Volunteer Stories: Tammy and Karen’s Journey to Tanzania
We had the pleasure of hosting, Tammy and Karen. They met the girls in our entrepreneur program and a few of our orphanage to college students before climbing up Kilimanjaro. They reflected on their trip below.
"I had the great fortune of visiting Make a Difference in Moshi, Tanzania. I had become familiar with the work of this organization because a former student, Revo (who lived in the orphanage for many years and benefitted from the education and support of MAD), now lives near me in the USA. I heard stories of this remarkable organization growing, with the inspiration of Theresa, from an orphanage critical to the lives and success of the students into a thriving non-profit educating young men and women as the central way to raise themselves and their families from poverty.
Seeing MAD in action is remarkable. Upon arrival, we met with students currently benefiting from the various programs and support. Some, now 20 years old and in college, have been with MAD since 6 years old. Without a doubt, MAD changed the course of their lives forever. It is hard to describe being in the presence of so many who live a transformed life. They are kind-hearted, big-spirited, optimistic, energetic, and generous. They shared their language (patiently - we were slow to pick it up!) and they shared their lives and aspirations.
They gladly shared their stories and a number showed us around, pointing out places in Moshi that had been a part of their lives. We visited the home of a student in a more rural area and saw just how arduous life can be. Yet, despite such hardship and countless obstacles, with the support of MAD, these students succeed and begin to shape a different future. Through their experience with MAD, they have learned to persevere through even the most difficult circumstances, and with that perseverance, they have learned that they can impact their future.
MAD is a powerful organization, mobilizing resources to enhance the infrastructure of the programs it offers, building partnerships with local efforts, and prioritizing local and sustainable programs. This vision is a strong foundation for an enduring impact on the lives of those we have met and many to come. I cannot recommend strongly enough to visit if you are in the area and if you are not, to read about this wonderful non-profit. At a time when so many are in need, seeing the direct impact and results of this group will amaze you!”
- Karen (volunteer/donor)
“Being with Make A Difference Now was absolutely the most wonderful way possible to be introduced to the people of Tanzania. The students are smart, poised, funny, kind - simply delightful people to spend time with. They each spoke with great clarity of the hugely positive difference that MAD has made in their lives. Indeed, when one hears their stories and begins to truly comprehend the work being done at MAD, it is the kind of thing that renews your faith in human compassion and resourcefulness."
- Tammy (volunteer/donor)
We value the opportunity to share this type of intimate and immersive travel experience with our supporters. We love connecting our global community. Thank you Tammy and Karen for visiting, and thank you to everyone who has had the opportunity to visit us in Africa in the past!
Interested in visiting us in Tanzania?
Our Service Learning Program will teach you about the local culture, cuisine, and language while you work on projects that give back long term.
