Featured Organization of the Month: YAAPHA, Tanzania
YAAPHA (Youth In Action Against Poverty and HIV/AIDS) was founded 8 years ago by Peter Bundala, and its mission is this:
“YAAPHA is committed to reducing illiteracy and poverty by addressing the needs of children and youth, providing primary education, life skills and entrepreneurship empowerment in Tanzania.”
Check out this short video about Peter’s life and what sparked him to begin his own non-profit organization:
Where is YAAPHA Located?
YAAPHA is based in Moshi, a town in northern Tanzania close to the Kenyan border. It is known as the gateway to the Kilimanjaro National Park, located near the lower slopes. Moshi Town is one of the most popular coffee areas in the African region, so be sure to check out the local coffee farms if you visit!
More About YAAPHA
Peter has a strong passion for helping the community, especially youth and children who are in tough situations. YAAPHA runs different programs throughout the region. There is a great need for help at the schools for teachers and assistants, leaders for sports activities, and counselors for youth and children living with HIV/AIDS through support and home-based care, with a special focus on hygiene.
What Do Volunteers Say About YAAPHA?
Many of the volunteers who have reviewed YAAPHA feel that their experience was life-changing, eye-opening and they were able to witness how their efforts directly and positively impacted the community.
Tripp, a father who traveled the world with his family of 7 and volunteered at YAAPHA wrote:
“In January 2016, my wife and I started planning a year-long trip around the world for our family of 7. It was a journey of a lifetime for all of us, with stops at many Wonders of the World. But now that we have returned home and reflected on our entire journey, the one highlight that everyone agreed upon was our time volunteering with YAAPHA. Our 9 year old loved teaching English with his older sister at Pasua Primary School and playing games with the students. Our three teenage daughters all had an opportunity to lead programs in their own classrooms. And personally, I was able to put my IT skills to great use by setting up a network of computers for the teachers and students. YAAPHA even coordinated for our family to go on a community outreach program to deliver food to local families in need. Several of my daughters still talk about the look of gratitude shared by families when we provided them with our small gift of food. After our time with YAAPHA, my family has definitely changed for the better. My daughters have talked about returning to Pasua to volunteer again and many of us have already discussed how we can continue sponsoring children. This program will last with my family forever”
Volunteers Needed by YAAPHA
YAAPHA is looking for volunteers who will help teach single mothers and women how to read, write and speak English as well as teach English at the Pasua and Jamuhuri Primary Schools.
If you are interested in volunteering here but did not want to go alone, we have a group headed to YAAPHA this summer! Check out the YAAPHA Tanzania GivingWay Group. You will also get the chance to teach English to women and students.
Is there an organization you think we should feature? Tell us below in the comments!