Amy’s Medical Volunteer Mission To Tanzania

When I first started University, I took an International Development course, which was a two semester course. The reason I took this course, was because I had questions. Things I did not understand about the world, and why the countries had the issues they had, and why each countries issues were all so different, so I took this course as an elective, to hopefully gain more understanding, and insight. It was a very enlightening, and eye-opening experience for me. I was beginning to learn and understand why each country had its issues, and why it seemed to anyone not involved, or ever been exposed, that not much was being done, or why what seemed as simple solutions, were not being implemented. I began to understand that the solutions were not so simple.

Where do we begin? Where do we invest our money? Normal questions everyone thinks, when they learn about conditions in impoverished areas abroad. Why don’t people just give them food, people are starving to death? But, there are so many people, how can we decide who gets what, if there isn’t enough to go around? Ok, let’s help them get jobs, so they can make money? Well, then there needs to be industry for them to have jobs and people with money for these industries to stay stable in an economy, and people will need to be educated on how to work. Ok, then why don’t we educate them? Should we spend any money we do have to help on educating people, when people are starving to death, and dying of medical disease and illness that can be prevented and/or treatable? Ok, then let’s treat them medically….and the cycle goes on, and on. From this I realized there is no one right answer, but it all needs to be developed as a whole, and if everyone gave a little, it could make a big difference.

Also, one of our required readings for the course was “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. This was also a very eye-opening read, as it indicates clearly that many of these cultures around the world don’t want the Westernized influence, and want their ways of life respected. Also, it clearly points out how in ways it destroyed their lives and created a divide in the country. So, it is important to help where we can, but still be respectful of people’s wishes and culture.

Also, throughout the years, I have been very lucky to have met so many people from all over the world, different backgrounds, different stories, different cultures, so many fascinating difference, that it only made me more curious, and more interested in want to get out in the world more, and make an impact anyway that I can.

Well, after 10 years of work and study, I have finally been gifted with the skills and knowledge to contribute to the best of my ability, and I ask for any contribution possible from anyone able, to help make this happen. I know that every little bit that anyone can do, can make an impact in making this world a better place, and function more successfully as a whole, and I know not everyone has the time, or the resources to give, so I ask if financially there is a possibility to be a part of this experience with me, and helping to make it happen can be just as rewarding as being able to go help yourself. If this is possible, then I ask to please, help me give what I can. Any help to make this happen, is just as valuable as me being there and physically helping. This is something I am really hoping I will be able to begin doing on a regular bases, throughout my life, travelling to impoverished areas throughout the world, and providing medical care, when and where I can.

I have chosen to go to Tanzania, in Africa, for my first trip. And, although I know there are so many impoverished areas throughout the world, even in our own backyards, and I know there are some very well thriving countries, cities and areas throughout Africa, for some reason, Africa has always been a country I have always wanted to help out, visit, and experience. Also, throughout the years, I have been blessed with having many African friends and meeting many people from this country, and they are all such beautiful, intelligent, kind, and some of the most giving people I have ever met. I’m sure I will choose others in the future, as I said, there are many countries in need of help, but this time, Africa is where I want to be.

So, all that being said, for me to be able to go and work at the hospital for 2 weeks, I have to raise $1500 USD, which works out to be close to $1750 CDN and $1200 Euros. The hospital, in rural Tanzania, where I'm going to is an incredible facility that Drs and surgeons, from all over the world, and volunteer their time to provide cost less life saving care and procedures to those unable to pay for necessary care. It's incredible, and I'm honoured to be able to be a part of this, as they generally only allow Drs to come for 3 months, or more. Unfortunately, 2 weeks is the most time I can volunteer at this time, and I am so happy they will welcome me for the limited time I have available

If possible, please donate what is reasonable, any donation great or small is appreciated. Even if it’s $1, I appreciate it, because $1 from 2000 people can make this happen. The date is set for March 2020, hopefully, this provides me with enough time to do the necessary fund raising to be able to fund this before that time.

Thank for all support in advanced <3