Meet the team
We're a team of passionate people brought together by a shared love for Tanzania and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Combining local knowledge with international experience, we work alongside our community partners to create opportunities that are ethical, welcoming, and grounded in genuine relationships.
From your first enquiry to your final farewell, we're here to help every step of the way.
Tarloch Pownall
Co-Founder & Country Director
Based in: Zanzibar
Languages: English & Swahili
Favourite local experience: I love going on the backroads, especially between neighbourhoods and sometimes even between towns, without ever touching a paved road.
Born and raised in Tanzania, Tarloch has spent more than 15 years working in wildlife conservation, tourism, and community engagement. His deep understanding of the country, extensive local network, and passion for sharing Tanzania's people, culture, and landscapes help shape every Volunteer in Tanzania experience.
Leonie Stoffer
Co-Founder & Program Director
Based in: Netherlands
Languages: Dutch & English
Favourite place in Tanzania: My favourite place in Tanzania is Irente Farm, a biodiverse farm where they sell delicious cheese — something I really miss as a Dutch person when in Tanzania. It's located in the Usambara Mountains, which offers amazing hikes with breathtaking panoramic views.
After first visiting Tanzania as a volunteer herself, Leonie co-founded Volunteer in Tanzania with a vision of creating ethical volunteer experiences built on genuine cultural exchange. Based in the Netherlands, she leads international collaborations and volunteer recruitment while continuing to grow the organisation's global network.
Braiton Mugabe
General Manager
Based in: Zanzibar
Languages: English & Swahili
Favourite Tanzanian dish: Pilau (a deeply aromatic, one-pot rice dish flavoured with a unique blend of spices and typically made by cooking meat, beef, goat, or chicken, and rice together).
Since joining Volunteer in Tanzania in 2017, Braiton has become an integral part of the organisation. He oversees day-to-day operations, supports volunteers and community partners, and ensures every experience runs smoothly with professionalism, care, and a calm approach to problem-solving.
Sia William
Destination Manager, Arusha
Based in: Arusha
Languages: English & Swahili
Favourite Swahili phrase: Pole Pole (pronounced "po-lay po-lay") translates to ‘slowly slowly’. It’s a popular mantra and a way of life that encourages relaxing, pacing yourself, and enjoying the journey.
Sia is the heart of our Arusha programme and one of the first people many volunteers meet after arriving in Tanzania. She works closely with volunteers, schools, hospitals, and community partners, coordinating placements while making everyone feel welcomed, supported, and at home.
Benita Eckstein
Accommodation & Project
Manager, Zanzibar
Based in: Zanzibar
Languages: German & English
Favourite place: On the beach!
Based in Zanzibar, Benita coordinates volunteer accommodation, placements, and relationships with our local community partners. From welcoming new arrivals to supporting volunteers throughout their stay, she helps ensure every experience is organised, enjoyable, and meaningful.
This trip was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The team made me feel welcome from day one, and I always felt safe, supported, and at home. Sia was an incredible supervisor, and everyone at the volunteer house went above and beyond to make the experience unforgettable.
Healthcare Volunteer • ALMC Hospital, Arusha • 16 weeks
Maria, Norway
It takes a community
While these are the people leading Volunteer in Tanzania, they're only part of the story. Behind every successful placement and volunteer house is a wider network of teachers, healthcare professionals, community changemakers, cleaners, drivers, cooks, matrons and local coordinators who look after our volunteers each day.
Together, they're what make Volunteer in Tanzania more than a placement, they make it a family.