Volunteer Manual
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS WITHOUT BORDERS
Transforming lives through rehabilitation
Who Are We?
Physiotherapists Without Borders (PWB) is an international project that connects volunteer physiotherapists with underserved communities around the world. Our main goal is to provide accessible rehabilitation to people with disabilities, especially children with Cerebral Palsy and other neuromotor conditions, while also training local professionals to ensure a lasting impact.
We are primarily active in Tanzania through the NGO Acts of Life Tanzania, offering physiotherapy care, professional training, and community initiatives focused on inclusion and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering
1. Who can volunteer with PWB?
Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Nurses, Doctors, Physical Educators, Dentists, Psychologists, Nutritionists, Teachers, Sewing Instructors, and other healthcare and education professionals interested in rehabilitation.
2. What are the projects of the NGO Acts of Life Tanzania?
- Acts of Life Neurorecovery Center (Rehabilitation Center)
- Growing Giants Therapeutic Preschool (Therapeutic Preschool)
- Nyumba ya Matumaini (Solidarity Housing)
- Sewing Dreams (Sewing Course)
- Football Ministry (Football School)
- Medical Outreach (Health Campaigns)
3. Where does the volunteering take place?
Currently, our main activities take place in the city of Morogoro, in tribes and villages in Tanzania (a country in East Africa), through projects conducted by Acts of Life Tanzania. We also provide care in rural communities and Maasai tribes.
4. What is the minimum and maximum duration of the volunteer program?
The recommended minimum period is two weeks so that the volunteer can adapt and contribute meaningfully. The maximum period is two and a half months (due to visa regulations). Longer stays will require a visa category change.
5. What are the possible responsibilities of volunteers (depending on their field)?
- Individual and group care in all the mentioned fields
- Training caregivers and local professionals
- Supporting health and accessibility campaigns
- Participating in community projects, such as furniture adaptations and assistive technology
- Giving health education lectures during weekend health campaigns
- Assisting with classes at the Growing Giants Therapeutic Preschool
- Helping at the Sewing Dreams School
- Instructing mothers staying at Nyumba ya Matumaini (solidarity housing)
- Training young people at the Football School
- Helping in the kitchen, preparing snacks and meals for children and staff at Acts of Life
- Conducting home visits to families assisted by the center
6. Do volunteers receive support?
Yes! Our local team will assist with travel arrangements and cultural adaptation. Additionally, we organize preparatory meetings before the volunteer’s arrival.
7. Is it necessary to speak English?
A basic understanding of English is necessary to ensure effective communication and assistance, but fluency is not required.
8. What costs will volunteers have to cover?
The Physiotherapists Without Borders Volunteer Program does not charge any participation fees (many other organizations do). Volunteers are responsible for their own expenses, including airfare, accommodation, visa, sightseeing, shopping, etc.
Estimated costs (in USD):
- Airfare – $1,000
- Volunteer professional visa – $250
- Accommodation (varies depending on the volunteer’s preference, from local hostels to hotels)
- Airport transfer to Morogoro (Train) – $30
- SIM card + Internet
Food (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack) will be provided at the Acts of Life base at no cost.
9. Can I do tourism while volunteering?
You must complete your agreed volunteer commitment before traveling to other locations in Tanzania. However, Sundays are rest days, and volunteers are free to explore, go on safaris, and visit nearby places.
Tanzania is a beautiful country with many tourist attractions, including safaris (Mikumi National Park, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater), Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa), and the stunning Zanzibar Island.
Among these, only Mikumi National Park is close to our location.
10. How do I apply?
After reading all this information, visit our website www.actsoflifetanzania.org and complete the volunteer application form.
⚠️ IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT VOLUNTEERS MENTION THEIR PREFERRED DATES AND DURATION OF VOLUNTEERING, AS WELL AS PROVIDE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE ABOUT THEIR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND HOW THEY THINK THEY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACTS OF LIFE TANZANIA PROJECTS.
Join us and make a difference! 🌍💙
PWB Team