This is my official blog for my trip to Tanzania. I should be posting little updates about what I'm doing and I hope to share some pictures with you on the way. I'm not sure how much access I will have to a computer but I will definitely try my best.
Firstly I would like to thank everyone who supported me for this trip and who donated during my multiple fundraisers. It means so much to me and I really hope to make a difference in Africa.
Now for what I'm doing, I just received my volunteer assignment about a week ago. I will be working with a Non-Governmental Organisation called UKUN, that supports people with HIV and AIDS. My job will be to help the organization with home visits to people affected by HIV and AIDS and assist with testing. I will also help with education and awareness around the community. They've even told me that I could build them a facebook page! This is a job I never thought I would encounter but I am so excited for the opportunity.
The home base where I will be living is a small rural city on the Coast of Tanzania called Bagamoyo. It is about a 6 hour drive south of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the tallest mountain in Africa. It used to be the capital of Tanzania until it got moved to Dar Es Salaam. The population is around 30 000, which is much smaller then what I'm used. The main language is Swahili, however the children learn English starting in Middle School.
I've got my ticket booked, my VISA in my passport, my big backpack ready to be filled (or my sister Alex's backpack) and I leave on May 11th!
Blog looks amazing Erica! Can't wait to hear about your first day with UKUN. I hope you can post a few pictures!
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