Environmental Advocacy Programme in Tanzania — Art in Tanzania

What is it? The Environmental Advocacy Programme places international students and volunteers in community-led sustainability projects across Tanzania — including solar energy, composting, water purification, sustainable cooking fuels, tree and bamboo nurseries, and climate-resilience education. It is run by Art in Tanzania (AIT), a community-development NGO founded in 1996.

Where? Communities around Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

How long? Flexible — all placements are ongoing, so start and end dates are shaped around your background and schedule.

Working hours? 6–8 hours per day, Monday to Friday.

Who joins? AIT typically hosts 15–40 students at a time, drawn from over 400 partner universities worldwide.

What does the Environmental Advocacy Programme involve?

The programme delivers practical environmental development tailored to the real needs of local communities. Interns and volunteers work on:

Sanitation solutions — developing affordable, sustainable alternatives such as dry toilets and bio-filter septic systems. Fewer than half of Tanzanian households currently have access to a toilet.
Household sustainability — solar energy, water purification, composting, sustainable cooking fuels, and the establishment of tree and bamboo nurseries.
Climate education — teaching communities about climate change, disaster risk, and mitigation.
Eco-tourism and conservation — supporting responsible wildlife safaris and eco-tourism that generate funding for NGO operations and conservation work.

Daily tasks span practical fieldwork, planning, reporting, and social media visibility.

How does the placement work?

Your daily work is supervised by academic-level team leaders and supported by a structured weekly planning and reporting system, so you stay on track and grow professionally. The core outcome is building the confidence and skills to apply your education in a resource-constrained, real-world setting — working alongside international peers in one of the world's fastest-growing emerging economies.

Placements are fully customised to your academic background, professional experience, and interests.

Who runs the programme, and since when?

Art in Tanzania (AIT) has worked with local communities since 1996 and hosts around 250 participants each year. The organisation champions sustainable, community-led solutions across education, health, environment, and livelihoods.

Can I get funding?

Yes. Erasmus+ funding may be available for your placement in Tanzania. Speak to your student or international office about grant options as early as possible.

Can I travel during my placement?

Yes. Participants and their friends can join affordable, eco-friendly safaris and tours during their stay — activities that also help fund AIT's conservation work.

Frequently asked questions

What environmental issues does the programme address?

Sanitation (dry toilets, biofilter septic systems), water purification, composting, sustainable cooking fuels, tree and bamboo nurseries, and community climate change education.

Who can join the Environmental Advocacy Programme?

Students and professionals from any discipline or nationality. AIT hosts 15–40 participants at a time from over 400 partner universities worldwide.

What are the working hours?

6–8 hours per day, Monday to Friday.

When can I start?

Placements are ongoing year-round, with flexible start and end dates shaped around your background and interests.

Is funding available?

Yes — Erasmus+ funding may cover part or all of your placement. Ask your student office about grant options.

Ready to apply?

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