Art in Tanzania Volunteer Program in Zanzibar

Hi Everyone
I was just wondering if anyone has heard of or experienced the Art in Tanzania volunteer program on Zanzibar (they also run programes in Dar Es Salaam and Arusha). They seem an affordable and interesting volunteering option, but it is always difficult to establish the legitimacy of some of these organisation over the internet, so any advice would be welcome!

Habari (Hello),

I do not know about this program. But I do know a very fun volunteer opportunity available in Dar es Salaam. It is very hands on and grass roots. Although it does not offer many hours, only 10-15 a week, you will find it very rewarding. If you want more information just say so and I will be more then happy to give some info. One of the great advantages of this opportunity is that it will only cost you 100$ a month and you will know exactly where all that money is spent!

Hope I have piqued your interest.

-Mzungu Mkubwa (Big White Person)

Hi -
i lived there for a year and never heard of this program.
What is it and what does it do?
and if your looking for art in TZ go contact Rachel at the Mwazo Gallery in Dar - http://www.mawazo-gallery.com/. A TZ owned and run gallery showing modern TZ artists to the world. Really, she's doing an amazing job.
cheers

Hi Mzungu Mkubwa,

Could you post some more information about your volunteer oppotunity in Dar Es Salaam. We are looking to volunteer for about ONE month. Can you tell us if the cost covers food and board? And also explain a bit more about what the actual work is?
We will be in Tanzania from 10th March onwards. We look forward to hearing from you.

Ian & Jo.

Hi everyone who may read this forum in the future.
I volunteered with this organization this past year, and like many volunteer organizations in Africa, they too are corrupt. I did not write the following , but it was written by someone who worked closely with the organization during the time I was there:

"The organization is called; Art in Tanzania and the founder is Kari Korhonen...
I have been told that I should write a book based on my experiences with him. However, to make a very long story short...this is what actually goes on there...
1) Local staff members are paid below almost half of the minimum wage of Tanzania (60usd per month rather than 120usd)
-It is never paid on time...sometimes 3 months late...
2) When volunteering you are not given the proper visa and told to lie to immigration if you wish to travel (Zanzibar)
3) Those who sponsor students... the money is rarely ever given to them on time. (Students end up being out of school for months)
4) Within a three month period, 5 out of 6 ex-pat team leaders quit
5) He has also left myself and another worker in a foreign country without anyway to return back to Tanzania, and then ignores them
6) No money you pay in initial costs go to projects (Participation fee actually goes to Mac computers, big screen tvs and lobster tails for himself and his home)
7) Bi-weekly robberies within the hostel
***This is just a very very small list... "

My own experience with the organization - veeeery unorganized, lots of vague info, hard to get straight answers. I did a lot of research before picking an organization to volunteer with. Art in Tanzania does have one of the less costly volunteer fees, but nonetheless, is still run by someone more interested in profitting for himself than helping Tanzanians.