Ilula Orphan Program -- Tanzania

I volunteered at Ilula Orphan Program (IOP) in the Iringa Region in Southwest Tanzania for two months during the summer of 2011. I stayed in the orphanage and helped teach English and math at the local schools, organized sporting events for local children, and held day camps at the villages around IOP. I am so fortunate United Planet has a partnership with such an amazing program. I felt very safe traveling and living at IOP -- it is a gated facility with a guard 24/7. On weekends, we would travel to the local town of Iringa where we would eat lunch out, and use the internet to contact our families. IOP is also an incredible program -- I really felt like I made an impact, and I really connected with the girls who lived at the orphanage. It was an absolutely amazing way to experience the unique Tanzanian culture. Although I stayed for 8 weeks, I stayed an extra week; visiting the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar and Sleous Game Reserve for a safari. I highly recommend this incredible program!!!