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The Tanzania Project 2011

01/09/2011

A lucky group of students have just returned from Africa after spending a fortnight in Tanzania. 35 students studying a variety of A levels and BTEC courses took part in The Tanzania Project which involved building work, tree planting, going on safari and visiting an orphanage.

Staying at The International School in Moshi, the students were able to experience first hand African culture, as well as helping to improve the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children in the local area. “I almost cried listening to the children sing at the school in which we painted, they are so happy with so little” said student Tom Stukings. “It really opened my eyes about the materialistic west.”

The trip was a real eye-opener for the students, including their discovery of the local villages where people live in wooden shacks and eat bananas and corn. “This stuff you normally see in text books, but it really hits you hard when you see it in real life.” Said student and TSU President Luke Baker.

As well as the hard work preparing, sanding and painting classroom walls at the site schools, the students were also able to show their creative side by designing educational murals such as a map of Africa and the digestive system. The trip also included a trek to a waterfall, a culture night and the opportunity to buy locally produced gifts and souvenirs from the nearby villages. “Its only when you look back at what you have done, you realize what a great trip this was.” said student Simon Hunt.

All of the students undertook the building project with outstanding enthusiasm. Trip Leader and Learning Area Manager at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College Kerry Pringle said: “some of the students worked through their lunch breaks to get the project finished. Seeing them doing something worthwhile to enhance their studies is the best feeling a teacher can have.” She continued “Tanzania has definitely changed their lives. It is an experience they will never forget.”

Student Hannah Williams returned from the trip saying: “Tanzania is literally the most rewarding thing I have ever done.”

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