My Summer in Tanzania: Volunteering with Kulea Villages: Ben Carrier
Honestly, before this summer, I didn’t really get what Kulea Villages did. I had heard about the work from my family, listened to updates, and kind of nodded along, but those were just words. Going to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and seeing it in person was completely different.
My name is Ben Carrier, and this was my summer as a 23-year-old.
Before leaving, I was nervous. Like, legit nervous. Long flights, a new country, a totally different culture—it is a lot when you have mostly stayed in your room your whole life. But I was excited, too. I wanted to see something new and do something that actually mattered.
Then, of course, I got COVID on the first flight. Classic.
I spent my first week sick in bed, barely conscious, which was not part of the plan. Once I finally recovered, I began visiting families, joining in with projects, and seeing the work of Kulea Villages, and that is when things clicked.
Seeing Family Support Up Close in Tanzania
The home visits were what hit me the hardest. Seeing the babies and parents Kulea Villages supports, and understanding how much those regular check-ins matter, made everything feel real.
It’s not just “charity work.” It is people showing up week after week, building trust, and helping families stay strong. You can see the difference it makes right in front of you.
I would not say I was shocked by what I saw, but I definitely left with a much deeper respect for social work. It is so much more complex than just giving stuff away. The team does the work in a way that is thoughtful, consistent, and personal, and that changed how I think about helping people.
A Home Visit I Will Not Forget
One visit outside Dar es Salaam especially stayed with me. We sat with a family under a tree, and before long, much of the neighborhood, especially the kids, had gathered around.
There was something about that moment that I will not forget. It was not a big event or anything planned. It was just people coming together, kids being curious, and a family being seen.
That visit reminded me that support is not only about meeting a practical need. It is also about showing people that they matter.
The People Behind Kulea Villages’ Work
Watching Deborah and the rest of the staff work together was inspiring, too. There is a ton happening behind the scenes: planning, organizing, following up, and keeping track of everything families need.
When another mission team came to help, seeing everyone work side by side – yeah, that was powerful. It made it clear that this kind of work takes a lot of people who care and are willing to show up.
What stuck with me most were the people themselves: the families, the babies, and the gratitude. It felt good to see that the support they receive can make a real difference in daily life.
How Volunteering in Tanzania Changed Me
Coming from a place where life often feels easier and safer, this trip made me realize how much I have and how much I can do with it.
It made me want to keep helping however I can, maybe volunteer more, donate when I can, or even just get out into the world a little more. This summer didn’t just show me what Kulea Villages does. It showed me why it matters.
If you ever get the chance to travel and volunteer, do it. Seriously. It is fun, interesting, and it changes the way you see everything.
About Benjamin Carrier
Benjamin Carrier lives in Texas and recently spent three months volunteering with Kulea Villages in Tanzania. During his time there, he helped with a variety of projects and experienced firsthand the work Kulea Villages is doing to support children and families. He would like to share the link to learn more about volunteering and ask you to check it out!
Kulea Villages
Kulea Villages is a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in partnership with Kulea Villages entities in Tanzania and Kenya. Rather than dramatic rescues, their child protection model focuses on stabilizing families through a process that typically lasts 1-2 years, prioritizing education, nutrition, and family income generation. Join our email list for new blog alerts. We appreciate your support.
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