In Arusha, Tanzania, former weltwärts volunteers and partner organizations from Kenya and Tanzania gathered at the end of January for a three-day Community Weekend. The goal was to exchange experiences after their volunteer service, reflect on shared challenges, and build a regional alumni community.
At the Banana Eco Hostel on the outskirts of Arusha, young people from Kenya and Tanzania sit in a large circle, laughing and comparing their stories. They all completed a volunteer service in Germany—and many know the feeling of returning to a reality for which they were hardly prepared.
Organized by the grenzenlos Community Fund, together with IB Kassel, JEKMA, Uvikiuta, CIVS Kenya, and local alumni, the meeting focused on “Life after Volunteering.” It was the first event of its kind held outside of Germany.
Much Achieved – Little Visibility
The stories are remarkably similar. Many report pressure from their surroundings to stay in Germany or bring back money. Others talk about loneliness after their return or difficulties finding work. One question many know all too well: “Why did you even come back?”
What is often overlooked, say several participants, is the actual added value of a weltwärts service: personal development. “I couldn’t have sat here and spoken in front of people before—today I am confident and know what I want!” says Johnson from Tanzania.
From Personal Stories to a Shared Vision
On the second day, the focus shifted to the future. Workshops discussed how to use their experiences professionally. Many alumni have already taken impressive paths, such as founding their own non-profits or accompanying current German volunteers as host families or language teachers.
The vision that emerged: a networked community of former volunteers in East Africa that strengthens returnees and makes their experiences useful for social development. A brochure titled “Life after volunteering in East Africa” is currently being created and will be completed by June 2026.
Im Workshop zum Community-Aufbau wird schließlich deutlich, wie groß der Bedarf nach Austausch ist. Viele wünschen sich ein stabiles Netzwerk in Ostafrika – als Ort für gegenseitige Unterstützung, berufliche Chancen und gemeinsames Engagement. Die Vision, die sich herauskristallisiert: eine vernetzte Community ehemaliger Freiwilliger, die Rückkehrende stärkt und ihre Erfahrungen für gesellschaftliche Entwicklung nutzbar macht.
An Emerging Network
On the final day, things start to take shape. In working groups, participants discuss and define what their future collaboration could look like.
Plans include at least six online gatherings – such as German language sessions or cooking evenings – as well as designated contact persons for areas such as events and onboarding new members. The network also plans to reach out to alumni in other countries across the region. Charity Jonas, as a Global Ambassador of the weltwärts Community, will play a special role in this process.
The first joint project is also already taking shape on the ground: A brochure entitled “Life after volunteering in East Africa” will be developed by June 2026 as part of the programme support activities. It will highlight the experiences and perspectives of returned volunteers.
More Than a Weekend
The gathering in Arusha marks an important milestone: it was the first Community Weekend for former weltwärts volunteers outside Germany and the first time that alumni and partner organisations from Kenya and Tanzania were brought together specifically for this purpose.
Above all, however, the weekend showed that something much bigger is emerging than a network based on shared memories. Many of those involved are actively shaping programmes, supporting new volunteers and bringing their experiences and perspectives back into their communities and societies.
Or, as Kelvin from Kenya put it: “Community building is a process. A community grows step by step – through people who share their experiences and take responsibility.” That is exactly what began in Arusha. As returnees often find themselves navigating expectations, uncertainty and new perspectives, this kind of regional networking is becoming increasingly important.