Tanzania 13/14 3 Months!!

Hello Everyone!

Serving in another county less fortunate has always been something I felt prompted to do, with currently no personal commitment holding me back I thought now was the perfect opportunity. In December I will be serving for three months, teaching English at a Government school in a village nearby Arusha in Tanzania, Africa.

The average adult in Tanzania (a statistic of 68%) lives on less than $1.25 AUD per day – In Australia we have a statistic of less than 1% living off that amount. 30 million people are in severe poverty in Tanzania alone, not to mention the rest of the countries within Africa.

Speaking for myself along with many others I know, I can personally say that growing up I was given anything I wanted. My room was always full of toys, closet full of new clothes and always fed (if not over fed) whenever I needed – things that every Australian child takes advantage of. A life like this would seemingly be a dream for the beautiful children that I will be spending my time with.

It has taken me a long time to come to realise the true importance and perspective of things that truly matter in this world. For years I personally, along with many other Australians I know; lived filled with a sense of entitlement and greed. Growing up in today’s world can be hard and if you are not strong enough to block out the unnecessary, superficial and fake expectations. Sex, alcohol, drugs, body image and media are just some of the social pressures placed on nearly every teenager in Australia. Speaking from the perspective of someone who has been emotionally consumed by all of these social pressures, it can be very hard and takes a long time to get your head back into the right focus and clarity.

I have been planning my trip for a few months now, but only last week while I was discussing my trip over morning tea with some of my managers; their train of thought really inspired me into how this small trip could benefit with more than just my service of teaching. I contacted Colgate who is happy to donate 300 tooth brushes and tooth paste for me to take to the village. Initially my plan was to be spending just 4 weeks over in Tanzania. But by my constant research and heart-warming fascination of their culture, language and their way of life; I would really feel blessed to stay for much longer. At the moment I have just started working two jobs, which brings me to a 52 hour work week. With the costs of living out of home and saving everything I can, my budget still comes out tight. At the moment I only have enough to afford my volunteer trip alone - not to mention the funds I would love to use to help support the children and the village.

Please help me with the funds needed to reach my goal. Not only would this trip hopefully make a world of difference for the children I will be teaching - in return I know that they will open my eyes, warm my heart and change my outlook on life. I am so excited for this experience and at the moment. Please help me give the opportunity to help a community screaming for change and hope.

Thank you so much xoxox