Help me become the change you want to see in the world!

Alexis Kramer Start Date: Mar 12, 2018 - End Date: Jul 31, 2018
  • Arusha, Tanzania

My Travel Story

by: Alexis Kramer Start Date: Mar 12, 2018 - End Date: Jul 31, 2018
Hey Everyone! 
My name is Alexis and this September and October I am taking a long trip to the beatiful Arusha, Tanzania where my best friend and I will be working as women's shelter activist. Helping young girls and women who are fighting against discrimination and violence.

Through the Pippi House Foundation - we will be caring for homeless girls and young women and their children. The foundation runs a women's shelter, where more than 50 girls and women between the ages of 12 and 24 are cared for together with their children. They are all given the opportunity to attend school or to get an education depending on their age. Pippi House Foundation exists to provide shelter, food, safety and psychological support to the vulnerable women and children of Tanzania. The girls at Pippi have been removed from unimaginable situations of exploitation, sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence, forced marriage, commercial trafficking, prostitution, homelessness and extreme poverty. All girls and young mothers can get medical assistance, counselling and advocacy. The plan is that all girl go to school, finish their education and start vocational training as tailor, hair dresser or supporting the Pippi House itself.

What I will be doing as a volunteer include but are not limited too... 
Teaching English and mathematics, tutoring, creating sporting and handcraft programs in the afternoons, plan and coordinate fun and social activities for the girls, offer cooking classes, teach computer skills, provide health and education services, support administrative tasks, improve and maintain the website, do marketing, fundraising and much more.

I am a dedicated volunteer who has over the years loved to contribute as much as I can to the community around me. I believe that every person in the world has the right to equal opportunity, safety, security and freedom. I want to be able to in anyway possible contribute to that growth. I have a passion for change and making change! This opportunity would be great for me to step outside of my own country and contribute to the international world. I want to help make a difference, build new friendships, learn about new cultures, ideas and languages. As women we are strong, powerful and beautiful beings on both the inside and out. Forging new connections with others around me helps us all feel connected. I am currently finishing up my history undergraduate degree and have done a minor in gender studies and world religions. I would love to learn more and apply any skills and knowledge I have learned in the real world. I am also looking forward to what others will teach me as we help each other. My best friend and I are determined to take this journey together to make change, new connections and friendships along the way! As we just passed international women's day it gives us the opportunity to really think about the women around near us and afar. How far we have come and how much more we still have yet to go before all of us can feel that security and comfort we all deserve. My many experiences over my lifetime so far have shaped the person I am today and I am always looking for new ways to grow to be better. I am ready to do that with this new exciting journey!
  • Arusha, Tanzania