Muscles have been discovered that we didn’t know we all had, and strengths we didn’t know about, have come to the fore also.

Most work included movement – of bricks, of sand, of gravel, of rocks. Equipment is basic but useful, and in reasonably good supply. Lots of reuse and sharing of tools – with some learning to use a pick and hoe and shovel for the first time, and using them with great effort.

It was good to stand back and see the results after a period of time – even though we felt it was taking forever to achieve anything at the time.

What was even better was when the kids of the school joined our lines and helped. Then games were played and faces were expressive, as laughter was shared across the cultures. Language lessons eased the tedium of the manual labour and time passed quickly.

A soccer game on the second day proved really popular, and the speed of the local students was amazing.

Can you also imagine a spontaneous game of ‘Duck, duck, goose’ with a wide circle of beaming faces – both ours and theirs? (This in the midst of the soccer field – where the macarena was also taught….) Locals were good at catching, and tried so hard to do their fastest run around the circle. Little acrobats showed how they could somersault, and we also tried a few cartwheels to match them.

Days of hard yakka and thoughtful reflection. Satisfied but weary faces at days end. Teamwork and laughter shines through. Friendships firmed across cultures and within the travelling group. This is Tanzania.

This is Deo (pronounced: ‘DAY-OH’) and the main activity we shared involved me pushing him around in his little red car. It was amazing how quickly time flew by, but I still remember specific moments from my experience, such as: Deo reaching for a little plastic triangle on the ground and smiling broadly when I gave it to him, his imitations of me when I put the triangle on my nose, ear or near my eye, his impatience when I stopped pushing and his joy when I kept going.

Of course, these are only memories that I have of the orphanage; some students held infants in their arms, others played with the toddlers and their toys, and some just gently cradled newborn babies in their laps. In any case, each student who went on the trip has their own unique story to tell. In any case, each student who went on the trip has their own unique story to tell. However, we all shared in one particular moment of intense sadness; as our bus was starting to leave, Deo came to the door of the orphanage and watched us go with the most heart-wrenchingly anguished face I have ever seen. 

This image will remain with me forever as I have a personal connection to both the photo and the child in it. Whenever I look at the picture, I still feel the absolute sadness I felt on that day. Our visit to the orphanage, while short-lived, obviously meant the world to these children, who have no visitors nor anybody to love them – except the three ladies who work there for the equivalent of the cost for a bottle of Coke a day.

Their facilities are extremely basic, with 2-3 toddlers or babies to a cot and no proper refrigeration. Most of the orphans have disabilities (physical or mental) and have a heightened susceptibility to common diseases and illnesses. It is saddening to see such unavoidable low standard of living in Africa, but there are ways in which we can help break the perpetual cycle of poverty.  

Our school has been actively involved in fundraising activities for this orphanage, and is fortunate to be able to send comparatively large sums of money to support these orphans and their carers. However, as only first-hand experience can teach, I learned that time spent is just as great, if not a greater gift, as money spent. The proof that I experienced of this was simply the heart-warming smile of an African orphan called Deo. 

Obviously, not everyone is able to visit an African orphanage directly, but one’s spirit of willingness can go out in the form of donations or by raising awareness of such poor conditions. To be an active member of our world today can only shape your character for good. There are almost innumerable orphanages in Africa that all desperately need help, so it is up to those who can help (anyone and everyone) to aid them in their struggle to expand and grow - to help children like Deo. 

My challenge to you is this:

Think about the unnecessary things that your money is spent on. Contrast this against your giving for the benefit of others. What are you really doing to help?

Posted for Stefan (nicknamed ‘Steerfahn’ during the trip)

Another very important consideration in planning is the fundraising activities that contribute to CAS projects visited over the last years in Tanzania. For example, a recent BBQ was specifically for the Tanzanian orphanage that we visit, as we feel that we should contribute needed funds rather than just turn up and visit. And there will be lots of projects continuing through the year, so keep an eye out for posters and activities around the school.

Many thanks to all those who have supported past fundraisers, for both the Tanzania and the Congo projects, in any way – these are great examples of school community efforts reaching out to assist those less well off around our globe.

As part of a year-long project, participating students will learn about Tanzania – its people, history and culture; fundraise before the trip to provide funds for any special project(s); participate in some hard labour in surrounding community projects; and experience the challenges of life in a country far different from Australia.

A bonus for the travellers will be the opportunity to ‘get up close and personal’ to some of Africa’s wildlife while on safari, and to marvel at God’s creation in the unfamiliar lands of Tanzania. A challenge for many will be to take part in the trek to Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge and a mountain climb of Mount Meru, in Arusha National Park.

For now, the planning and preparations are really gearing up, as we consider the enormity of the trip, work on fundraising ideas, wonder how we will best prepare both body and mind, and question how we might possibly fit what we need into the set baggage allowance?

Perhaps it’s time to listen to those  who have gone before us? It’s definitely time to listen to the experts? What comments could they pass on to help?

Here, the students will engage in service projects, alongside students from Switzerland and Dubai, upgrading a school for blind students. In addition, they will spend time in at least one orphanage, as well as attending a church service.

Following this, the group will safari to Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge, and then trek up Mt Meru to 3800m to watch the sun rise over Mt Kilimanjaro.  Whilst in Moshi, they will be meeting with Pastor Muhindo Isesomo who coordinates our service projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

We look forward to hearing about their experiences on their return.