….Everything…happens for a reason.
This post is written from the depths of my heart…I do sincerely believe that everything happens for a reason…my friends/family here at home and in Tanzania are part of a larger picture that I plan to immerse myself to make the very best of what can emerge. I now share with you the journey of Tanzania…
First I will share my admiration and respect for Mama Mrema, an individual who is making such a significant social impact in the world, whom I was fortunate to cross paths with at this time of life. Mama, Director of WEECE (Women Education and Economic Center) is a fiery women with a heart of gold (just as my mom was in her life). Mama’s spirituality was sobering and helped me to personally gain clarity and a better understanding of the contradictions in the cycles of dysfunction and helped to affirm the actions to building true self-empowerment, the core of MyPOP’s work. I did my best to serve her needs for the past three weeks and to offer my insights when asked for. What we accomplished was a friendship and understanding, which we can now formulate into a plan of action.
What we were able to achieve:
- Village visits, tours and introductions
- Interviews with women business owners supported by WEECE
- MyPOP print workshop
- Assisted in set-up of new kitchen sponsored by a group of supporters
- Drafted/painted kitchen mural
- Proposal preparation for urgent need
- Assisted with administration
- Assisted with conversational English
Volunteering was intimidating and frightening at times as I was overwhelmed by what I felt I couldn’t do before convincing myself to focus on what I could offer. The humbling experience allowed me to prioritize and I understand how I can best use my skills to be of service.Cross Cultural Solutions, my host organization, was a very successful experience and provided the bridge to my connection with WEECE. I recommend CCS as a credible and well-established organizer for a first-time volunteer experience and encourage future volunteers to scout out sponsorships to help assist with the fees.
My advice to those considering volunteering is this:
- If you haven’t already, adopt a mentality of listening and learning – golden rule: LISTEN MORE – TALK LESS. Remember you are there to share, not direct.
- Spend time observing and engaging in discussions about those you are working with.
- Be selfless in your actions and be there to serve where it is needed.
- Politeness, creativity and enthusiasm will go along way.
- Outline your goals before your departure as this will provide a framework for both you and the individuals you are there to serve.
- Be natural…you may feel the obligation to try and be something that you are not…remain patient and deliberate as time will help get you into your groove.
Remarks about moving forward:
I want to extend a thank-you to those of you who have followed the journey, as I feel we are on this together. In the next few days and months my objectives and follow-through will be revealed, including a select variety of initiatives and projects. I will say again that I have tremendous admiration for Mama Mrema. She is a visionary and has made tremendous strides in helping her sisters and brothers of Tanzania. I believe in her and her initiatives have helped to sustain dramatic improvements for the lives of some of those who need it most.
As a sensual person, I have already missed and will continue to miss the sounds, smells and sites of my recent experiences the most. The sounds of Mama’s belly laugh and her insightful tone in the words she shared. I will miss the bumpy roads while piled into a small truck sharing stories and jokes with friends. I will miss hearing the dogs barking and the early morning call to prayer. I have missed the dust and the foreign words of Swahili. I will miss most, the hugs of those that I have already come to love.
Until next time, amani,
Jessey
Photo documentation of journey and initiatives posted on FB
