Fees and Obligations
Volunteer Program Fees reflect the cost to Universal Initiative to accommodate and nourish volunteers for the time of their service. Accommodations are clean, comfortable and of a standard much higher than those of most Tanzanians. Volunteers, in most cases, enjoy comfortable, private rooms; showers and sanitary facilities are the norm. Many volunteer programs offer only accommodations with Tanzanian families or multiple bed facilities, which are below standard and afford little or no security or comfort.
Security is paramount and efforts are taken to ensure your safety while volunteering. US State Department information and current travel warnings as well as current travel guides should be considered.
Accommodations, for the most part, are situated on Tabora Archdiocese properties built by the White 
Fathers, now called Missionaries of Africa, in the late 1800s to a standard still enjoyed in Europe and elsewhere. Fathers and Sisters enjoy accommodations on the same premises.
Volunteer Program Fees reflect our obligation to support the volunteers with up to standard accommodations and nutritious meals. Meals consist of, but are not limited to, continental breakfast with eggs, cereal, bread, coffee, tea, milk and or beverage of your choice, honey and jam. A warm lunch and dinner are served daily consisting of rice, ugali (local dish made of cornmeal, resembling polenta) fried bananas, local vegetables, potatoes, chicken, fish or beef with sauce and local, seasonal fruit for dessert, prepared by local staff. This nutritional regime is also enjoyed by Fathers and Sisters and in many cases shared with you.
Volunteer Program Fees also reflect costs of ground transportation such as pick-up at the airport in Dar es Salaam, one overnight stay at the Tanzanian Episcopal Centre Hostel (TEC), return to Dar es Salaam airport next day and one-way-air or ground transportation to Tabora, Universal Initiative’s Headquarters in Tanzania.
Your eventual departure to your home country or vacation destination will be at your discretion and 
responsibility. Many volunteers continue to vacation destinations in Tanzania and other countries. While Universal Initiative does not arrange vacation travels, we recommend contacting a reputable travel agency in Tabora who can assist you in planning an unforgettable experience in beautiful Tanzania.
Medical Evacuation Insurance is included in your Volunteer Program Fee. Medical services in Tanzania are inexpensive, albeit somewhat limited and below western standards; they are at the cost of the volunteer. In-country medical insurance is not readily available nor required but is at the discretion of the volunteer.
Malaria and other tropical diseases are known in Sub-Saharan Africa. Prophylactic and preventive treatments such as vaccinations, if desired, are the responsibility and at the discretion of the volunteer.
Tanzanian Visa fees are best payable by volunteer upon entry and are determined by country of origin and length of service.
Volunteer Program Fees and Incentive Discounts
The longer you share your experience and expertise with us, the more you help Tanzanians in need. Our Volunteer Program Fee Discounts are calculated to benefit those who can extend their Volunteer time in Tanzania.
30 Days Commitment Full payment = $2640USD
60 Days Commitment 10% discount = $4752USD
90 Days Commitment 15% discount = $6732USD
Discounts for Returning Volunteers
Alumni of the Universal Initiative Volunteer Program are much needed and appreciated. Discounts are calculated on the level of your expertise, education and particular need. As our costs for returning volunteers would be lower due your past volunteering experience, these savings will be passed on to you. Details upon request.
Student Volunteer Discount
Currently enrolled students, 18 years or older, enjoy a 10% discount on the 30 Day Volunteer Program Fee only. All other discount fees apply.
Bring a Friend, Family Member or Colleague Discount
Volunteer Program Fee Discounts are available for one or more extra volunteers based on length of service, 30, 60 or 90 Days or Extended Stay Programs and expertise of volunteers. Details upon request.
Falling In Love In Tanzania Discount
Many volunteers fall in love with Tanzania, its people and especially the children. An Extended Volunteer Program is offered only after the completion of the 90 Days Program at $250USD per week conditioned upon limitation of Visa and host country regulations. Details upon request. 
“The picture of this beautiful child may fool you; he is actually deaf and enrolled at the Tabora Archdiocese School for the Deaf.”
DEPOSIT, FULL PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
A $500USD non-refundable deposit is required no less than 60 days prior to departure. However, the $500USD non-refundable deposit may be applied to the Universal Initiative Volunteer Program within 12 months of original departure date.
Balance of payment Must be received by Universal Initiative Foundation 30 days prior to departure date.
Full payment, less $500USD non-refundable deposit, less 10% of balance, will be returned to volunteer, if volunteer cancels program prior to scheduled arrival date.
Scheduled arrival date may be extended, subject to the following conditions:
Certified illness, flight cancellation, natural catastrophy, State Department or other governmental restrictions for travel to Tanzania.
Universal Initiative may cancel a program or reject an applicant at any time before scheduled departure date at which time the total program fee, including deposit of $500USD, will be refunded.
From date of arrival, if volunteer wishes to terminate selected or supplemented program prior to its completion for any reason, full deposit and program fees are forfeited by volunteer.