Go M.A.D in Tanzania

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Go M.A.D in Tanzania

Go MAD is a Christian charity, which offers people the chance to visit Tanzania & enjoy a life-changing experience by getting involved in community work.

In 1994, Graham McClure founder of Go MAD helped design & build a Cathedral for the Anglican Diocese of Mara, in the town Musoma with his Church St John’s Church Blackheath. From this work Graham felt driven to help the people of Mara and so began to invite teams of volunteers out to help with various community projects & eventually ‘Go MAD in Tanzania’ was born. Since then we have been helping l

ocal farmers, people with HIV, orphans and pastors. We consider ourselves privileged to have been involved in this partnership work with our brothers and sisters from Mara.

20/05/2026

Live updates from our founder Graham on the progress at Lakeview which opens on 28 June 🤩 Incredible progress at this new property and the views of the surroundings are beautiful.

18/05/2026

✈️ POV: You’ve signed up for Tanzania… what do you pack?

🧴 SPF (because you can’t buy it in Musoma ☀️)
🦟 Strong insect repellent (the mosquitoes didn’t RSVP)
🥾 Proper work boots (goat sheds > cute trainers)
🧤 Gardening gloves (you’ll thank us later)
💧 A BIG water bottle (hydration = survival)
👕 Old t-shirts (mud, paint, sweat… all part of the experience)
🩴 Flip flops (for Eagle Lodge life)
📓 Notebook (for memories / reflections / random Swahili words)
🎒 Day bag (you’ll use it constantly)
🎩 Hat (heat stroke is not the vibe)
😂 A sense of humour + willingness to get stuck in

📋 Full kit list provided to all volunteers
✨ January 2027 trips now open
🔗 Apply via link in bio

10/05/2026

What does a gap year with Go MAD actually look like?

It’s not one thing, and that’s the point.

One day you might be helping build a goat shed that will provide income for a family.

Another, running games at kids club or supporting lessons at a local nursery.

You might be working alongside local teams on community projects, or helping deliver sessions in schools.

It’s hands-on, varied and sometimes challenging - but always meaningful.

You’re not there to “observe”. You’re part of the team.

07/05/2026

Thinking about a gap year?

Not everyone has a clear plan, and that’s okay. Some of the best experiences come from saying yes to something different.

With Go MAD, you won’t just be observing - you’ll be part of a team working on real projects alongside local communities in Tanzania. From building and education to kids clubs and community work, no two days look the same.

You don’t need specific skills. Just an open mind, a willingness to get stuck in, and a bit of curiosity about the world.

Whether you come for a few weeks or a few months, you’ll leave with more confidence, independence and perspective than you arrived with.

If a gap year is on your mind, this might be worth exploring 🇹🇿 ❤️

Applications are open via our website.

22/04/2026

Earth Day 🌍

At Go MAD, caring for the environment goes hand in hand with supporting communities.

Our tree-planting initiatives in Musoma don’t just restore land, they also create long-term income for local farmers and contribute to sustainable livelihoods. From clearing and preparing land, to planting and maintaining trees, it’s consistent, practical work that benefits both people and the environment over time.

We’re proud that around 95% of funds go directly to charitable activity on the ground, supporting projects like these.

Small actions. Long-term impact.

16/04/2026

Latest update from Lake View 🏗️

Great to see real progress across the site — plastering is now underway and the electrical first fix has started. The roof sheeting has finally arrived and is being installed, which makes a big difference to how everything is coming together.

The first water tank is nearly complete, septic tanks have been dug out and external drainage is underway — lots of important groundwork happening behind the scenes.

In just over three weeks, Graham will be heading out with a team of plumbers and a carpenter to install toilets, showers and start on the kitchen units.

Everything is coming together well and we’re looking forward to welcoming our first teams to Lake View this summer.

16/03/2026

Some of the highlights from our weekly children’s activities with the gap year team.

At Nyembeshi Nursery, the team spend time supporting the teacher and running simple learning activities with the children. Recently they’ve been teaching parts of the body and singing “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” which the children have quickly mastered.

We also run a weekly Kids Club, collecting children along the way in the Land Rover before heading to the church for games, crafts and activities.

And on Sundays, the team help lead Sunday school at Mkiringo Church, where songs, bible stories, games and a very popular parachute bring plenty of energy and laughter.

Simple activities, but ones that build connection, confidence and a lot of smiles each week.

22/02/2026

🌍 Get to Know the Team – Philipo 🇹🇿

This week we’re introducing Philipo, one of the original members of the Go MAD team and a skilled carpenter who has helped shape our building projects from the very beginning. ⚒️🪚🪏🪜

At Lake View especially, his experience and steady leadership on site have been key to turning plans into strong, lasting structures. Whether guiding volunteers or working through detailed carpentry, he brings focus, patience and real pride to every build.

Known for his strong work ethic (and his ability to drive a 4-inch nail in just three hits!), Philipo’s craftsmanship can be seen across many of the spaces that support our programmes today.

19/02/2026

💧 Building Hope, One Tank at a Time 💧

Today the team began constructing a water tank for a wonderful family — and what a special day it was.

With the help of two brilliant fundis, including the very experienced Ezekiel, we started the process step by step: preparing the base, laying the foundations and carefully building the structure by hand. It’s skilled, physical work — and a real team effort.

The whole family joined in to help. We were surrounded by children, dogs and puppies, a cow, ducks and chickens — full village life all around us 🐓🐄🐶

Right now, this family walks 30 minutes to collect water from a small, unclean pond near a busy road. When this tank is finished, they will have safe water right outside their home.

And in true Tanzanian hospitality, the father picked the most enormous limes from his tree as a gift to say thank you — despite having so little, he still wanted to give. That generosity says everything. 🍋💛

We’ll return in a couple of weeks to paint and complete the tank — but already you can see the difference it will make.

So heartwarming. So worthwhile. 💚

18/02/2026

🌍 Lake View is really taking shape…

Seeing this project in person is even more impressive than the photos. It’s enormous — and absolutely breathtaking. The perfectly aligned arches frame the most incredible view across Mara Bay 🌊

But what’s just as powerful as the finished structure is the process behind it.

The scaffolding is built from slim tree trunks, batons and wooden planks. Every single concrete block is handmade on site — then carried up, often on the heads of our amazing women workers. I tried lifting one myself and couldn’t even get it above my chest. The strength and resilience here is something else.

Now the roof trusses are going up and you can really see the vision coming together. Brick by brick. Beam by beam.

So proud of the team making this happen. 💛

Address

London

Telephone

+447932052490

Website

http://www.gomakeadifference.co.uk/

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