Village experience in Arusha, Tanzania
The Maasai’s distinctive clothing, customs and lifestyle have long enchanted the world, and although not the biggest tribe in Tanzania, they dominate the Arusha area and you will see many red and purple robes in the city streets. Spending a week living within their community is a fantastic way of learning firsthand about their unique beliefs and semi-nomadic way of life.
Working alongside a dispensary clinical officer will introduce you to a side of the Maasai few have experienced. Modern healthcare is used alongside more traditional methods to treat a range of ills, with healthcare staff having to balance treatment with the culture and traditions of the tribe. It is a unique way to learn about the Maasai’s attitude to modern healthcare and will add something very different, but hugely beneficial to your healthcare elective or placement experience.
Get to know the locals
Village cultures and traditions can vary region upon region, so we provide you with a personal guide who is local to the Maasai community that you are visiting.
Your guide will meet you at the Work the World house on Sunday and take you by dala-dala to the village. It takes about 6 hours to reach the village, but the stunning scenery makes the time race by and as you are travelling through prime safari territory, you are likely to see an array of wild animals. Your guide will also travel back to the Work the World house with you on Saturday.
Whilst you are living with the Maasai tribe you will be able to learn about their traditional medicine, which for most tribes-people is the main form of treatment used. Your guide will take you to sacred sites used as healing retreats and at the end of the week, if you are keen, you will also have the opportunity to watch a traditional goat or sheep sacrifice and join in with the meat roasting and preparation of medicinal soup. This is usually followed by “tsoto”, traditional Maasai singing and dancing.
Read Programme Manager Freddy's account of his time with the students and the activities available in the Maasai village.
Accommodation and food
Maasai families live in an Enkang (a form of enclosure) and during your stay you will join a family group and live in a traditional Maasai hut. A simple bed, clean sheets and fresh purified water are provided and your host family will cook you delicious, traditional meals. The Maasai are nomadic and live in simple surroundings, using a central well to obtain water for cooking and washing, and long drop toilets.
Placement with a healthcare practitioner
You will spend three mornings working in a Maasai village dispensary. These clinics have extremely limited resources, and are often staffed only by a part-time community health workers or a visiting doctor. You will be helping them with anything from treatment of malaria to child vaccinations. You will also spend some time learning about Maasai cultural concerns such as female initiation, HIV/AIDS.
Read firsthand accounts of a Maasai placement on our student blog.
Benefits
The Maasai tribe are one of the most famous in Tanzania and living among them is a fantastic way to get to know their customs and culture. Understanding how they mix modern and traditional medicine, delivering healthcare with such primitive resources, will add a new and unique dimension to your healthcare placement.
With a maximum of four people taking part at any one time, you will be able to fully integrate yourself into the community and enjoy a very personal experience. This is great for those keen to see another side of East Africa, and understand more about one of the most famous tribes in the world.
The Village Healthcare Experience is an invaluable experience, both professionally and personally, and will really stand out on C.V.
