Donate to Kids in Arusha, Tanzania
HELLO: When I traveled solo to volunteer in Arusha, Tanzania for the first time in 2013, I was sure it would be a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. Fast forward to 2016 and I find myself planning my fourth volunteer trip to this incredible part of the world! On December 29th, my mother (Cathy) and our family friend (Karen) will arrive in Arusha and we look forward to spending each day volunteering with children at Aston Vision Orphanage.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION: Aston Vision Orphanage is a school + dormitory east of Arusha that has made significant improvements to the property over the past few years, thanks to the generous time and donations from both volunteers and locals alike. About 30 kids ranging in age from 4-10 walk up to two miles roundtrip each day to reach Aston Vision. Mornings are spent in the classrooms learning Kiswahili, English, and Mathematics. Afternoons are joyfully spent playing outside as the students eagerly await lunchtime, which consists of "porridge" unless funds are in place to provide a more balanced meal of rice & beans. These children live in poverty but their beautiful smiles and determination to learn give me hope for their futures.
HOW DONATIONS HAVE MADE A DIFFERNCE: The donations I have received in the past to support the children of Aston Vision Orphanage has been overwhelming and I am eternally grateful for everyone's generousity, whether it be through funding or simply kind words of encouragment! In 2014, a significant portion of the funds I raised completed the new bathroom facilities on the property. In 2015, the donations went towards completing the construction of the dormitory, where over a dozen children now sleep comfortably each night. Additionally, I allotted enough funds to provide breakfast for each child every day and also large quanities of rice & beans to provide a nutritious and filling meal for lunch.
SHARING THE LOVE: I will be volunteering at Aston Vision from January 4 - February 6. The time will fly by too quickly as usual, but I am determined to help provide for the students and their families as much as possible. First and foremost, my goal is to provide two quality meals per day for each child (and to stock the kitchen for after I have left). Additionally, with new classrooms having been built, there is a constant need for repairs and additions, such as paint, new desks, solar electricity, cleaning supplies, etc that I hope to assist with. Also, this time around I plan to purchase a needed household item for each child and their family, whether it be new pillows, kitchen tools, solar lamps, toiletries, etc. As a fun surprise for the kids, I also plan to organize a fun "field trip" to the nearby Lake Duluti!
PLEASE AND THANK YOU: Trust that your generous donations will be spent in a productive and responsible manner to support the children of Aston Vision Orphange and their families. If you have any questions or want more information, I am happy to discuss more details! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing in my annual trip across the world to bring basic necessities and smiles to children who deserve the world and more. Asante sana!