My experiences with Rainbow Garden Village in Tanzania

"Do not do much"

I was fascinated and interested in medicine even during my voluntary social year in the rescue center in the hospital. I wanted to experience the many experiences, the new knowledge and the comprehensive impressions that I was able to gather there abroad - my thirst for knowledge and travel fever were awakened.

When I was at school, I put my heart and soul into helping to set up a social project at a partner school in Africa. So I decided to do another project at a school.

travel arrangements

After a lot of preparation and a long list of suitcases, which mainly included clothes, toys or medical items as gifts for the projects, the journey and thus the long flight to Tanzania began.

Arrival and orientation program in Tanzania

After spending the first 3 days in Dar Es Salaam for the project introduction, I drove from there to Arusha by bus, which took almost 12 hours. When I got there, a slim, nicely grinning and smartly dressed woman picked me up – Caroline. Her welcome was very warm and after talking for a while I understood who Caroline was: my host mother.

I felt very comfortable with her from the start. This was certainly also due to the fact that I lived in a clean and large house – by African standards.

My volunteer work in the clinic

After the first introductory days and a few Swahili words from Caroline, my medical project began in a public clinic. As expected, everything was very different than in a hospital. Tanzanian was more disorganized and the motto "pole pole" (slowly slowly) was capitalized here. Nevertheless, great medicine was made from little. I decided to stay in the "Theatreroom", the surgical and for me the most interesting compartment.

Own initiative pays off!

From day to day the cases became more exciting and tricky. However, I had to bring a lot of initiative with me, but it paid off. Because after a lot of questioning and "chasing after", I was able to take on some tasks and Doctor Mitunga and Nurse Magy explained every single operation to me in detail. Gloves and disinfectants were definitely a must for the work – safety first! The time flew by and after 6 weeks my first project was finished.

I saw unbelievable, differently coordinated operations, during which I just shook my head, many different and new clinical pictures from warm, grateful people.

The best host mother in the world

Every night I would talk to Caroline about my project and it was sort of a tradition that we would see a film from her huge collection. I couldn't have imagined a better host mother than her. I could talk to her about everything, she helped me organize my excursions and introduced me to the country and the culture. I felt really good, also because it was amazing and after a week we got a new member - Sugar, our watchdog.

Volunteering in elementary school

Time was running out and my second project in a primary school began. I was warmly welcomed and the children were very happy that a white, blond-haired girl was in their "baby class". It was such a nice feeling to spend time with the children, because every single child was sweet as sugar and I would have loved to take them all with me. The students in the baby class were between 3 and 5 years old and could already write, read, paint and sing – I was impressed.

I enjoyed the time to the fullest, because a child's smile can make life even more beautiful. It was great fun to be hugged and played by all the students at school during recess. That meant then: around 35 students ran wildly all over the place, back and forth and I tried to catch them.

Unfortunately, after two weeks I changed schools because the holiday season had begun. Saying goodbye was very difficult for me.

New school, new achievements

In the new school I am teaching a first class alone, with few students. The difference in knowledge compared to the first school was immense. It took a lot of patience and creativity to teach the kids the alphabet and numbers. I reported to Caroline every little success that the kids in the class made - somehow I was proud that I could make a small difference and that my students were learning something.

Leisure and excursions in Tanzania

In my free time I visited the Maasai, I was on safari, at the hot springs, the waterfalls, at a wedding or I looked at other towns in the area. Caroline supports me with words and deeds in every project.

Conclusion to my volunteer work in a clinic and school in Tanzania

After 12 weeks my adventure in Tanzania was unfortunately over. I was able to gain countless experiences and get to know the warm, helpful and friendly people of Africa. It was a beautiful and exciting journey. I'm glad that RGV advised and supported me so well during the preparation and during the time abroad and that I could always turn to the team if I had any questions or problems - a big thank you!

My experiences with Rainbow Garden Village in Tanzania, by Antonia B, 08.06.2016