HIV/AIDS Education in Tanzania

Emma Klein Start Date: Mar 28, 2014 - End Date: Apr 26, 2014
  • Tanzania

My Travel Story

by: Emma Klein Start Date: Mar 28, 2014 - End Date: Apr 26, 2014
Hi all! I'm trying to fundraise money so that this summer I can go to Tanzania with the organization Support for International Change. This organization sends volunteers to rural areas of Tanzania to work as HIV/AIDS educators. Because I'm very interested in infectious disease and it's spread, as well as in humanitarian work, I am very passionate about participating in this program. 

I've always been interested in international travel, and this opportunity allows me to experience that intimately in the context of volunteering with a cause I feel passionately about. Because I am interested in a potential career in public/global health, I feel that taking advantage of this opportunity will allow me to see the effects of what I could be doing at an early phase. Additionally this will help me cultivate an understanding for different cultures that would not be experienced in a traditional vacation setting. There is a lot for me to learn about people, humanity, culture, global health, and independence on this trip and I do not want to miss out on this opportunity.

Some program specifics are as follows:
Before departure, I will attend pre-field sessions here in Claremont to introduce me to Tanzanian culture, Swahili, and some of the biological and cultural issues surrounding AIDS in this region. Upon arrival, I will spend about 10 days in Arusha doing orientation activities, at which time I will be placed in a village with 2-3 other volunteers and 2 native Tanzanians who will act as our teaching partners. I will spend about 5 weeks in my assigned village teaching classes to both children and adults, as well as planning community awareness and testing days. I will also have roughly a week of time for travel, during which I would like to try to summit Kilimanjaro.

This program lasts from May 31 to July 24.

My school has generously provided grant funding for me to undertake this opportunity, so I am able to pay the program fee. However, I still need to buy an international flight and money for a few miscellaneous expenses including vaccinations and travel insurance.

Thank you for contributing!

If you have any questions you can contact me at emmak2013@gmail.com
  • Tanzania

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