A diverse group of people have volunteered with GHTA
To read more of our volunteers’ stories, visit our blog www.giveahearttoafrica.blogspot.com
Alison – Canada
The people in the class are SO nice, and they are so happy to see me each day. We have classes Monday to Thursday and I found that on Friday, when we didn’t have class, I missed the students! I’m teaching English and it’s so interesting to think about and learn the best way to teach your native language to others – especially in a way that is relevant to them and their lives. ……I researched over 50 options for volunteering and I’m so glad that I chose GHTA. I really believe my presence here is making a difference in people’s lives. I already know that a month here won’t be enough!
Marianne – England
Unlike other volunteer programmes, when you work with Monika, you are able to contribute from day one, and never feel that you are living in a ‘protected western oasis’. You are immersed in the Tanzanian culture and way of life, and your experience is the richer for that. I love the satisfaction of teaching the students, and watching as the light bulbs go on around the classroom, as what I am teaching them clicks, and they fully understand. Their beaming smiles and the appreciation they clearly feel for what I am doing, will always stay with me as treasured memories.
Stephanie – Canada
This week’s student home visit was exceptionally unique. Siyanga is 21 and one of our brightest students at Give a Heart to Africa. He is also a Massai. He lives in town with some friends so that he can attend school, but his family still lives in their traditional Massai home. Our day was filled with lots of Massai singing and dancing and Herman, Monika, Celine and I couldn’t help but join in. We had a great time. Siyanga’s family speaks Massai so communication was a bit difficult at times. But it was incredible how music was able to connect us all together even though words and language were unable to. I am privileged to have been given an intimate look at Siyanga’s family. I have seen how much they struggle to make ends meet and also how much they sacrifice in order to provide a better life for their son.
Sandy – Greece/USA
My experience with GHTA was an eye opener. I worked as a teacher’s assistant in computer classes, even though computers are not something that usually appeal to me. But one goes to Africa not to choose to do what they want, but to offer whatever help they can. You don’t have a choice when you see all the adult students want to learn as much as they can; you have to help them because they too have dreams and goals, and the only thing that is missing is the education and knowledge to achieve them. And if you offer them all these, they show their appreciation by accepting you into their small world with open arms.I miss the experiences that I gained through volunteering at GHTA. I would strongly recommend it to anyone. I miss the warmth I experienced from all of our students and their families.
Joanna – England
I will never forget my two months at GHTA where I had the privilege of teaching IT skills to a group of amazing individuals. Having already been in Tanzania a month I had, by that time, visited several voluntary projects. To be honest with you, my opinion of them wasn’t great. Both in the way they used volunteers and how donations were spent. On Fridays we had the opportunity to visit the students’ homes. In Western terms they had so little. Often four people could live in one room and share bathroom facilities with the neighbouring community. Yet in real terms they had so much. Even the most hardened individual would melt under the warmth and hospitality they showed us.
Celine – Germany/France
My plan was to stay 4 weeks in Moshi….. But in the end I stayed almost for 3 months. What can I say? I really fell in love with the students, the school, Moshi, just everything!! 2 years ago, I worked for a organization in South Africa. The money I invested in that organization helped finance the swimming pool, cars etc of the director instead of reaching the people who need it. After this experience, I was really skeptical towards help organizations. Give a Heart to Africa showed me that there are still good organizations out there. All the money is invested in the students. My students have found a special place in my heart. I will never forget them and hope to see them again real soon.
Katy – Scotland
Although the first day of teaching English was extremely scary the students couldn’t have been nicer to me! Despite the fact I was nervous and perhaps not making as much sense as I’d have liked to during the first few lessons the pupils remained enthusiastic and keen to learn. By the end of the week I was thoroughly enjoying going to school every morning which was a new experience in itself! I truly believe this is a worthwhile project and the fact that all the funds go directly to the organisation sets it aside from many other NGO’s.
Ave – Malta/Canada
All my life I’ve wanted to go to Africa and volunteer in some capacity. It was fate when one day I saw the posting for volunteer services needed in Tanzania with “Give a Heart to Africa”. I gave my Heart to Africa and it gave me a great deal in return. I am returning to my world a humbler individual cognizant of what I have around me and aware of how grateful one should be that one has had the privilege of being born in a different continent.
