STEP Africa – Exchange for Change (Students for Tanzania Exchange Programs) is a Tanzanian social enterprise that was founded in German-Tanzanian cooperation. We offer a variety of volunteer projects, internships and culturally sensitive trips in Arusha, Northern Tanzania. With our programs we contribute towards international understanding and want to provide our participants with an intercultural and global ability to act. As a sustainable organization, together with our volunteer, we support worthy projects and initiatives in Tanzania.

We know what we are talking about! Our team combines qualifications and many years of experience in the fields of tourism, education and social work in Tanzania. Our friendly and qualified supervisors are always there for you on the ground, here in Arusha.

Short Info Tanzania

Short Info Tanzania

Tanzania is a federal republic with Samia Suluhu Hassan (CCM) as the first female president of the country. The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma, but the industrial center is the city of Dar Es Salaam. Tanzania has approximately 56 million inhabitants who belong to 130 different tribes. The national language is Swahili with English as the second official language. Tanzania is a developing country and many people live below the poverty line. The main economic activity is agriculture as 80% of the population live in rural areas away from the big cities. The second major industry is the tourism sector around the national parks across the country which creates hundreds of thousands of jobs.

About Arusha

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Our programs take place in and around the city of Arusha in northern Tanzania. Arusha is the tourist center of Tanzania, since numerous safaris to the northern national parks depart from here. Accordingly, there are numerous hotels and lodges in Arusha and also restaurants and supermarkets have adjusted to western visitors. Arusha is often referred to as the “Geneva of Africa” as it is seat for the Arusha International Conference Center, Headquarter of the East African Community, the UN Tribunal for the Rwanda Genocide and the African Court for Humans and Peoples Rights. Nevertheless, Arusha has remained a tranquil city where you will soon feel at home. Arusha is also known for its music scene, Bongo Flavor Music is known far beyond the borders of East Africa and many well-known singers started their careers here. Arusha City has approximately 400,000 inhabitants. The city lies at the foot of Mt. Meru, also known as Kilimanjaro’s little brother. Tanzania is one of the safest travel destinations on the African continent.

Get in touch with us – We are happy to hear from you!

The STEP Africa – Team

Kira UherFounder / Director

Kira Uher first came to Tanzania as a volunteer in 2008 and has lived permanently in the country since STEP Africa was founded in 2014. Kira is convinced that volunteering can only be successful if the needs of both the volunteers & interns on-site and the partner projects are taken into concern.

Kira is a trained pedagogue with a focus on intercultural pedagogy. As Director of STEP Africa, she is mainly responsible for the conceptual design of our organization, coordination and quality control of our partner projects, HR management, public relations and all other administrative and behind-the-scence tasks. Kira believes wholeheartedly that volunteering, when conscientiously organised and executed, is an enriching experience for all involved.

Upendo LemaManager & Supervisor

Upendo Lema is a trained primary school teacher. At STEP Africa she is responsible for guiding and supervising our volunteers as well as for the communication and exchange with our partner projects. Upendo was born and raised in Moshi and Arusha and is always looking forward to introducing our newcomers to the Tanzanian culture and way of life.

Upendo works full-time in our volunteer house and is always ready to help you with any questions or concerns. She is a very fun and easy going person to be around.