Calgary Academy
Excellence For The Exceptional Learner
TANZANIA 2004/2005
Fourteen students and two staff members embarked on a life-altering journey in March of 2005. They immersed themselves into the culture and history of Tanzania. They left a piece of themselves in the majestic beauty of the land they visited. Their hearts were touched with the simple innocence of the children; their souls were forever changed by the hardships they witnessed. Student emotions ranged from initial disbelief to an appreciation and understanding of the strength the human spirit could withstand, and find joy in simple things. The students left with their eyes opened to a new reality.
The students left their mark wherever they went. A school in the Upare Mountains was transformed with new paint inside and out. School supplies from Canada were collected and distributed to the teachers and students. Trenches were dug and an AIDS hospital partially built.
"One thing I loved most was the second day in the village. We got to work with the kids and see that we were making a difference. The hardest day was at the dispensary; seeing the Mesai people so ill made my heart break. The trip was an amazing experience".
"You see and hear about places like Tanzania on TV but you can never truly understand until you have been there. For a majority of the people in Africa, a mud hut is what they call home. Children no older than five are taking care of by their younger brothers and sisters while their parents work. There are no video games, or TV. I felt I had an amazing opportunity to make a difference".
"We often take for granted the simple things around us in Canada such as electricity and running water. For the majority of the people in Tanzania, just having a lamp means you are well off. To be a part of this trip has had a huge positive effect on me".