Testimonials

I can see a whale!

Samantha Sutherland (Jan/Feb 2008)

I worked with a team of seven other volunteers for the LTT in Babati, northern Tanzania.  The task was to build animal pens at Waangwaray primary school so that the children, with the help of a dedicated farm manager, could learn the rudiments of animal husbandry.

We built a cow pen for six cows, a goat shed for six goats, a duck shed, a chicken shed and a fodder store.  We also helped renovate the teachers' accommodation and decorate the kindergarten classroom.  The work was satisfying in that we could see that it was directly relevant to the children's welfare, and that it would have lasting benefits.

I have a lasting memory of the spontaneity of the children, their greetings, smiles and laughter.  From time to time, whole classes joined in the labour for a short while, bringing lengths of timber, sacks of sand, or other materials.  They would usually finish with a song, encouraging us to join in.

The project was well organised and thought out, and I'm pleased to have been part of it.  I have a secret wish to go back in about three years, to see the whole thing up and running.  Who knows?

Pete Webb

"I had so much fun on this project . it was very fulfilling to see our school go from the foundations to a built, plastered and painted classroom in just 6 weeks. It is amazing to feel part of the community and to play football with the locals and visit their homes and play with the kids in kindergarten."

"Working on the project has been one of the best fun and most rewarding experiences of my life. The local community all made us feel so welcome teaching us their customs and inviting us into their homes. It is something I'd thoroughly recommend and would love to be part of again."

"It has been the most incredible 6 weeks, not only through the work that we have done but with the community who have been so generous inviting us to their houses and teaching us to dance. All the new people and things we have done have made this an unforgettable experience."

"I have had an absolutely fantastic 6 weeks working with the local community to build a classroom and teachers office. It has been so much fun working with a team in order to serve the community. It has been an experience of a lifetime, so many lovely people and lots of fun and games.  Something I'd definitely do again soon."

"The past 6 weeks have been one of the best experiences of my life, meeting all the people here, who are so friendly and generous, has been incredibly enlightening. Of one my most fond moments was playing football with the local Waangwaray team and then having to shelter in someones house because of the torrential rain. Now that the classroom and the fish pond have been completed and the field on the farm has been planted with maize and pigeon peas everyone is very thankful towards us and it is a great feeling to have helped them in such a way. I will never forget my time here with all the people and the children and I hope one day I will be able to return. "

"These  6 weeks at Waangwaray school have been an absolutely experience - we've all been completely overwhelmed by how the community have embraced us, to the extremes of giving us regular dance lessons, inviting us for meals and frequent homes visits and giving a number of us a starting position in the local football team for the big derby. As we are preparing to leave, I am realising how much I am going to miss the characters at the school. Rose John, imposing head teacher with a heart of gold, Mr Marceli the chief farmer with his toothy grin and of course Mr Mmfalme, the elderly school cook with whom we've all fallen in various degrees of love. Aside from all the sentimental stuff, there is also a massive sense of achievement, seeing our school house take shape ad knowing we ar really contributing to the long term education prospects f all the fantastic kids at the school. A really valuable few weeks that I feel privileged to have been part of. Safi" (thank you in Swahili)

"The last 6 weeks have gone so quickly. I can't believe we have managed to build a whole classroom. It has been amazing living in the community rather than being a tourist and I can't believe how generous and friendly everyone has been. The children are happy and friendly and have made our time here so memorable. I am definitely going to miss it."

"My trip in Africa has been eventful and emotional. It was amazing to see the wonderful views Tanzania has to offer from the top of Mt Kwaraa in Babati, to the flare of the sun setting over Lake Babati, knowing hippos were only meters away. Seeing children swarm as you take a picture and what to see what they look like, or making a sports day, with a severe lack of communication, work.  Playing football for an African village side is an experience I will not forget. The goodbye ceremony was very emotion and I don't think I will ever forget it."

"With only one day left in Babati, Tanzania, I cannot help but think back over how amazing the last 6 weeks have been. I have helped build a school, survived on a diet of beans and rice, struggled to come to terms with my American heritage and most importantly, I have been lucky enough to meet and befriend a community of incredible, selfless and vibrant people ranging in ages from 3 to 83. While I am sure that they will not remember me in several years time, I can honestly say that my experience here in Babati, with Quest Overseas and the Livingstone Tanzania Trust and the Waangwaray school has been something that I will never forget."