Terms And Condition

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions outline the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of volunteers participating in programs organised by Mwanga wa Kesho Projects in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Our organisation works alongside local communities, educational initiatives, healthcare facilities, conservation projects, and community-led development programs. By participating in a program, volunteers agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions and to act in a manner that reflects the values of respect, responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and ethical engagement.

Participation in a volunteer placement constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

2. Application and Acceptance

Participation in a Mwanga wa Kesho Projects program requires completion of the official application process and submission of accurate personal information.

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance or placement.

Mwanga wa Kesho Projects reserves the right to accept or decline any application at its sole discretion, particularly where participation may pose a risk to the volunteer, beneficiaries, staff members, or partner organisations.

Additional documentation may be requested before confirmation of placement, including medical information, references, background checks, or police clearance certificates where relevant.

All information provided must be accurate and complete. Providing false, misleading, or incomplete information may result in cancellation of participation without refund.

3. Program Fees and Payments

Program fees help cover accommodation, volunteer support services, local staffing, project coordination, transportation arrangements, safeguarding measures, community project support, and the administration required to operate volunteer programs.

Payment schedules will be communicated upon acceptance into a program. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring payments are completed by the stated deadlines.

Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in suspension or cancellation of placement.

Program fees are not charitable donations and are intended to support the delivery, coordination, and sustainability of volunteer programs.

Any costs associated with international bank transfers, currency exchange, or payment processing remain the responsibility of the volunteer.

4. Cancellations, Transfers, and Refunds

We understand that travel plans and personal circumstances can change. Volunteers who wish to cancel their placement must notify Mwanga wa Kesho Projects in writing as soon as possible.

Refund eligibility is determined as follows:

• Cancellations made more than 45 days before the scheduled program start date may be eligible for a partial refund, at the discretion of Mwanga wa Kesho Projects, excluding any non-refundable deposits, administrative costs, accommodation bookings, or other expenses already incurred by the organisation.

• Cancellations made 45 days or less before the scheduled program start date are generally not eligible for a refund.

• Volunteers who choose to leave their program after it has commenced are not eligible for a refund.

Where possible, Mwanga wa Kesho Projects may offer alternatives to cancellation, including:

• Transfer of participation to a future program date;

• Program credit for future participation;

• Transfer to an alternative program, subject to availability and operational requirements.

Requests for transfers or credits will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and cannot be guaranteed.

Mwanga wa Kesho Projects reserves the right to deduct any costs already incurred on behalf of the volunteer when calculating refunds.

5. Program Changes

Mwanga wa Kesho Projects reserves the right to modify program activities, schedules, placements, accommodation arrangements, or operational procedures where necessary.

Changes may occur due to community needs, safety considerations, staffing requirements, weather conditions, public health concerns, government regulations, or other circumstances beyond the organisation’s control.

Where significant changes occur, volunteers will be informed as early as reasonably possible and suitable alternatives will be provided where available.

6. Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in shared volunteer housing designed to offer a safe, welcoming, and community-oriented living environment.

Living conditions may differ from those volunteers are accustomed to in their home countries, and flexibility and adaptability are encouraged.

Private room options may be available subject to availability and may involve additional fees.

Facilities generally include sleeping accommodation, shared bathrooms, communal areas, WiFi access, and basic amenities.

Volunteers share responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, respecting house guidelines, and contributing positively to the shared living environment.

Volunteers remain responsible for safeguarding their personal belongings at all times. Mwanga wa Kesho Projects accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal property.

Damage caused intentionally or through negligence may result in charges for repair or replacement.

7. Health, Medical Requirements, and Insurance

Volunteers are responsible for ensuring they are physically and mentally capable of participating in their chosen program.

Any relevant medical conditions, allergies, disabilities, or dietary requirements must be disclosed before arrival.

Volunteers should seek professional medical advice before travel where necessary and remain responsible for assessing whether participation is suitable for their personal circumstances.

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is required for all volunteers prior to arrival and should provide coverage for:

• Medical treatment and emergencies

• Emergency evacuation

• Personal liability

• Trip interruption or cancellation

• Loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings

Mwanga wa Kesho Projects is not responsible for medical costs, treatment expenses, or insurance claims arising during participation.

Volunteers are responsible for bringing sufficient supplies of any required medication and complying with applicable travel and health regulations.

8. Volunteer Conduct

Volunteers are expected to behave respectfully, responsibly, and professionally throughout their participation.

All volunteers must demonstrate respect toward local communities, project beneficiaries, staff members, host organisations, and fellow volunteers.

Volunteers are expected to respect local leadership, community knowledge, and existing project structures. Activities should support community-led initiatives and should not undermine local employment, decision-making processes, or cultural practices.

Prohibited behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassment, discrimination, or bullying

• Violent, threatening, or abusive conduct

• Illegal activity

• Inappropriate behaviour toward children or vulnerable individuals

• Conduct that compromises the safety, wellbeing, or reputation of the organisation or community

Mwanga wa Kesho Projects reserves the right to remove any volunteer from a program without refund where conduct is deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or harmful.

9. Child Protection and Safeguarding

Mwanga wa Kesho Projects is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals involved in its programs.

Participation in any Mwanga wa Kesho Projects program is conditional upon compliance with the Mwanga wa Kesho Projects Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

All volunteers must comply with the Mwanga wa Kesho Projects Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, which forms an integral part of participation in our programs.

Volunteers are expected to act in the best interests of children at all times, maintain appropriate boundaries, and follow all safeguarding, photography, social media, and reporting requirements established by the organisation.

Any breach of safeguarding requirements may result in immediate removal from the program and, where appropriate, referral to relevant authorities.

10. Responsibility and Liability

While Mwanga wa Kesho Projects takes reasonable steps to support volunteer safety and wellbeing, participation in international volunteer programs involves travel and activities that may carry inherent risks.

Volunteers acknowledge and accept these risks and remain responsible for their own decisions, actions, and conduct throughout their participation.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Mwanga wa Kesho Projects shall not be liable for injury, illness, accidents, losses, delays, or damages arising from participation in its programs.

11. Property Damage

Volunteers are responsible for any damage caused to accommodation, equipment, project facilities, or property during their participation.

Costs associated with repair, replacement, or restoration may be charged where damage results from negligence, misuse, or intentional actions.

12. Media, Photography, and Privacy

Mwanga wa Kesho Projects respects the privacy, dignity, and rights of volunteers, staff members, community participants, and children involved in its programs.

Photographs, videos, and testimonials may occasionally be collected to document activities, share project outcomes, and communicate the organisation’s work.

Volunteers may choose not to appear in promotional materials by notifying the organisation in writing.

Particular care is taken when photographing or filming children and vulnerable individuals. Any collection, storage, or publication of such content must comply with safeguarding policies and applicable consent requirements.

Volunteers must not publish, share, or distribute photographs, videos, or identifying information relating to children without complying with the organisation’s safeguarding requirements and consent procedures.

Volunteers are expected to use social media responsibly and avoid sharing content that may compromise the privacy, safety, dignity, wellbeing, or rights of community members.

Personal information collected during the application process will be handled confidentially and used solely for purposes related to program administration and volunteer support.

13. Force Majeure

Mwanga wa Kesho Projects shall not be held responsible for delays, cancellations, interruptions, or changes resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

Such circumstances may include natural disasters, severe weather events, pandemics, public health emergencies, political instability, government restrictions, transportation disruptions, civil unrest, or other unforeseen events.

14. Program Participation Expectations

Volunteering with Mwanga wa Kesho Projects is a collaborative experience based on mutual respect, cultural exchange, and community engagement.

Volunteers are encouraged to approach their placement with curiosity, patience, humility, and a willingness to learn from local communities. Meaningful volunteering involves listening, understanding local perspectives, and contributing in a respectful and supportive manner.

Projects may evolve in response to community priorities, local schedules, available resources, weather conditions, or other practical considerations. Flexibility and adaptability are therefore important aspects of the volunteer experience.

Volunteers are expected to attend scheduled activities, communicate openly with project staff, and contribute positively to the group environment.

Mwanga wa Kesho Projects promotes ethical volunteering practices that support locally led initiatives and encourage meaningful intercultural learning.

15. Dispute Resolution

Mwanga wa Kesho Projects is committed to resolving concerns and disputes in a fair, respectful, and constructive manner.

In the event of any disagreement, complaint, or dispute arising from participation in a program, all parties agree to first seek resolution through open communication and good-faith discussion.

The parties agree to make reasonable efforts to resolve disputes informally before pursuing any formal legal action.

If a resolution cannot be reached through informal discussions, the matter shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions prevents either party from seeking legal remedies where required by applicable law.