Hujambo!

Hujambo, friends!

Well, it’s finally going to happen! I am going to Africa.

After researching a number of volunteer organizations, I am excited to report that I will be volunteering with Cross Cultural Solutions (CCS), a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, one of the leading organizations in the field of international volunteerism. CCS was founded on the values of shared humanity, respect and integrity. As they say in their literature, CCS has a vision of a world where people value cultures different from their own, are aware of global issues, and are empowered to effect positive change. I have the same vision and I knew this would be a great fit.

Therefore, several weeks ago, I began the formal application process with CCS. I now know that I will be working in Moshi, Tanzania most likely in an orphanage or school, assisting with the care of young children orphaned by aids. It was the pervasive impacts of this disease throughout the African continent that first elicited my desire to help in Africa in some way. And now I am going to get to do it.

For those of you who don’t know, Tanzania is located in East Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique. Tanzania is a coastal country situated just south of the equator, best known for Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa. The official language is Swahili, so I have some serious studying to do if I expect to communicate while I'm there. Like other African countries, the aids epidemic is devastating in Tanzania with over 1.6 Million people affected. Without boring you with statistics, just understanding that the median age in Tanzania is less than 18 years old (as compared to 36 years in the United States) clearly shows the devastating impact this disease has had on the population. Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world, dependent for a large part on sustenance farming but is also blessed with beautiful natural features and what we would consider exotic wildlife. I can’t wait.

One key aspect of the CCS program is that each of us are expected to fundraise to help cover program and volunteer costs. Along with finishing up my last semester here at Drexel, I now have that challenge ahead of me. According to CCS, the fee that I am expected to raise is part of my contribution to international volunteerism. I have been asked by family and friends to explain why I need to pay to volunteer. In reality, I have discovered that volunteering in a developing country is very expensive. Just the cost of transportation to get there is significant. The policy of CCS is to ask its volunteers to assist in securing the necessary funds, thereby expanding the potential reach of the program. The money that I am asked to raise covers operating costs of the program, including recruiting as well as preparing, sending, training, and supporting me during my time in Africa.

Today I will begin soliciting the help of my family and friends in my fundraising efforts. I will also look to corporate sponsorship, scholarships through my University, and various fundraising events. I don't have much time, I better get busy!

As I go through this preparation and while in Africa, I plan on using this blog as a journal of this experience. I imagine I will discover a great deal about the world and the role, however small, each of us can play in making it a better place to live. I welcome your questions and comments and will try to answer them as I move forward.

By the way, humjambo is Swahili for “how are you”? Along with Hakuna matata (“there are no worries”), which we all learned from the Lion King, these are the only two phrases of Swahili that I know so far. Stay tuned and we will both learn more.