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Sport and fun on the field, planning and discussions off the pitch
The first stop on Nicolas trip to Tanzania was the GO FOR GOALS Sport Centre in Mlamleni, south of Dar es Salaam.
This sports project is a long-standing partner of COACH ABROAD, offering volunteer coaches the opportunity to share their experience and passion to make a real difference – for sport, for education and for social cohesion. ‚Handball for All‘ is a comprehensive programme designed to promote handball in Tanzania. Active not only in Mlamleni, it also supports handball throughout the region in cooperation with local schools and the handball association.
Of course, Nicola was right in the thick of things once again, forming her own impressions on site and seeing the project’s work for herself. There wasn’t much chatter with Moshi, the project mentor – they immediately ran a complete training session instead. But it was about more than just technique or rules. The focus was on the enthusiasm for handball and how to pass it on to young people.
However, important topics were also discussed off the pitch. Where should the project go from here? How is the collaboration with schools progressing? What are the biggest challenges in everyday life? For both the children and young people and the project itself.
Because all these issues are important to us at COACH ABROAD. They give you an idea of what to expect as a volunteer coach on the project. This includes the positive aspects as well as the difficulties you may face. Project tasks include independently leading training sessions, accompanying school activities, organising small events and tournaments, and assisting with public relations work, for example.
From the ferry ride straight to a clinic?
Once you’re in Tanzania, don’t miss the opportunity to hop on a ferry to Zanzibar. From Dar es Salaam, it’s an hour and a half crossing to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. There you’ll find beautiful beaches, a tropical climate and plenty of historical sights.
For Nicola, the trip to Zanzibar was a chance to combine business with pleasure. The main purpose of the trip was, of course, to scout for new, promising sports projects for COACH ABROAD. During a meeting with the Zanzibar Handball Association, she shared her expertise with teachers and coaches, discussing the future of handball in Zanzibar.
She also threw herself into running a handball clinic for around 150 children and young people. A clinic? No, it’s not a hospital, we can reassure you. The participants were treated to a training session or teaching event that focused on learning, improving and refining their handball skills and knowledge. This covered everything from the basics to advanced techniques.
Handball centres and groups from all corners of Zanzibar came together for this event. Even the former primary school of Tanzania’s current (and first) president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, was involved as part of the handball clinic.
But most importantly, however, was that girls and boys were able to enjoy a fantastic day of sport together under the palm trees and also train together. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in Tanzania.
Sansibar-Vibes – Palm 1, Nicola 0
Anyone who chugs along on a motorbike to the southernmost tip of the island and tries to navigate their way through Zanzibar's city traffic will naturally experience a lot – pure adventure!
Even when picking up the motorbike, Nicola was in for a surprise after a casual chat: she joined a local team for a spontaneous game of handball. There was plenty of time, and you can't change who you are. It's encounters like these that sometimes make travelling so special.
If there’s one thing Nicola absolutely can’t resist, it’s the local cuisine.
Whether she’s with friends or at local food stalls, a snack in between is always welcome. New things are preferred, of course. Or old favourites with new recipes. Like the fresh spice tea with lemongrass she had when visiting a spice farm. Refined with different flavours such as ginger, cardamom and cinnamon – delicious! Of course, she couldn’t miss the famous nightly Forodhani Food Market on the waterfront in the historic heart of Stone Town.
The best way to get to know the real Zanzibar is to wander through the narrow alleys of Darajani Market and visit the small restaurants away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Of course, you should do this in true Zanzibar style with a coconut in your hand from which you can sip fresh coconut water.
Zanzibar simply has – and creates – taste!
Speaking of coconuts:
Nicola, a passionate and experienced climber, suffered a bitter setback. Despite training in climbing halls and regularly touring various mountain regions in South Africa, climbing a palm tree unfortunately remained just that – an attempt. She didn't make it. After all, climbing a palm tree is a bit different from climbing a wall on Table Mountain in Cape Town. Or was it just a few too many snacks in the end? Nobody knows. Nevertheless, respect to those who really manage to climb a palm tree!
Conclusion for Nicola and COACH ABROAD: She enjoyed ‘probably the best pineapple ever’ and completed once again a programme that offered an intensive mix of sport, education, networking and personal adventure. We at COACH ABROAD are certain that this will not be her last visit.
Can you climb a palm tree? Then you've come to the right place!
You could be the next volunteer sports coach in Tanzania and turn it into your own ‘coconut adventure’! Exciting tasks in certified social sports projects and real life-changing adventures await you. In short, you can get involved in volunteer work in Tanzania where you are needed – with sports, heart and mind. Find out how to apply to COACH ABROAD or read more about ‘Motivation and preparation for working abroad as a sports volunteer’.
