About Boresha Maisha
Finding Inspiration Around the World
Boresha Maisha Projects, established in 2022, runs 2-12 week volunteer programs and international student internships based in Zanzibar and Tanzania. The word "Boresha Maisha" means "Improving Lives" in Swahili, reflecting our mission to create opportunities for communities and individuals to grow and develop towards a better future. We focus on providing sustainable solutions through continuous education led by experienced and passionate individuals in various fields, rather than opting for quick fixes. Real change takes time and takes a whole world of education and understanding of the genuine root causes of challenges that face developing countries and communities.
We offer programs in education, childcare, healthcare, environmental, and animal welfare. By sharing knowledge and we aim to address the complex challenges facing developing countries in the 21st century. These programs are positioned to allow you to get truly immersed in the local community, but are first and foremost a 'learning experience', rather than a 'service-based' experience.
We seek passionate, strong individuals to join us in breaking the cycle of "voluntourism" and making a real, positive impact on communities and families. Help us turn possibilities into reality!
Our Story
Boresha Maisha Projects emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community. Having seen the bad effects of "voluntourism" many of the volunteering platforms create, we wished to find more sustainable projects, where the impacts will last and not just be forgotten with the next arriving volunteers.
We wish to create platforms specifically for volunteers with the appropriate skills and this way ensure that the volunteers will be in surroundings where they feel safe and have an expertise. Look through our projects and see if we have one, that fits you.
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We’re an organization driven by progressive ideas and bold actions. Help us break the circle of "voluntourism" and projects who are ruining communities and families instead of keeping them together.
Our Foundations
At Boresha Maisha Projects, we are driven by a commitment to sustainable, community-led development that creates lasting impact for those who volunteer abroad. Our programs are built on the following core principles:
Community-Led Development
At the heart of everything we do is the community. We collaborate with local partners and community leaders to design programs that directly address their needs and goals. This ensures that our volunteer abroad efforts are relevant, respectful, and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Our volunteer abroad programs go beyond simple assistance. We prioritize empowering individuals through education and skill-building, fostering long-term self-sufficiency. By sharing valuable knowledge, we ensure that the skills and resources provided during the volunteer experience have a lasting effect, benefiting the community well beyond a volunteer’s stay.
Skill-Building and Knowledge Sharing
Focus on Sustainable Development
All of our initiatives are aligned with sustainable development principles, ensuring that each project contributes to long-term growth and stability. We design our volunteer abroad programs to create ongoing, meaningful change that continues to benefit communities long after volunteers have left.
We believe in the “teach a man to fish” philosophy. Rather than providing material goods or temporary infrastructure, we focus on building capacity within communities. Our volunteer abroad initiatives equip individuals with the tools, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive independently, fostering self-sufficiency and resilience.
Capacity Building Over Handouts
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Voluntourism
We are committed to ethical volunteering practices to ensure that our volunteer abroad programs are truly beneficial. By considering the local context and working in collaboration with the community, we avoid the harmful effects of voluntourism. To ensure that volunteers contribute meaningfully, we offer comprehensive pre-departure guides, detailed courses, and structured handover systems. These resources help prepare, inform, and support volunteers, ensuring they make a responsible, positive impact without creating dependency or disrupting local ecosystems.