I'm Ilaria, a 24 year old girl, from Italy. I have recently volunteered for Kyosei Foundation. I have been in Tanzania for 5 weeks, from the middle of April to the end of May 2024. It has been an incredible experience which left me unforgettable memories. I have always dreamt about being a volunteer in an African school, and Kyosei Foundation helped me to realize this dream. The school director, Steven, is very professional and he helped me step-by-step in the organization of the experience, we had several calls before my departure. It’s good to be prepared, but you don’t have to worry too much, because there everything will be okay. Marie, Steven’s sister helped me in everythink I needed during my stay. She planned good trips during the weekends, in places that tourists don’t know or where they are used to pay much more money, without a local guide. We went to the hotspring, where I could swim and jump in the water from a liana, as you see in the movies! We went to foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, where local people showed us how to make coffee powder from the coffee beans. We hiked with the nice view of Mount Meru and his waterfalls. We went to a museum where the bones of homo sapiens are preserved! There are a lot of possibilities, and nothing is compulsory, you can choose according to your desires, your time and your budget. Steven helped me planning a Safari with a good agency, in one of the most famous National Park in Africa, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It is a unique occasion to go in the savannah and observe wild animals such as lions, rhino, giraffes... During my stay in Tanzania I was hosted by Steven’s family, in a very nice house. It’s situated in the village, not far from the school, I used to walk everyday with Lucie, a volunteer from French. The people are very kind and welcoming, they made me immediately feel at home. I tasted traditional food, and during my spare time I always used to play with the kids, who made me fell much happy. I think that living in a local family is an invaluable opportunity, because you really live like Tanzanian people, learning their habits, their traditions, and a little bit of their language. Swahili is a very interesting one! In the village you can enjoy everyday life in a small reality where you can easily interact with people, who are more than nice, and you will start to fell home. My volunteering experience consisted in teaching computer to the pupils in class 3 (10 years old). I had class three times a week, but during the other days I could do other tasks, like helping the other teachers in exam preparations, or drawing posters for pre-primary school classes. Moreover, with Lucie, I realized the sewing project, which consists of sewing reusable sanitary pads to donate to the girls of the village. I enjoyed a lot taking part to this project, it is incredible to see how much we can do with very little material, just some towels and some fabric. Working with the sewing machine also made me improving a skill that could be also useful in the future! The school is a place that I’m sure will remain forever in my memories. It’s impressive how much the pupils are motivated in studying, they know it’s important for their future and even at 7 years old they dream about going to university! The children are special, I always wanted to play with them during the break, because they used to give me such a strength and a hope for the future, which is unexplainable. What seems like a small effort for us, is so huge for them, and they will never stop saying thank you with a big smile and shining black eyes. I think that there are so many reasons for doing this experience, and everyone can find a new one. But I’m sure you will never get disappointed! If you have any doubt, feel free to contact me. I think that talking with someone who has been there can be helpful in having a clearer idea about the experience. Moreover, it can be useful in sharing personal doubts about every-day life in Tanzania, like I did with Lucie. Thankyou again Kyosei foundation!
Response from Kyosei Foundation
"Ilaria, your review warms our hearts! We're incredibly grateful for your participation and the invaluable contributions you made during your time with us at Kyosei Foundation. Your initiative in organizing and supporting our fundraising efforts was pivotal in sustaining our projects in Tanzania. Moreover, your involvement in teaching computer skills and spearheading the sewing project for reusable sanitary pads showcased your dedication and creativity. The impact you've had on the community is undeniable, and your enthusiasm has left a lasting impression. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!"
Asante sana na Karibu tena Tazania.