Offices |
| Recruitment Portal | MoH/PO-RALG portals, Training Colleges | LGA offices, through DEO or REO |
| Supervision | Facility HR and technical supervisors | Head teacher and Ward Education Officer |
Conclusion: Which Volunteer Program Is Right for You?
Both programs are valuable entry points into Tanzania’s public workforce. If you’re a health graduate, volunteering offers a clinical learning environment. Mishahara ya wanaojitolea serikalini 2025, If you’re an education graduate, the classroom exposure can enhance your teaching skills and CV. Volunteering does not guarantee permanent employment—but it greatly increases your chances.
Pro Tips for Volunteers
- Keep a record of your work (logbooks, attendance sheets)
- Engage actively during supervision and evaluation
- Be ready for placement anywhere in Tanzania
- Follow up on government employment announcements at elimutimes.com
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