Kerry's Trip, 2005
HOW YOU CAN HELP...
Many people
in Tanzania live in dire poverty and struggle to meet their basic needs.
Serious problems face the entire African continent including poverty,
unemployment, gender inequality, and health issues such as HIV/AIDS and
malnutrition. In the summer of 2005 I spent 5 weeks as a volunteer with
Global Service Corps. Being immersed in the everyday life in Tanzania as I
helped teach HIV/AIDS prevention education increased my understanding of how
stunning statistics such as 9% of Tanzanians being HIV positive, are
possible. Behind these abstract numbers are people leading immensely
difficult lives where there is little opportunity to change one’s
circumstances.
And yet, despite not having enough food to eat, clean running water, electricity, appropriate clothing and medical care, the people of Tanzania are joyful and compassionate people. Volunteering in Arusha, Tanzania, I lived with a local family in a village outside of the city. Over the weeks I developed close relationships with the members of this village as they opened their lives and their hearts to me. I have continued to communicate with and work on their behalf not just because of my personal involvement with them but because I believe them to be such good people who are deserving of all that life has to offer, who have so much to teach us and to give if only they were given the chance.
While I recognize that the situation in Africa has no easy solution, I also realize that a little time and effort can make a life-changing difference to an individual life. I am collecting money and supplies for the individuals and organizations I encountered in my trip to Tanzania. Examples of projects I am supporting include continuing education initiatives in the community including funding a college scholarship, start up funds for sustainable small business enterprises, and helping a village-run orphanage. Materials suggested for donation include necessities such as clothes and over the counter medicine and items to bring excitement and maybe a smile. Currently, I am conducting a shoe donation program at running store in Carrboro.
Below is an up to date list of ongoing initiatives, descriptions of the projects and of the people they benefit. Select one that you feel particularly drawn to and donate in any quality or quantity you choose or make a general donation and it will be used appropriately. Over $5,000 has been donated so far. Please assist me in making a small but meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves
Feel free to email me with questions, comments, etc.
Kerry Brewer
502 W. Poplar Ave. Apt E3
Carrboro, NC 27510
919-649-6512
****New Project – Partnered with local running store, Fleet Feet Sports, I have begun to send gently used shoes to Tanzania. There are two ways to help: 1- donate your gently used shoes in the provided bin or 2- make a donation towards shipping the shoes. The costs of shipping to Africa are quite high, around $7 per pair. Because of your generosity, we have collected almost 150 pairs of shoes and raised $325 for shipping. Fleet Feet has chipped in with shipping costs resulting in over 80 pairs of shoes reaching our partner village in Tanzania.
Providing shoes prevents disease transmission, allows people earn more money because it is easier and safer to work and commute, and promotes healthy lifestyles (and a little fun!) by enabling people to exercise and play sports. For some villagers, this is the first pair of shoes they have ever worn.
1- College scholarship for Remmy Shaban: 22 year old girl demonstrating tremendous potential as a public speaker and leader of the women’s community in Tanzania fighting against HIV/AIDS and inequality. She worked for Global Service Corps as my translator at both the day camp and Compassion orphanage. She is knowledgeable, passionate and outspoken. As an orphan since the age of 6 she has struggled to support herself while also attending to her academics and accomplishing her dreams. She is now in her 3rd year at the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania’s best university because of generous donations from my community over the last 2 years.
Her needs:
- money to pay for tuition, books, board, and living expenses while in college ($2000 per year)
2- Start-up costs for small businesses and vocational training: The family I lived with has 6 children all near my age, each with great aspirations but do not have the means to accomplish them. A small amount of money could jump start a money generating, sustainable career
Their needs:
- Glady, 23, is now a preschool teacher but wants to open her own catering business to host local church gatherings and weddings. She needs $300 to attend business school and cooking school at the Arusha vocational college
- Irene, 26, wants to be a secretary to the United Nations at their Tanzania office in Arusha. She has graduated from secretary school but is not adequately trained in English and computer skills. Additional schooling will cost ($400)
- Emanueli, 22, wants to be an artist. Is particularly skilled in oil pastel drawings and pencil cartoons. He would like to attend art school ($500) and buy art supplies ($100).
3- Neighborhood Children in Sakina: My homestay was surrounded on all sides but a shack compound housing over a dozen families each staying in only one room. The children greeted me each day when I returned from the city and although I could not speak their language I formed a quick friendship. Upon observing them, they seemed no different from American children- giggling, running around, playing. However, they do not have sufficient clothing, medicine, or food. Many are sick and malnourished.
Their needs:
- nutritious food- it will be hard to send bulk food but protein or nutrient bars or any kind of concentrated food supplements would be helpful
- medicine- basic over the counter medicine for colds, allergies, fevers. Most have upper respiratory problems.
- toys- the girls love any sort of dolls, small stuffed animals, colorful jewelry of any sort. The boys like cars or small balls to play games. All fun, but small, children’s toys.
** because of shipping costs, a donation towards these materials is recommended. My host family has a bank account that I wire money to who reliably use the money to purchase the materials above locally and disseminate the goods based on my instructions.
4- Compassion: A non-profit organization offering a variety of services to orphaned or extremely impoverished children in Arusha as well as across Tanzania and Kenya. All three members of my homestay family, mentioned above, work at Compassion on weekends. This is how I got involved with speaking to the children about HIV/AIDS. Compassion provides clothing, food, academic and religious education to both children and their parents, and social service type help to over 300 children. Compassion provides these children with a safe haven and gives them the opportunity to succeed.
Their needs:
- classroom supplies- paper and writing utensils are rare and expensive. Also books that could aid in learning English or any school subjects
- secondary school scholarships- primary school (grades 1-7) are free in Tanzania but fees are required beyond completion. In order to get a good job and break the cycle of poverty in each child’s family, Compassion children need to chance to continue their schooling. They are eager to learn and very intelligent. Secondary school is $50 a year.
- field trip funding- Compassion arranges day trips sites across Tanzania to open the eyes of the children to the beautiful national parks and other sites that they would not otherwise see. These trips give the children something to look forward to and make them feel very special.
