I was recently presented with an incredible opportunity to do an internship with an NGO in Tanzania, East Africa. It appeared to be another one of my idealistic dreams until this past weekend, when I went to a meeting about it and everything became REAL. I started thinking, "I could do this, I should do this!" and soon I was saying "I will do this!"
If everything checks out, God willing, I will move to Tanzania for three months after I finish school in April. But I'm not quite sure where I'll be going exactly. I have the choice of staying in Dar es Salaam - a megacity on the coast of the Indian Ocean, or Arusha - a more rural city inland, very close to Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Kenyan border. Naturally, I would choose the more rural setting. However, my decision is not just about location, but about my intern placement.
After doing some research, I have about four options:
1) Haven of Peace Academy (HOPAC) in Dar es Salaam. It is a Christian school, originally started for missionary kids and now open to others. On my way to becoming a teacher, this would be a great opportunity to work with kids and I know I would have so much fun there! The really cool thing about HOPAC is that they do lots of field trips so I may have the opportunity to see the rest of the country.
2) WaterAid in Dar es Salaam. This is an international organization that seeks to provide adequate water resources as well as educate people about the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation. I'm unsure of what my job with them would be but I would imagine that I would have a number of opportunities to work in an office or out in the country.
3) Save the Children in Arusha. This is an advocacy group for the many innocent children who are falling victim to disease, poverty, and death. Not only do they strive to create a long-term effect of health and wellness, but they also work on short term projects to help children in need.
4) An orphanage in Arusha. This would be a lot of fun, but also a bit of a challenge, I would imagine. It kind of speaks for itself. I've never actually been to an orphanage, but it would be a great experience I'm sure.
Now for the PROS and CONS of working in Dar:
+ I'd be with most of the other interns, make friends, and always have a buddy to explore the city with!
- The city is very much an urban center, not the typical rural African setting that I know and love
+ We're staying in a Catholic guesthouse that is safe and well maintained, as well as gives us free breakfast
- The guesthouse does not provide lunch & dinner, so I'll have to purchase it myself or bring along snacks
+ There is a number of facilities, services, and activities that I'd have access to in my free time, like the beach, a fitness center, restaurants, etc.
+ I will have more internet access as there is some available at the guesthouse
+ My first choice of NGO's (HOPAC & WaterAid) are both located here
and the PROS and CONS of Arusha:
+ The city is smaller and more rural, probably easier to get around as well
/ Only a couple other interns want to stay here so I may not have the freedom that I would in Dar, or I might actually have more freedom
+ Living expenses will probably be less as there is not as much to do in Arusha
+ I may end up staying with a family or a place that will likely provide three meals a day, so I don't have to buy food
- Is not home to my first choice of NGO's
+ I'll be closer to the amazing African wildlife, including Mt. Kilimanjaro!
So, friends, these are the decisions I will have to make in the next few days. If you have any ideas or comments please don't hesitate to tell me! I need all the help I can get!
