Dean GarlusInterviewed in 2023

Dean Garlus completed his Bachelor Degree at University of Dar es Salaam in Computer Science in 2022. He has also studied SEO through Udemy, where he was awarded a completion certificate of web technology. Currently he is working at Amani Hostel.

What inspired you to work for ?

I come from a developing country and my goal was to create or provide something good that can help my fellow Africans. When I joined the team at Amani Hostel, I liked the ideas and goals they set because it was my vision to help others in my country and continent be known by others, through traveling and volunteering.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is when I am trying to increase online traffic by using SEO techniques because this may increase people’s understanding and trust of our organization, which helps us to convert our site visitors into real clients. It is exciting when I see our website ranking highly on Google.

One of our school that we helped the to get volunteers

What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?

In our developing country, there are a bunch of challenges that are inevitable to face—one of the biggest problems in our country is availability of and access to electricity. This is one of the main challenges I always face as an IT guy.

Most of the time my computer shuts down, so I can't continue doing my job right at that time. I decided to get a backup generator so it helps when there is no electricity at all.

What advice would you give to people who are about to travel?

My advice to travelers is to make sure you get your health checked out before traveling. In particular, due to the on-going pandemic, I would advise getting vaccinated.

What makes your organization special?

For over 10 years, our operation as a volunteer in Africa service provider has managed to lead others in responsible volunteering, gap year programs, study abroad service-learning, African Safari excursions, internships in Africa, and other volunteer services.

Volunteering in Africa with us will offer you a place that connects cultures, mindsets, and ideas from different societies. Volunteer in Africa, a continent that leaves us all inspired and able to do more, discover more, and, most of all, know that we can make a real impact on those who are in need.

Amani Hostel bedroom

Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?

Our team of travel advisors is able to guide you when deciding which of our projects best matches the experience you are looking for. For certain programs, your skills will also be expertly assessed to ensure that you are able to make the most out of your time on a project, and utilize your abilities and life experiences to the fullest.

We have seven types of offerings for our participants:

• Community service
• Affordable hostel accommodation for volunteers
• Volunteer programs
• Conservation programs
• Internships
• Group travel programs
• Safari programs in Tanzania

No matter which category your chosen program falls into, we make every effort to ensure that it will provide you with worthwhile experiences and meet all of the specifications outlined in the program description.

Amani Hostel outdoor views

What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?

For all volunteers in Africa who will be stationed in Arusha, Amani hostel offers the best affordable hostel accommodation. Visitors can enjoy having a bedroom and three meals in a day for only $12 USD per person for one night, including bottled water for each room.

Conveniently, Arusha Central Market is 0.8 km from Arusha Hostel. The nearest airport is Arusha Airport which is about 2 km away.

Amani Hostel offers project placements as well as internships in Tanzania, based in and around the city of Arusha in the northern part of Tanzania. Also, Amani Hostel offers safari trips for volunteers in Africa at affordable rates.

How do you prioritize the safety of your participants?

Our top priority is to ensure that our participants are in a safe environment while on their programs. With this firmly in mind, we only receive volunteers into Tanzania and to other countries because we are politically stable and safe. There is peace in each destination where our programs are located.

If a situation changes, our local staff is prepared to monitor the situation. If we think that safety may be compromised, we immediately take steps to remove our participants from the unsafe environment.

What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?

One of the main motivations behind the formation of Amani Hostel was to provide volunteers with high-quality, safe, and extremely affordable volunteering opportunities in developing countries, so you have money to spend on other things while you are abroad.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLvAm6momZRjsLC5jqKlrZ2iq7amw9JomKaZnp56qbvSrZylZaOprqeyjKKlrZ2iq7amw4ywoK2gXZmyorqMoJirpKWo