Welcome to Masanga, Tanzania. Set near the Serengeti, Lake Victoria, and the border with Kenya. Here the people of rural Tanzania await you with their unconditional warmth. It was my privilege to volunteer here from October to December 2022. The support of VLM and the Daughters of Charity based in Masanga ensured a most precious experience.

Here in this rural Tanzanian village these resourceful, multi-tasking Sisters bring education (St Catherine Laboure School), healthcare and array of community supports to a people who otherwise would certainly struggle to avail of these services.

During my time in Masanga I worked with the team who raise awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The practice of FGM still pertains in this part of rural Tanzania. The project provides a refuge and daily support for young girls fleeing FGM. During my stay over 400 girls were taking refuge here.  

I also worked with the women’s development project in Masanga. Here a network of local women combines to support and empower each other and strive to build sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their community. Currently a purpose-built resource centre is under construction in Masanga thanks to VLM donors. The significance of this building is immense to the overall empowerment of this dynamic group of local women. They continue to ‘break the glass ceiling’ in rural Tanzania. Experience a new journey in life…Masanga, Tanzania awaits you.