For A Good Cause...

If anyone is interested in helping out keep reading.

I received an email a couple of months back describing the culture and the different projects I may be working on while in Moshi. One section really caught my attention. Do you know that only $1000 could cover materials and labor to build a full classroom? $25 could provide a child with a desk?

I know this isn't an official way of doing this so you will just have to trust me. I'm wanting to be able to provide something for some of these projects while I'm there and I could use some help. The small problem is that I know I am asking late in the game (I leave next Saturday). If you can help out that would be great. Some of you may see me before I leave or if you would prefer to send something via mail I can provide you with an address. Any bit would be a great help - and I promise it will go to a good cause (I'll send pictures). Below is the section from the document I received from the local organization I will be working with in Moshi, Arts in Tanzania.

Fundraising
"The areas of Moshi where many of the projects are situated are incredibly poor, many of the schools are just sheets of corrugated iron for the walls and roof with a dirt floor and not enough desks and benches, some schools are simply taught under a tree with the children sitting on the ground. Previous volunteers have done some incredible work building classrooms, toilets, providing desks, benches, blackboards, school uniforms, food, school fees. Although this is not the purpose of volunteering, the fact that previous volunteers have done this has created certain expectations within the community. Don’t be surprised or offended if your project approaches you for money or sponsorship, you have to understand that their perception of Westerners is of wealth and in comparison to them we are wealthy, simply the fact that we can afford to fly there makes us wealthy beyond their dreams. They have nothing to loose by asking you but will understand completely if you explain that you are not in a position to give them money and explain that you are there to give your time and knowledge. Many volunteers express an interest in fundraising before they arrive. If you are interested, below you will find a guideline for the type of subjects that you can sponsor."

• A desk seating - usd 25 per child
• A blackboard costs – usd 50
• Porridge for one month for 30 children – usd 50
• School uniforms cost – usd 30 per child
• School fees for 1 year for 1 child – usd 200 to usd 400
• Paint to renovate a classroom – usd 50 to usd 150
• Materials and labor to build a classroom for 40 children costs – usd 400 open roofed, usd
1,000 full classrooms.