Medical Volunteering in Tanzania

          Hi everyone! Over the last few months I have seen many exciting Facebook updates, blogs, and pictures of friends who have studied abroad and are clearly having the time of their lives. If you have spent any time around me lately you would know that I too was excited to study abroad this summer in hopes to travel Europe and make lasting memories. Like most I would consider studying abroad a once in a lifetime experience which includes meeting new people from around the world while placing yourself outside your comfort zone and immersing yourself in many different cultures. There is no doubt in my mind that studying abroad would positively impact my life the same way it has for my friends however, as I sat filled out applications for multiple programs across Europe my heart pulled me in a different direction. Although studying abroad would be highly beneficial to me for many reasons I felt like I would be missing something from the experience. After many days of feeling this way I decided that if at all possible I wanted to make a positive impact on the people of the country I decided to travel to; to me this would be a once in a lifetime experience. These ideas led to many google searches which landed me on the website of an international volunteering organization. After looking at many volunteer programs across the world I came across one in Tanzania, Africa. To be honest I didn't even know where Tanzania was but after reading the program description I knew it would be perfect for me.

          After applying to the program and waiting for what felt like months, I was accepted into the medical volunteer program in Tanzania. Like many African countries, Tanzania faces a huge shortage of health care workers. Low pay, poor working conditions and limited training programs all contribute to the problem. The rising burden of HIV/AIDS treatment greatly amplifies the situation. Unfortunately, health standards in Tanzania have declined so much that it trails most other developing nations. They need help.

          My peers and I are very privileged to be attending college and living in a country where our medical needs amongst other basic necessities are right at our fingertips. I definitely take for granted what millions of people around the world don't have, which is why I decided that I wanted to  spend the month of June in Tanzania working in the primary health facility in the city of Arusha, Tanzania. This program is made up of all volunteers who rely 100% on donations to keep the program running. I am asking if you could please donate any amount of money to help me on my journey. All the donations will go directly to the program and will be used in the medical facilities in Tanzania. With your help I can make a difference in this struggling country. Thank you so much for your support!

                                                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                                             Kyle Petrone