Duma Explorer is committed to providing an experience that promotes responsible travel and sustainable ecotourism efforts. Duma gives back to the local Arusha community through its school donation program and re-investment in the local economy. Duma also connects travelers with meaningful volunteer experiences should they wish to remain in Tanzania after their safari or mountain trek.

Ndatu Kindergarten Donation Program

In November, 2007, Duma Explorer established a formal donation program with Ndatu Kindergarten, a school located in a rural area approximately 20 miles from Arusha. Since then, Duma has raised more than USD 8,000.00 through safari clients and its own funds to construct a new building for the kindergarten. The new building consists of two classrooms and offices for the teachers, replacing the older school building, which was a one room wooden structure.

Please click on each image to view a much larger version.
Ndatu Kindergarten was the first kindergarten in the area, filling an unmet need of the local community. Although the school was started by leaders of the local Lutheran Church, the school is non-denominational and welcomes students of all religions. Classes are taught using the Montessori teaching method.

The goal is to have 70 students in two classrooms of 35 students each. The school would like to graduate 35 students a year to primary school. Fees are currently TSH 5,000/month (approximately USD 4.50) which includes morning porridge. Many of the students are from very poor families as Ndatu Village is a rural community.

Through its donation program, Duma Explorer hopes to finish construction on the new building by the end of 2008. After completing construction, Duma Explorer will continue to donate to the school to cover overhead and pay for needy children's school fees. Other projects include building a playground, making new furniture, and decorating the classrooms.

In July of 2008, several student groups from Outlook Expeditions in the UK will volunteer at the school to work on construction projects. Outlook Expeditions arranges Northern Tanzania safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs with Duma Explorer.

If you are interested in visiting the school or making a monetary or in-kind donation, please let us know.

Commitment to Tanzania and the Arusha Economy

Duma is deeply committed to the development of the Tanzanian economy. Profits from Duma Explorer remain in Tanzania and local suppliers are used whenever possible. All guides, cooks and mountain porters are from the Arusha and Kilimanjaro Regions. Duma provides small loans to its employees during the slow season to help employees and their families improve their homes, send children to school and farm their fields. Duma also invests heavily in its employees education and development. Guides and cooks attend language workshops, wildlife trainings and driving classes.

Recommended Volunteer Programs

There are many opportunities to volunteer in Arusha. Duma recommends the following programs and can arrange volunteer experiences before or after safaris and mountain treks. Global Service Corps offers a unique way to experience Tanzania through its two-week, short-term and long-term programs. Volunteers serve the community by working on HIV/AIDS prevention and sustainable agriculture projects. With Global Service Corps, volunteers experience Tanzanian culture by living in homestays.

Visions in Action offers six and twelve month volunteer programs. Volunteers work for local and international organizations in either Moshi or Arusha.

Those who participate in volunteer programs receive a 5% discount on all Duma-arranged safaris and treks.

If you would like to donate, please contact Duma owner Stacy Readal for details, at stacy_readal@dumaexplorer.com.