Maasai Cultural Immersion - Volunteering to make a change

Valerie Alley Start Date: Feb 18, 2023 - End Date: Jun 17, 2023
  • Tanzania

My Travel Story

by: Valerie Alley Start Date: Feb 18, 2023 - End Date: Jun 17, 2023
Hello! My name is Valerie Alley, I retired in April 2021 after 40+ years of work.   In 2000, at the age of 40 I took the opportunity to attend university. Prior to going to university I wasn’t completely sure what it was that I loved and brought me joy. I have always loved to travel, and experience new cultures and people.  I soon discovered that these interests were perfectly matched with the study of Anthropology and Sociology…. I had finally found my passion.   I undertook and completed my studies with the University of Saskatchewan and received my certification for English second language teaching.  

Now that I have retired, I am able to combine my passions--travel, new people and culture, and assisting with English language teaching.   During the pandemic I have had ample time to research and find opportunities to further my interests.

In May 2023, I will be traveling to Tanzania.   The home of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Maasai, a place of mystery and beauty.  With the assistance of IVHQ Canada, I will be living in Makuyuni Village, a local Masaai community approximately 1.5 hours south west of Arusha.   During my days off in Tanzania, I will be doing cultural activities, safaris.


What does this mean?   The Maasai Immersion is a holistic project where I will have the opportunity to take part in various activities according to my interests and the help needed at the time.  These include the opportunities to participate in the following:
  • Agriculture - a far with daily work to protect plants and produce utilizing organic methods and manual labour.
  • Childcare and teaching - there is a local English medium school 
  • Cows and goats - there are plenty of goats and cattle that require daily care, including  milking every morning to provide food for the school and volunteers.
  • Bead making - learning and assisting the women and their projects.  Working on business plans and development
  • Construction projects -- always happening, maybe a new school building, a new boma (hut) or repairs to animal shelters.
I have no idea where I will fit, or what I will learn.  I do know that I will definitely be a different person at the end of my program.   This opportunity in Tanzania gives me the chance to be a more informed, empathetic person.  I believe travel is a privilege, and I hope to be able to make a small difference to others while learning more about the world and people I meet along the way.


  • Tanzania

Updates

1

  • Tarangire National Park Safari.

    Tarangire National Park Safari.
    https://youtu.be/Wninf5kxnLw

    I will be visiting this area at the end of the wet season… it will be lovely to see the lush green of Africa…in the past it has always been during the dry season.
    ,,,

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