Tanzania: Human Rights and Legal Aid Placement

Introduction

This program gives you the chance to use your law skills to help some of the most vulnerable people in Tanzania, including those with special needs. You will help them to understand their basic Human Rights, as well as help provide psychological support to vulnerable children, widows, women’s groups, foster carers and orphans.

You’ll get to work with a local Tanzanian non-government organisation and Legal Aid clinic, which is run entirely with the help of local and foreign volunteer workers. The work carried out provides a very real benefit for those who are in a disadvantaged position of Tanzanian society.

Women in Tanzania, though legally enjoying many of the same rights as men, are traditionally not believed to have any rights in the eyes of society. This means they are often left destitute once their male family members are gone. The only lasting way to change this ingrained perception, is through the education of both men and women.

The Human Rights workshops carried out by this organisation are aiming to break down the cultural barriers that are keeping women in ignorance and poverty. The Legal Aid clinics also coach and empower clients with the necessary knowledge they’ll need for legal and court procedures. This enables them to best represent their cases in court.

This program truly is a fantastic opportunity for those interested in using their skills to help protect women’s rights and learn more about African Human Rights issues. It’s also great for those looking to boost their law career, providing real courtroom experience.

Daily Life

One of the great things about this program, is its variety. Each day will consist of something entirely different.

Legal services provided at the clinics will consist of counselling, provision of legal advice, and reconciliation sessions on a variety of legal issues. These include labour law, employment, matrimonial, land, contract, children rights, insurance, tort and probate.

Internships and individual field-research opportunities are also available to those who have a legal academic background and/or human rights experience. Your interest and enthusiasm are greatly needed at our centres!

The following fields of expertise are available for you to choose from:

• Accounting/Finance
• Advocacy
• Administration
• Information/Journalism
• Information & Technology
• Fundraising
• Organization Development
• Publication
• Research

You will largely be working within the legal aid office with local paralegals and other volunteers, usually from 10am to 5pm. The office is a place where those who cannot afford to pay for legal representation can come for assistance with legal matters. Occasionally, you may also spend time at court, giving you valuable courtroom experience.

Another important aspect of legal aid internship work is educational workshops, organised in remote villages. These human rights workshops go a long way to helping the disadvantaged understand their rights and develop a belief in the legal aid system.

Travel & Accommodation

You will be met at Kilimanjaro International airport or Arusha bus station by a project representative and taken to start your placement.

You will be staying in a fully serviced apartment, along with other interns and volunteers. You will have a shared room and bathroom. Our coordinators will make sure you are safe and comfortable and have everything you need throughout your placement.

During weekends you can visit the Tanzania National parks (Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater) or visit the many local attractions, such as the Hot springs, Maasai village and Canoe safaris. There are many trips we can organise for you – see the Extra Activities section below.

Requirements

• Min age 18 – Max age 80
• Minimum 1 month commitment – 30+ hours a week, 5 days a week.
• Enthusiasm and interest to work in human rights and law – You must be studying law or have relevant qualifications or experience
• Good English skills
• Full travel & medical insurance
• Necessary vaccinations, flights & visas

Extra Activities

Tanzania- land of safaris, glacier capped peaks, and beaches. With your trip to this country, you will find yourself in the African plains along with lions, zebras, rhinos and…..hot air balloons. After careful consideration, we have narrowed down the Top 5 things to do in this amazing country.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Across the board, Mount Kilimanjaro is the number one reason people go to Tanzania. Hikers and climbers come from around the world to scale Africa’s highest peak. This breathtaking glacier-capped dormant volcano has been drawing visitors for hundreds of years. You do not have to climb it to see it however. Thousands that visit Kilimanjaro National Park are content with just taking a “peak.”

Take a Safari

Take some time to finally see all the animals you have been dreaming about since childhood- lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes- with a safari in Tanzania. The best time to go is between July and October, you will see more animals and escape the rainy season. There are many different types of safaris, and you are sure to find one that fits your lifestyle. Opportunities range from quick, no-frills jeep trips to private luxurious week long vacations.

Take a Balloon Safari

A hot-air balloon ride through the African plains at dawn is a bucket list item you haven’t even thought of yet. The Serengeti National Park has partnered with a tour company to provide one-hour, early morning tours from the sky. Be part of “high” society and sip wonderful champagne with breakfast after incredible views of the Park. This is truly a unique way to witness the African wildlife you’ve always wanted to see.

Ngorongoro Crater

This is not just any national park. This is where paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey found the famous Laetoli footprints. These are the oldest human footprints ever recorded in history (3.6 million years old). Apart from this historical fact, the park in itself is incredible. Home to black rhinos and expansive lakes covered in flamingos, the wildlife is sure to blow you away. You will also see one of the biggest craters on the earth-an area that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another reason Ngorongoro Crater is so unique is that the Maasai people still live on the land. They are a nomadic, cattle herding people that live alongside the animals in the area. In this one park you experience history, culture and wildlife like nowhere else on this planet.

Stay at the Zanzibar Beaches

If you are looking for something a little more relaxing and rejuvenating for your time off, escape to the beaches on the island of Zanzibar. Stay anywhere from a little cabana on the beach to a five star resort. Enjoy the fresh seafood, simple society, and white sands of the coastal area in Tanzania. If you do decide to get out for the day, one unique and interesting excursion could be a spice tour. Tanzania is known for their trade of cinnamon, nutmeg and many other fragrant spices.

Costs

* Currency conversions are approximate.
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Place is confirmed with a 1 month deposit

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes all food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, local transport, visas (please note the visa will cost $250 USD) and vaccinations.

Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.