Friends-Together
🌍 Tanzania Relief Trips
Friends-Together Relief Trips in Tanzania
Friends-Together relief trips began in 2004 with a simple purpose: supporting existing community efforts in Moshi, Tanzania. In the early years, volunteers brought medical and school supplies that were distributed to local relief organizations.
As relationships deepened and needs became clearer, our work evolved. Around 2014, Friends-Together committed to long-term, sustainable programs — projects we could fully support and operate year-round in partnership with the local community. This commitment led to our partnership with TAFCOM.
Today, Friends-Together supports several ongoing programs in the Moshi region, including a tailoring school, a clinic, and a pantry program. Through TAFCOM, we serve more than 400 women living with HIV and their families, providing access to medical care, food support, and health insurance. These are not one-time services — they reflect a generational commitment built on trust, presence, and long-term investment.
Health Education and Community Outreach
Each year, during our relief trips (typically held in June and July), volunteers participate in two major health education events.
One event takes place at the Moshi Kids Centre, in partnership with ZARA Charity, and focuses on parents and staff. Volunteers provide meals and distribute shoes, socks, school supplies, and reusable sanitary pad kits through our Flow Project. The day also includes health education on HIV and related topics, as well as hands-on instruction on the proper use and care of reusable sanitary pads. These sessions are interactive, encouraging participants to ask questions freely.
The second major event is held at TAFCOM, where we host an all-day medical clinic, provide meals, distribute reusable sanitary pad kits, and offer health education similar to the Moshi Kids Centre event.
Beyond these events, Friends-Together distributes reusable sanitary pad kits throughout the Moshi region, including remote rural communities and local schools. The pads are sewn by women who have graduated from our tailoring program, bringing the work full circle through skill-building and sustainable support.
Volunteer Roles and Activities
Every relief trip is unique, as volunteers bring different skills, energy, and heart. We often say Africa speaks to you — and it does. Volunteers find where they are most needed once they arrive.
Volunteer activities during relief trips may include:
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Assembling and distributing reusable sanitary pad kits
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Support clinic operations and conduct medical home visits
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Playing with children in schools and community centers
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Supporting health clinics and medical outreach
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Purchasing supplies for the tailoring school and pantry
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Stocking and organizing the pantry program
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Distributing shoes, socks, panties, school supplies, and medical supplies
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Conducting home visits with families affected or infected by HIV
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Visiting microloan recipients and their small businesses
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Purchasing school books (every other year)
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Building playgrounds and participating in construction projects
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Distributing sports equipment and engaging in play and recreation
There is truly something for everyone. Volunteers range in age from 13 to 80, and there is no required length of stay — participants can join for as long as they are able.
Experiencing Tanzania
Relief trips also include time to experience Tanzania outside our program work. Volunteers support local businesses through dining and shopping and may join optional recreational activities such as visits to waterfalls, cultural centers, hot springs, animal parks, or safaris. Some years also feature mountain climbs or other excursions. Activities may vary from year to year.
Safety and Support
Volunteer safety is our top priority. We are always accompanied while traveling and working in Tanzania. Our dedicated Tanzania coordinator stays with us throughout the trip and manages logistics. We partner with Zara Tours for transportation and activities, ensuring experienced local support at all times.
Join Us
You don’t have to travel to Tanzania to make an impact. Friends-Together relies on volunteers year-round, both locally and abroad. Monthly calls, planning, fundraising, and program support are all essential to sustaining our efforts.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to serve, connect, and create lasting impact, we would love to welcome you on a Friends-Together relief trip.