I have made it past the first step by being accepted into the program. For the next 4 ½ months I will be completing the second stage of preparation for the project. Along with raising the money to cover the costs incurred during my involvement overseas, I am also expected to acquire essential field project related skills such as first aid, learning Swahili, learning about Tanzania, and development issues within the country.

The third stage is actually going to Africa for the 8 week period. We arrive in the capital of Tanzania with a group of 6-8 volunteers (from Canada and other countries) to do an intensive 3-4 day in-country orientation. The group is then split into two teams, with one going to Zanzibar (a more touristy island off the coast) and the other to Morogoro (quieter, inland, at the base of mountains). During the project I will live and work with the team either together sharing a house, or we will each be billeted with a local family. Our main goals while we are there are to educate the community about HIV/AIDS, women empowerment, youth empowerment, and employability.

More updates to come,
Katie.