2015 Trip – 19 July

Josh Cooper

Yesterday we talked to the 9 A level students who are travelling to their colleges within the next week. Some of the kids need to travel for approximately 15 hours on the bus! We helped them organise their things to take away with them, such as their iron, brush, pocket money and their PE kit. Myself and Matty were paired up with a boy called Lotto who is a Manchester United fan, so he has a good taste in football teams and is an extremely special boy. After this, another A Level student called Meinyali took the boys to his own home. It was a real eye opener to see how he lives in such a basic area with extremely little luxury. He told us how his father has three wives and how that in his spare time, he likes to read the newspaper or study Physics and Mathematics. After the visit, our entire group was split into an “A” team and a “B team. Both teams played the locals at volleyball. The “A” team lost 25-18, whilst my team (the “B” team) got beat 25-14. The locals were so good! Plenty of locals also came to watch us too, so the atmosphere was brilliant. Missing you guys at home, but having an amazing time, speak to you soon!

Matthew Naylor

Yesterday was great as we met 9 students that are just about to begin A levels which for them is a ticket out of there. Me and cooper met a lad called lotto he was amazing so friendly and keen to learn about English and British culture, whilst being very open and willing to speak about his own lifestyle, family and culture. Another lad by the name of meinyali who took all the lads to his community and showed us his boma, It truly was a eye opening moment, however the kids were a shinning light so happy and full of life despite the harsh conditions life has put them in. On the night we had  locals V Muzungu’s in volleyball which we sadly lost as they had a 1000ft 10” player. We stood no chance!!!!!!!!!! Miss home but loving it out here, speak soon 😀 x

Josef Ramsay

On the morning yesterday we went to Arusha market were there was some amazing things for sale, I bought some things for such a cheap price and even got given handshakes of the market sellers for my amazing bartering skills when buying Abi’s elephant for her.  Isaac and Lynda are going to like the gifts I have gotten them!

Yesterday we met nine of the A level students that have been sponsored by people back home and you can see how much of a big difference it makes to their lives. Me, Joe and Aaron got paired up with one of the lads and we had a good chat. We found the way that we live very funny, especially the fact we can only have one wife at a time!

One of the lads showed us his home and what it was like and it was really eye opening to see considering my bedroom was bigger than some of the Bomas. He showed us round his, his fathers and the kitchen and then walked us back to the campsite where we went to rest up for the night.

We went to play volleyball with the locals on the evening and we had two teams play them, I was in the A team with Joe, Matty, Lorna, Lewis and jake and they battered us 25-18 which was embarrassing considering 4 of our lads play national league! But it was really good fun! Cant wait for whats to come today and in the future days when we get to see the kids, its going to be amazing! Love you all x

Rebecca Crandon

Yesterday we had our first trip to the market in Arusha, It was different to what it was like last trip because they’re been a fire so it was more of a building structure this time. I bought a few things, an elephant and a pair of earrings for Aunty Mandy so far of course I got them at a good price too. We also met up with 9 of the students sponsored by the project who are lucky enough to go on to do A Levels so we gave them all the stuff they need for it. This morning we all had to move our tent due to ant problems. At breakfast Jason showed me a picture that Stephanie had posted on Facebook, I cried because she looked clean and pretty, also maybe because I miss her.

Love you lots xxxxxx

Lorna Davison

Yesterday we went to the market in Arusha for the first time and I did buy some things. I got mum a wooden bowl thing and I did get a bit ripped off apparently but because it was only a fiver in English money I didn’t mind too much, I got dad a giraffe which I got at a much better price I think and when we go back I would like to try and find Sandy something, I was thinking a knife maybe. Then for myself I got a painting of some elephants that has like a pink background that I think will look good in my room and then I accidentally bought some trousers because I got caught up in a bartering war. We also saw some of the students who are going on to do their A Levels due to the project and gave them all of their equipment and took some of it to their homes. That was good because I was shocked at the size of Evalyn’s home, it was literally one room! But Gift had a bigger home as he had lots of people living with him. We also spent a while chatting to one of the students in two’s and they were asking a lot of questions about politics, marriage, religion and education. The boy that me and Becca were speaking to was so shocked when he found out that I wasn’t religious but still celebrated Christmas!  Anyway, so far today we have moved our tents in the camp site because a few people have been attacked by ants (luckily me and Becca haven’t) and then we’ve sorted out some project equipment. Later today we’re going into the snake park and then to three schools which is what I’m looking forward to most. See you soon (half way there!) xx

Lizzie Nicholson

Yesterday we visited Arusha market where we went shopping at the market. It was very hectic but captivating; the bright colours and exotic smells were out of the ordinary. It contrasted so much to Middlesbrough town centre! We bartered for our shopping which is also very different in comparison to back home. I loved it and cannot wait to re-visit soon. After our visit to town, we met up with the A-level students again in order to supply them with the equipment required for them to start college on Tuesday.  They had to provide lots of things as they were all going to a boarding school yet the one that surprised me the most was the mattress! It is crazy to think that in Tanzania, if you go to a boarding school, some of the most basic things are just not provided for you. After, one of the two girls, Evaline, showed us to her home. It was not a very long walk from the snake park and it was lovely getting to know her more. Once we arrived, we saw a house, and a building that looked like a wooden shack that be used as a shed. We learnt that the concrete house was her neighbour’s, and she lived in one third of the shack which she shares with her mother and brother who is 15. It was slightly shocking to learn how little space they have. After we came back we had some free time and had our tea. After tea we went over to the back of the snake park to watch the local boys play volley ball. It was such an amazing atmosphere because on one side we had the mountain just visible in the distance, and the other side we had the sun set. After about 20 mins, our kids started to play and we had a match. Lots of people started to gather especially children. Truth be told I hardly watched the game, I was too busy playing and interacting with the children. It was magical. Today so far at 11:30 we have had breakfast, moved camps (we had a biting ant infestation), visited the clinic and visited the animal sanctuary. We looked at the massive snakes, held the smaller snakes, looked and the big crocodiles, and watched as a yellow baboon looked for flees in Lisa’s hair! Haha it was hilarious! I am loving it here so much and I cannot wait to get home so I can share everything with you all. Much love xxx