GODFREY'S CHILDREN

A Project of Hope

The African Regional Youth Initiative and Godfrey's Children are working in collaboration to provide internship programs for professionals and students.

UPDATE: Godfrey's Children has recieved 3 volunteers and expecting 3 more by summer 2004. Two of the volunteers, Joe and Clare, will work with us for 6-9 months in Tanzania. Below is an article from them on their experiences in Tanzania.

JOE AND CLARE IN TANZANIA

We are two British University graduates volunteering for Godfrey’s Children, and now living for six months in Idweli, Tanzania.

Having completed our University studies in the summer of 2002 we wanted to make the most of thinks by going travelling to see the world and experience different cultures. As part of our travels we wanted to spend six months or so as volunteers for a charity to offer our help to those who need it, and to be part of something really worthwhile. We came across Godfrey's Children and were delighted when they said they would love to have us volunteer in Idweli to help with a project to build a children’s centre for AIDS orphans.

Initial thoughts about flying direct to Tanzania were over-ruled one night in an English pub, when our thirst for adventure outweighed our better judgement and we decided to cycle to Africa! We set off from Joe’s parents house in the North of England on 11th March 2003 having spent six months saving up the money to keep us going.

The experience was incredible – a journey from England to Morocco, via France, Spain and Portugal. It took about four and a half months; arriving by ferry in the Moroccan port of Tangier on 25th July, and we cycled over 8000 kilometers!!

We carried all our equipment on the bikes, cycled an average of 70-80 km per day, wild camped most nights in forests or village greens having gained permission from the locals, saw the most amazing scenery, and met some wonderful people. The trip in its entirety was probably the most challenging thing we have ever done, but also, the most rewarding.

After arriving in Morocco we embarked on a month long tour of the country – mainly by bus, but with bikes in tow. We had met on a Scientific Expedition to Morocco in the summer of 1998, and really enjoyed the chance to return to old haunts, and also explore new places.

When in Morocco we booked a flight to Tanzania, which had a three-day stopover in Cairo, Egypt. We made the most of our time there by seeing the spectacular pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.

We arrived in Dar es Salaam at the beginning of September; had a few days relaxation on tropical Zanzibar Island, and headed for Idweli near Mbeya. Unfortunately, en-route we had a bag stolen containing passports, money, cameras….. all our valuable items. Still, on arrival in Mbeya we were well cared for and after a few days found ourselves amongst friends in our new home of Idweli.

We have been in Idweli for almost four months now, and have been warmly welcomed by the villagers and Godfrey’s Children. We are both teaching at the local Primary and Secondary schools, and are involved in the construction of the children’s centre and other community projects.

We are really grateful to Godfrey’s Children and the local community for their hospitality and kindness, and for the opportunity they have given us. We will leave Idweli at the end of February to continue our travels, but will remember out time here fondly.

Claire Brett and Joe Murray

December 2003