Why did you decide to volunteer with YCI in Tanzania?
Matthew: I was entering the last semester of my studies and didn't have any employment opportunities lined up immediately following, so I decided to take the summer off and travel. I did some research with different volunteer groups and came across Youth Challenge International. They're goals and projects aligned with my personal values and goals, so I decided to apply. I've always wanted to travel in Africa and the Tanzania project fit into my timelines very well, so I went for it.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Matthew: I would wake up every day at about 6am (along with the roosters and mosques), I would eat breakfast (fresh papaya, mandazi, coffee) and read my book. At about 7:30am I would walk to the office, which was about 30 minutes away. Our time spent in the office was variable. We would either plan lessons for the classes we taught at the Umoja Centre, plan International Youth Day or make appointments with other NGOs focused on youth.
Around 1200pm we would walk 15 minutes to the daladala stand and catch our daladala to the Umoja Centre, where we would eat lunch (rice, beans, bananas, ugali) with the students. We'd spend an hour and a half in the afternoons with the students teaching them a lesson in Health, Environmental Sustainability or Civics. Some days we'd also work on our Community Outreach projects, which gave the students an opportunity to assess their communities and brainstorm volunteer projects that may help solve the problem. We'd leave the Umoja Centre around 4pm and catch our daladalas home. The evenings were spent with our host families, eating great meals, chatting or playing cards.
What made this volunteer experience unique and special?
Matthew: This experience was unique and special because of the students that we met. These students did not have a lot of money and needed sponsors in order to attend the Umoja Centre. What they may have lacked in funds, they all had in dreams, goals and spirit. Frequently we were invited into their homes and villages to meet their families or go to their church. Hanging out with the students after work or on the weekends was eye opening and was my favourite part of the entire trip.
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Matthew: It has given me perspective on international development. I know that I would one day like to go back to Arusha, Tanzania and I will be a supporter of youth focused NGOs in the future.