Volunteers Build Hope - Summer Escape - Tanzania - 2007

Tanzania welcomed a number of volunteers who participated in Global Crossroad's Summer Escape. During their time their, this group of volunteers made such a positive impact that their accomplishments will be felt for years to come.

This group went beyond the call of duty and, in their astoundingly proactive diligence, constructed the first floor of one building as well as the foundation of another - helping to improve the already-existing facilities of an in-need orphanage as well as providing an additional space for the orphanage's school. This admirable group also constructed new beds in the newly-constructed dormitories - assembling the beds from raw materials and even sanding and varnishing the frames.

Also scrubbing the children's bathroom facility, the group tended to do more construction in the mornings while spending their afternoons and evenings with the children - helping them with their chores, supervising and assisting them with their homework and even helping the orphans to improve their English.

Sunday afternoons seemed to be the only free time where the children were allowed to do whatever they pleased. It was during this time that the volunteers set up stations encouraging the children to participate in extracurricular activities. These activities included: sports, arts and crafts, etc. Also during this time, these enthusiastic volunteers took this opportunity to introduce ideas of personal hygiene to the children, also setting station where the children's nails could be scrubbed (and EVEN polished). Some of the other exciting events these volunteers organized included a fashion show (which was a BIG success) and even cross-stitching.

Most especially admirable was this group's ability to take the initiative and make improvement in areas that the orphanage would have never thought about. These trailblazing, global citizens also raised approximately $5000, purchased additional chairs for the orphanage's dining room (originally, the children were seated on the floor), a photocopier (with enough paper and tones to last an entire year), remodeled the already-existing kitchen (even tiling the walls, counters and shelves in addition to providing new equipment), completed a bathroom for the staff and resurfaced the blackboards (whew!).

This group is a quintessential example of what an international volunteer can accomplish - especially those who combine their efforts and come together for a truly altruistic cause. We at Global Crossroad would like thank the following participants from the 2007 Summer Escape in Tanzania :

• Penny Wagher
• Sheena Williams
• Jordan Plumhoff
• Meghan Kennedy
• Nolan Mackenzie
• Emily Handford
• Laura Branch
• Heidi Carpenter
• Tim Nabholz