Serve on A Mission Team
tanzania and kenya
“And to the ends of the earth…” (Acts 1:8)
Do you have a desire to help children in East Africa? Is your youth group needing an opportunity to look beyond their own circumstances and see God at work in another culture? Does an adult group from your church want to experience their faith in Jesus on a new level? Is your school looking for a tangible way to encourage children in another country?
HopeCo is always looking for more partners who will send mission teams to Kenya and Tanzania!
Hopeco Mission Teams:
Involve 5-20 participants
Are usually formed from a church, school, or organization
Serve in Tanzania and/or Kenya for up to two weeks
Teams usually work together to accomplish a specific goal, such as leading a children’s program, painting a new classroom, helping on a construction project, offering medical support, or providing training, depending on a team’s skills.
Our Commitment to Excellence
HopeCo is committed to the highest possible standards and best practices in sending teams and interns to East Africa. That’s why we are accredited members of MissionExcellence and committed to following their seven standards for short-term missions.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find common questions about HopeCo mission trips. If you have additional questions, just ask!
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We have hosted dozens of teams over the years, and have received hundreds of positive testimonies. In addition, HopeCo is an accredited member of MissionExcellence, an organization that hold us accountable to their seven standards for mission teams.
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Some skills you have that might be helpful include:
Maintenance or construction
Organizing and leading activities for children
Music, art, or drama
Tutoring children
Training/workshops
A willing heart and a flexible attitude!
Other skills welcome … Let us know what you are passionate about!
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Prices vary depending on the length of the trip. The cost per person is around $1950 plus airfare. This includes food, lodging, local travel, project costs, insurance, work permit, and a donation to our programs. A short safari can be added for an additional cost.
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Fundraising can be challenging…so let us help! Here are some ideas to raise funds for your trip and have fun at the same time!
Send support letters. When you ask people to donate to your trip, remember to share your heart behind going and invite them to be part of the journey with you. Your supporters will love to see pictures, hear stories, and to talk to you after you get home!
Create an online fundraiser that you can easily share on social media and with your friends and family. We can set up a personalized fundraising page just for you!
Sell custom T-Shirts or crafts.
Create an Adopt-a-Box fundraiser.
Host a bake sale or garage sale.
Run a car wash.
Host a movie night, charity concert, or auction.
Partner with a restaurant.
Collect recycling.
Host a 50/50 raffle.
The options are endless, and the choice is yours!
ask kristi about additional fundraising opportunities -
You can find the specific directions for applying for visas below.
Passport & Visa Info -
Try to pack lightly. You will be able to wash clothes at City of Hope. Because of baggage limitations on the flights within Africa, we recommend one checked bag (max 15 kg/33 pounds), one carry-on bag (max 5 kg/11 pounds), and one personal item (like a purse or fanny pack).
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Only the Yellow Fever vaccination is required for team members. This is not a HopeCo requirement, but something the Tanzanian/Kenyan governments require. Consult with your doctor or local travel clinic to see what other vaccinations are suggested for your trip. Your doctor may also suggest a prescription for anti-malaria medicine.
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We are no longer encouraging teams to bring donated items because of the limited baggage allowance for the flights within Africa. A financial donation to our programs is included in your trip costs, and you have the opportunity to donate to HopeCo while on your trip. You can even sign up to sponsor a child you meet!
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While it is nice to learn a few phrases in the Swahili language, many of the children and staff in HopeCo’s programs speak English.
What Mission Team Members are Saying…
“I came with the assumption of God using me and my giftings to impact the children. What I’m walking away with is realizing God used everyone here to impact ME and my relationship with our Father. I’m sure there will be more to share when I’m able to dedicate time to intentional reflection and prayer. I will be back!”
-Tony Hughes
2024-2025 COMMUNITY CHURCH TEAM
"The whole trip was just a real blessing! When our time in Kenya/Tanzania came to a close, we left knowing that God was in this place and every child here was being ministered to in many ways. There were so many high points: touring all the HopeCo programs, doing the crafts with the kids, building relationships, sharing Sunday service at City of Hope, attending devotion time before dusk, sharing our professions with the older girls, visiting the Women’s Empowerment Program “sew” shop and buying a few things, visiting Dr Adam at the medical facility, playing and talking with the kids…and so much more!"
-Sharon Mead
2025 VISION TEAM MEMBER
“God is surely moving in this place! From the moment you arrive, your heart is filled with love and song. I didn’t know the meaning of blessed until I met the children, students, and staff at HopeCo.”
-Connie Harris
2024 DUKE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING TEAM
“We’ve prepared the land for the basketball court, and we thank God for all the fellowship the kids will have playing basketball, for the land and the finances, and for all the people working together.”
-Gabe Brame
NRN RENOVATORS LLC
Ready to go on a Mission Team?
Take the first step and get more info by filling out the form below
More Questions? Contact Kristi!
Kristi Smith
Mission Teams Administrator
Thank you again for your willingness to serve children and families in East Africa - they can’t wait to meet you! We are here to support you as you prepare for your trip.
You can reach out to Kristi Smith with any questions you have regarding your trip, travel, or other HopeCo related questions.
We are excited to welcome you to Africa soon!