Welcome to the Chronicles of Daraja Archives!
Here you will find stories from our volunteers since the beginning of the Daraja Foundation in 2013.
These reflective experiences will take you through the inspiration and vision of creating Daraja Foundation, our successes and challenges, providing a real view of volunteerism and how we keep moving forward. For our latest updates and photos, please visit our social media pages.
Our Volunteers make Daraja Foundation a family, here are their stories...
Here you will find stories from our volunteers since the beginning of the Daraja Foundation in 2013.
These reflective experiences will take you through the inspiration and vision of creating Daraja Foundation, our successes and challenges, providing a real view of volunteerism and how we keep moving forward. For our latest updates and photos, please visit our social media pages.
Our Volunteers make Daraja Foundation a family, here are their stories...
CHASING DREAMS
Posted by Sarah Tkachyk on Friday, 12 December 2014
Posted by Sarah Tkachyk on Friday, 12 December 2014
My delivery of a four-day supply of coal (which cost $9) brought tears to the mother of the Faraja children’s eyes |
From a very young age, I dreamed of travelling to Africa. Although summer camp in Madagascar might not have been a good idea in my parents’ minds, I thought it was brilliant. Needless to say, I didn’t give up my dream.
This past June, I was flipping through a University of Calgary publication and stumbled upon an article that Arsheen, the director of The Daraja Foundation, had written about “Voluntourism” and the Daraja Foundation. I was intrigued. Within a week I had met with Arsheen and the wheels were in motion. I was inspired by her passion for community development and the overall well-being of the people of Zanzibar. The Daraja Foundation would offer me the opportunity to connect with the local people in Zanzibar and assist, in a hands-on manner, with their health and community projects.
Mid-September, my journey to Tanzania began. I knew that I was to be involved with a “Life After the Orphanage” initiative at the Mazizini orphanage, meet with the members of the Faraja orphanage, and complete a needs assessment within the rehabilitation department of a local hospital. Other than that, all I knew was that I would have a chauffeur (Shah) from the airport and that Arsheen would be available via text message whenever needed. I could not have been more excited for the unknown and to see how my time in Zanzibar would evolve.
After a couple of days exploring and becoming oriented to the winding alleyways of Stone Town, I set out to complete my first task—connecting with Gasica from Prospecitive Learning and Charitable Institution (PLCI) and purchasing bikes for his students to use. These bikes would increase opportunities for the PLCI students to connect with those at Mazizini, a step toward increased collaboration between Daraja and PLCI. Gasica brought a couple of friends along to help us make deals with the local bike shops, and we hired a truck to haul the bikes. After a few hours, the bikes were in the hands of PLCI students. There was nothing better than the smiles and excitement of the students, and little did I know this would be the first of many amazing similar experiences during my stay.
In keeping with the goal of collaboration between PLCI and The Daraja Foundation, a memorandum of understanding between the two organizations was to be drawn up and signed by both parties. I met with Toby and Gasica from PLCI on numerous occasions to outline the goals for and dreams that would hopefully develop from this new relationship. Gasica had already begun tutoring the teenagers at Mazizini, in English, and I was able to attend these classes and assist with teaching vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. I managed to learn a little bit (a very little bit) of Kiswahili in the process!
I was also involved in connecting the two organizations for a variety of themed clubs, including an environment club, a girls club, and an art and design club. After a little hesitation, seven of the girls from Mazazini agreed to join me at PLCI for the environment club bright and early on a Saturday morning. Despite their initial reluctance, the girls ended up having a great day learning about gardening, and they even shared their ideas to create their own garden at Mazizini. Plans for regular attendance at the clubs were then developed.
The Daraja Foundation has recently begun to work with an independent orphanage called Faraja, which means “Joy” in Kiswahili. I first visited Faraja to deliver backpacks (donated by sponsors in Calgary) with Shah, to the orphanage’s 21 children. As you can imagine, the kids were ecstatic, and I couldn’t wait to return. Shortly after, these 21 children and I went on an outing to a local playground during Eid celebrations. The children had a blast, and I made a mental note not to take 21 children to a busy playground alone again!
There are many ways in which assistance is needed at Faraja. Things that seemed to me like small gestures, such as my delivery of a four-day supply of coal (which cost $9) brought tears to the mother of the Faraja children’s eyes; her gratitude completely warmed my heart. I know that The Daraja Foundation has and will continue to positively affect the lives of the kind hearts at Faraja.
Upon returning from Zanzibar, I met with Arsheen to share my experience and let her know my desire for further involvement with Daraja. I continue to be inspired by Arsheen’s passion and feel extremely blessed to now have a personal connection to the people of Zanzibar. I look forward to watching this relationship develop and to making another trip one day!
Asante Sana,
Sarah
This past June, I was flipping through a University of Calgary publication and stumbled upon an article that Arsheen, the director of The Daraja Foundation, had written about “Voluntourism” and the Daraja Foundation. I was intrigued. Within a week I had met with Arsheen and the wheels were in motion. I was inspired by her passion for community development and the overall well-being of the people of Zanzibar. The Daraja Foundation would offer me the opportunity to connect with the local people in Zanzibar and assist, in a hands-on manner, with their health and community projects.
Mid-September, my journey to Tanzania began. I knew that I was to be involved with a “Life After the Orphanage” initiative at the Mazizini orphanage, meet with the members of the Faraja orphanage, and complete a needs assessment within the rehabilitation department of a local hospital. Other than that, all I knew was that I would have a chauffeur (Shah) from the airport and that Arsheen would be available via text message whenever needed. I could not have been more excited for the unknown and to see how my time in Zanzibar would evolve.
After a couple of days exploring and becoming oriented to the winding alleyways of Stone Town, I set out to complete my first task—connecting with Gasica from Prospecitive Learning and Charitable Institution (PLCI) and purchasing bikes for his students to use. These bikes would increase opportunities for the PLCI students to connect with those at Mazizini, a step toward increased collaboration between Daraja and PLCI. Gasica brought a couple of friends along to help us make deals with the local bike shops, and we hired a truck to haul the bikes. After a few hours, the bikes were in the hands of PLCI students. There was nothing better than the smiles and excitement of the students, and little did I know this would be the first of many amazing similar experiences during my stay.
In keeping with the goal of collaboration between PLCI and The Daraja Foundation, a memorandum of understanding between the two organizations was to be drawn up and signed by both parties. I met with Toby and Gasica from PLCI on numerous occasions to outline the goals for and dreams that would hopefully develop from this new relationship. Gasica had already begun tutoring the teenagers at Mazizini, in English, and I was able to attend these classes and assist with teaching vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. I managed to learn a little bit (a very little bit) of Kiswahili in the process!
I was also involved in connecting the two organizations for a variety of themed clubs, including an environment club, a girls club, and an art and design club. After a little hesitation, seven of the girls from Mazazini agreed to join me at PLCI for the environment club bright and early on a Saturday morning. Despite their initial reluctance, the girls ended up having a great day learning about gardening, and they even shared their ideas to create their own garden at Mazizini. Plans for regular attendance at the clubs were then developed.
The Daraja Foundation has recently begun to work with an independent orphanage called Faraja, which means “Joy” in Kiswahili. I first visited Faraja to deliver backpacks (donated by sponsors in Calgary) with Shah, to the orphanage’s 21 children. As you can imagine, the kids were ecstatic, and I couldn’t wait to return. Shortly after, these 21 children and I went on an outing to a local playground during Eid celebrations. The children had a blast, and I made a mental note not to take 21 children to a busy playground alone again!
There are many ways in which assistance is needed at Faraja. Things that seemed to me like small gestures, such as my delivery of a four-day supply of coal (which cost $9) brought tears to the mother of the Faraja children’s eyes; her gratitude completely warmed my heart. I know that The Daraja Foundation has and will continue to positively affect the lives of the kind hearts at Faraja.
Upon returning from Zanzibar, I met with Arsheen to share my experience and let her know my desire for further involvement with Daraja. I continue to be inspired by Arsheen’s passion and feel extremely blessed to now have a personal connection to the people of Zanzibar. I look forward to watching this relationship develop and to making another trip one day!
Asante Sana,
Sarah
RIDING BIKES IN TRAFFIC
Posted by Lubaina Baloch on Monday, 24 November 2014
Posted by Lubaina Baloch on Monday, 24 November 2014
These children are truly very special and were so happy to have us |
My mom and I decided to volunteer with the Daraja Foundation last summer after hearing about it from my sister, Masira. The idea of embarking on a journey to volunteer for 3 weeks in Zanzibar was thrilling, but very frightening at first. After travelling for 44 hours and finally reaching Zanzibar, the lively city with its gorgeous sandy beaches made us forget all about my exhaustion and fears. We felt incredibly welcomed and felt very much at home in Shah’s house during our entire stay here.
While experiencing the city’s beautiful sunsets, scenery, weather and walks to the nearby restaurants, markets and parks everyday, we had the opportunity to volunteer at the hospitals. I volunteered at the Mnazi Mmoja Hospitals on an ICU unit, as well as at the Mwembeladu Maternity hospital on a labor and delivery unit assisting Dr. Jaffer and nurses with deliveries of newborns! This was an incredible opportunity as nurses do not independently deliver babies in Canada and I am so grateful to have experienced a rare opportunity like this. I was also able to donate medical supplies that I arranged to obtain from the UofC Nursing Faculty to the superintendent and staff of the Mnaji Mmoja Hospital.
It was such a humbling and gratifying experience to have met the children at the Mazizini hospital. I shared laughs with the children at the Mazizini Orphanage as we celebrated the occasion of Eid by bringing them new clothes, food and presents. These children are truly very special and were so happy to have us spend the occasion of Eid with them. Their smiles warmed my heart as I talked to them and played with them, while sharing food and presents. One of the highlights of this experience for me was participating in the purchasing of bicycles and supplies to build a library for these children to assist them with their educational needs. I remember spending an entire day going to the market and riding the bikes to the orphanage in the streets during busy traffic as if it were yesterday. This experience made me feel like part of the Daraja volunteer family collectively trying to make a positive change in the lives of these children.
This experience has definitely impacted me and changed my perspective forever by giving me a new set of eyes. I have made life-long friends through this experience and it certainly feels humbling to have shared a common goal through this journey to Zanzibar. This trip will definitely be one that I will remember and hold in my heart forever.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” ― Adam Braun
Lubaina <3
While experiencing the city’s beautiful sunsets, scenery, weather and walks to the nearby restaurants, markets and parks everyday, we had the opportunity to volunteer at the hospitals. I volunteered at the Mnazi Mmoja Hospitals on an ICU unit, as well as at the Mwembeladu Maternity hospital on a labor and delivery unit assisting Dr. Jaffer and nurses with deliveries of newborns! This was an incredible opportunity as nurses do not independently deliver babies in Canada and I am so grateful to have experienced a rare opportunity like this. I was also able to donate medical supplies that I arranged to obtain from the UofC Nursing Faculty to the superintendent and staff of the Mnaji Mmoja Hospital.
It was such a humbling and gratifying experience to have met the children at the Mazizini hospital. I shared laughs with the children at the Mazizini Orphanage as we celebrated the occasion of Eid by bringing them new clothes, food and presents. These children are truly very special and were so happy to have us spend the occasion of Eid with them. Their smiles warmed my heart as I talked to them and played with them, while sharing food and presents. One of the highlights of this experience for me was participating in the purchasing of bicycles and supplies to build a library for these children to assist them with their educational needs. I remember spending an entire day going to the market and riding the bikes to the orphanage in the streets during busy traffic as if it were yesterday. This experience made me feel like part of the Daraja volunteer family collectively trying to make a positive change in the lives of these children.
This experience has definitely impacted me and changed my perspective forever by giving me a new set of eyes. I have made life-long friends through this experience and it certainly feels humbling to have shared a common goal through this journey to Zanzibar. This trip will definitely be one that I will remember and hold in my heart forever.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” ― Adam Braun
Lubaina <3
AN UNEXPECTED TURN OF EVENTS
Posted by Carolena on Sunday, 21 September 2014
Posted by Carolena on Sunday, 21 September 2014
The moment we stepped out of the taxi, we were attacked with hugs. No words can explain how special it was to hear them call our names and run to us every time we arrived. |
When asked about how we found out about the Daraja Foundation, many were shocked to find out that Google was our answer. We were supposed to take a study abroad trip with our college before we found Daraja, but due to unseen circumstances, it was cancelled about a month and a half before our departure. Having already booked our flights and after months of looking forward to traveling to Tanzania and Zanzibar, cancelling our trip wasn’t even an option in our minds. With our departure to Africa quickly approaching, we had to scramble to find an alternate program. Somehow we stumbled upon the Daraja Foundation, and it caught our attention. After learning more about the mission of Daraja and reading the blogs of past volunteers, we thought we might as well give it a try. With spontaneous thoughts and adventurous hearts, we signed up to volunteer with Daraja in Zanzibar and oh, how much happiness this foundation based on a distant island has brought us…and how near and dear it is in our hearts now...
"Welcome to paradise" were the first words we heard when we got off the ferry from Dar es Salaam. We had planned for a three-week stay, but it unexpectedly turned into two months of utter bliss. Volunteering with Daraja is one of the best decisions we have made and we will forever feel indebted to Arsheen and Shah for everything they helped us with. Before and during our entire trip, Arsheen’s communication was critical. Between her emails and phone calls, she answered all of our questions and doubts. She really made us feel sure about the foundation even before arriving to Zanzibar. We really felt her caringness and helpfulness from miles away and even more when we got to spend time together. As for Shah, his hospitality was more than we could have ever asked for. Right from the moment he picked us up from the ferry terminal to take us to his house, we felt welcomed. He showed us around the town, helped us with communication on the island, and made us feel safe. We feel as though Shah's house became our home, contrary to what a hotel stay would have been like. It became much more than just a place where we could spend our nights; there, we shared countless special moments and met many unique individuals. Our friendships grew with all of our shared meals, laughs and car rides, and we will always cherish those times.
As student nurses, we got to experience what it’s like to be a nurse on the island of Zanzibar. For a week, we were at the main hospital, Mnazi Mmoja. There we shadowed doctors and nurses and even got to do some hands-on procedures. However, most of our clinical experiences were at the maternity hospital, Mwembeladu, with Dr. Jaffar and the nurses there. We got loads of practice with procedures such as injections, IVs and of course, deliveries. Not only did we get to practice nursing skills, we also had the opportunity to observe and participate in C-sections with Dr. Jaffar. With the help of the friendly and cooperative staff, we had innumerable learning experiences. Many aspects of the hospital certainly differ from our past clinical experiences in the US, but we also saw how nursing care is still essential even on the other side of the world. Caring is a universal concept that time and culture can’t change... that is something we will carry with us in our person lives and in our future practices.
As for the Mazizini orphanage, in all honesty, we had no idea what to expect the first time we entered the gate. We had been to different orphanages before, but Mazizini was unique right from the start. We were immediately welcomed by the Mamas as they gathered all of the kids to come sit on the rug in one of the common rooms. There, we collected details about the kids’ages and measurements in order for the generous donors from Canada to get each of the kids new outfits for Eid. After we had free time with the kids and at first they were understandably hesitant with us. But with the help of a Rubik’s cube and some embroidery thread to make bracelets, they began to feel comfortable with us. From that day on, whenever we visited them, they welcomed us with open arms. During the month of Ramadhan, we often broke fast with the children. We greatly appreciated their generosity and kindness, for not just any stranger is invited to their rooms, let alone to celebrate the special meal that is futari.
Every time we visited Mazizini, before we even had the chance to get out of the taxi, the kids would come running to us, yelling "Carolena! Katie!". The moment we stepped out of the taxi, we were attacked with hugs. No words can explain how special it was to hear them call our names and run to us every time we arrived. We didn’t always have a plan when we went, but we were all perfectly content just spending time together: listening to music, dancing, laughing and playing games. When it came time to leave, they always didn’t want us to go, so they would walk us out to the waiting taxi. On some occurrences, a few of the kids would even pretend to hide in the taxi so they could come home with us. Moments like those, when we were all being silly together, are what made our times memorable.
Since the kids were so special to us, we wanted to do something in return for them before we left to go back home to the states. We decided to spend two afternoons shopping with them for new outfits for Eid. One afternoon was spent with the boys to get them fitted for new kanzu and the other afternoon with the older girls, so they could pick out new baibui. Little did we know that we would get to see them in their new Eid attire a few weeks later...
About a week before we were supposed to depart Zanzibar, we informed the kids that we would be leaving to go back to the US soon; we knew that the dreaded goodbye would be tough, but was quickly approaching and we didn’t want it to be unexpected for them. Eventually, that tearful day came…we visited the kids hours before our flight for what we thought was going to be the last time. Many expressed their feelings for us with statements such as "I wish you the best in life" and "we love you." The goodbyes just became harder with every statements such as those, with every hug and kiss, and minute that passed by…there were many tears in the taxi ride back to town and on our way to the airport. To this day, we still are puzzled by the turn of events that occurred that afternoon, but we ended up unexpectedly missing our flight out of Zanzibar. As a result, we made the decision to stay for an extra month and we are very delighted we did…
We are so grateful to have been able to spend more time in Zanzibar with the kids and at the hospital. Fortunately, we were even able to be there for Eid, a wonderful celebration that the community looks forward to all year. In addition, we were so happy that we got to meet and spend time with Arsheen and other Daraja volunteers. With them, we were able to hand out the donated clothes from Canada and partook in other Daraja events such as the soccer game and the kite festival.
The soccer game, hosted by Daraja at Amaani Stadium, gave a few of the older boys, who are passionate about the sport, an opportunity to play. The other kids attended the game, cheering on the boys as they exhibited their talents on the field. As for the kite festival, it was a memorable day not only for the kids, but for the volunteers as well. The day was filled with kite flying, swimming and games. It didn't matter whether the kites flew high into the sky or if they crashed to the ground, what mattered was the time we all shared together. If it weren’t for Daraja, neither the kids nor the volunteers would have had these unique and significant experiences.
After returning to the states, all of our family and friends ask about our trip to Africa. We never know how to respond to the question "How was your summer?" because that question can’t be described in one word let alone a few sentences. Words cannot explain how incredible our experience in Zanzibar has been, and this blog is just a glimpse into some of the unforgettable moments that we shared there.
Zanzibar has left an indelible imprint on our hearts. Reading the blogs on this website is what inspired us to be a part of this foundation and we can only hope that reading ours will inspire others to join the Daraja mission. The only way for you to truly understand the magic of Zanzibar is to visit it for yourself. Something about the friendliness of the locals, the warmheartedness of the kids and the enchanting views is what you can’t help but love. We hope to return to Zanzibar in the near future, because once you visit once, how can you stay away?
~ Carolena and Katie ~
"Welcome to paradise" were the first words we heard when we got off the ferry from Dar es Salaam. We had planned for a three-week stay, but it unexpectedly turned into two months of utter bliss. Volunteering with Daraja is one of the best decisions we have made and we will forever feel indebted to Arsheen and Shah for everything they helped us with. Before and during our entire trip, Arsheen’s communication was critical. Between her emails and phone calls, she answered all of our questions and doubts. She really made us feel sure about the foundation even before arriving to Zanzibar. We really felt her caringness and helpfulness from miles away and even more when we got to spend time together. As for Shah, his hospitality was more than we could have ever asked for. Right from the moment he picked us up from the ferry terminal to take us to his house, we felt welcomed. He showed us around the town, helped us with communication on the island, and made us feel safe. We feel as though Shah's house became our home, contrary to what a hotel stay would have been like. It became much more than just a place where we could spend our nights; there, we shared countless special moments and met many unique individuals. Our friendships grew with all of our shared meals, laughs and car rides, and we will always cherish those times.
As student nurses, we got to experience what it’s like to be a nurse on the island of Zanzibar. For a week, we were at the main hospital, Mnazi Mmoja. There we shadowed doctors and nurses and even got to do some hands-on procedures. However, most of our clinical experiences were at the maternity hospital, Mwembeladu, with Dr. Jaffar and the nurses there. We got loads of practice with procedures such as injections, IVs and of course, deliveries. Not only did we get to practice nursing skills, we also had the opportunity to observe and participate in C-sections with Dr. Jaffar. With the help of the friendly and cooperative staff, we had innumerable learning experiences. Many aspects of the hospital certainly differ from our past clinical experiences in the US, but we also saw how nursing care is still essential even on the other side of the world. Caring is a universal concept that time and culture can’t change... that is something we will carry with us in our person lives and in our future practices.
As for the Mazizini orphanage, in all honesty, we had no idea what to expect the first time we entered the gate. We had been to different orphanages before, but Mazizini was unique right from the start. We were immediately welcomed by the Mamas as they gathered all of the kids to come sit on the rug in one of the common rooms. There, we collected details about the kids’ages and measurements in order for the generous donors from Canada to get each of the kids new outfits for Eid. After we had free time with the kids and at first they were understandably hesitant with us. But with the help of a Rubik’s cube and some embroidery thread to make bracelets, they began to feel comfortable with us. From that day on, whenever we visited them, they welcomed us with open arms. During the month of Ramadhan, we often broke fast with the children. We greatly appreciated their generosity and kindness, for not just any stranger is invited to their rooms, let alone to celebrate the special meal that is futari.
Every time we visited Mazizini, before we even had the chance to get out of the taxi, the kids would come running to us, yelling "Carolena! Katie!". The moment we stepped out of the taxi, we were attacked with hugs. No words can explain how special it was to hear them call our names and run to us every time we arrived. We didn’t always have a plan when we went, but we were all perfectly content just spending time together: listening to music, dancing, laughing and playing games. When it came time to leave, they always didn’t want us to go, so they would walk us out to the waiting taxi. On some occurrences, a few of the kids would even pretend to hide in the taxi so they could come home with us. Moments like those, when we were all being silly together, are what made our times memorable.
Since the kids were so special to us, we wanted to do something in return for them before we left to go back home to the states. We decided to spend two afternoons shopping with them for new outfits for Eid. One afternoon was spent with the boys to get them fitted for new kanzu and the other afternoon with the older girls, so they could pick out new baibui. Little did we know that we would get to see them in their new Eid attire a few weeks later...
About a week before we were supposed to depart Zanzibar, we informed the kids that we would be leaving to go back to the US soon; we knew that the dreaded goodbye would be tough, but was quickly approaching and we didn’t want it to be unexpected for them. Eventually, that tearful day came…we visited the kids hours before our flight for what we thought was going to be the last time. Many expressed their feelings for us with statements such as "I wish you the best in life" and "we love you." The goodbyes just became harder with every statements such as those, with every hug and kiss, and minute that passed by…there were many tears in the taxi ride back to town and on our way to the airport. To this day, we still are puzzled by the turn of events that occurred that afternoon, but we ended up unexpectedly missing our flight out of Zanzibar. As a result, we made the decision to stay for an extra month and we are very delighted we did…
We are so grateful to have been able to spend more time in Zanzibar with the kids and at the hospital. Fortunately, we were even able to be there for Eid, a wonderful celebration that the community looks forward to all year. In addition, we were so happy that we got to meet and spend time with Arsheen and other Daraja volunteers. With them, we were able to hand out the donated clothes from Canada and partook in other Daraja events such as the soccer game and the kite festival.
The soccer game, hosted by Daraja at Amaani Stadium, gave a few of the older boys, who are passionate about the sport, an opportunity to play. The other kids attended the game, cheering on the boys as they exhibited their talents on the field. As for the kite festival, it was a memorable day not only for the kids, but for the volunteers as well. The day was filled with kite flying, swimming and games. It didn't matter whether the kites flew high into the sky or if they crashed to the ground, what mattered was the time we all shared together. If it weren’t for Daraja, neither the kids nor the volunteers would have had these unique and significant experiences.
After returning to the states, all of our family and friends ask about our trip to Africa. We never know how to respond to the question "How was your summer?" because that question can’t be described in one word let alone a few sentences. Words cannot explain how incredible our experience in Zanzibar has been, and this blog is just a glimpse into some of the unforgettable moments that we shared there.
Zanzibar has left an indelible imprint on our hearts. Reading the blogs on this website is what inspired us to be a part of this foundation and we can only hope that reading ours will inspire others to join the Daraja mission. The only way for you to truly understand the magic of Zanzibar is to visit it for yourself. Something about the friendliness of the locals, the warmheartedness of the kids and the enchanting views is what you can’t help but love. We hope to return to Zanzibar in the near future, because once you visit once, how can you stay away?
~ Carolena and Katie ~
TEN ROUNDS TO SKIP
Posted by Gemma Webb on Thursday, 18 September 2014
Posted by Gemma Webb on Thursday, 18 September 2014
The older girls had strong characters, some aspiring to be doctors and fashion designers or directors, which was great to see as education was clearly on the forefront of their minds. |
Before I left for Zanzibar, 6 weeks felt like the longest time but as soon as I arrived at the Mazizini Orphanage my stay there truly did fly by. It was firstly clear to me the wide range of ages between the children at the orphanage as I walked into their morning classes on my first day. I introduced myself to the class and proceeded to translate simple sentences from Swahilli to English, which they could then copy. As expected the large range in ages made it more challenging for the older children to be involved in activities that would test their abilities so I worked individually with some of the girls in order to continue the ‘life after the orphanage’program that Daraja had been involved in. I incorporated activities that tested their English skills through writing short story’s, which could either be fictional or based upon the child’s own life and could form an important part of their English writing skills.
It was clear to me from the beginning that the older girls had strong characters, some aspiring to be doctors and fashion designers or directors, which was great to see as education was clearly on the forefront of their minds. To further this, I arranged a huge box of colouring pencils and paper of an afternoon where the children could design their own clothes or even just draw and be creative.
Playtime was always of great importance to all the children and of course they were great at inventing fun games that could include all. I brought in skipping ropes for the children and we held a competition, where each child had ten rounds to skip the most times. Once the results had been calculated by Mulrahd (one of the older girls) the results were read out in the main hall, with all the children clapping and cheering when it was announced that Asher came first place. Although this was a great activity, it did not take all day and the older girls at the orphanage expressed their need for things to do in their spare time. I therefore organised a trip to town with Dr Jaffar to buy new story and exercise books for the children. I thought that the books would have only entertained the older girls who were more confident with reading, but on many occasions I would find them all huddled together and the children being read to.
Whilst I was in Zanzibar, Dr Jaffar gave my the great opportunity of observing him for the morning at the Menbeladu Maternity Hospital, where he performed two c-sections and showed me around. I was a truly great morning, that I genuinely don’t think I could have experienced anywhere else. It was great to see how clean and welcoming the hospital was and even though it felt a million miles away from what I was used to, the care provided for the mothers seemed fantastic. Both babies that were born were healthy and it was such a great opportunity that was definitely eye opening.
On my final few days, Arsheen had organised a trip to the beach with all at the Mazizini Orphanage, where the children could spend the day flying kites and playing on the beach and in the sea. The whole day was full of the children laughing and smiling and it was amazing to see how happy they were.
Since returning from my volunteering trip, I’m starting to feel that no one can say they've experienced the real Zaznibar without involving yourself in the local culture with the people who live there. My time spent with the children at the Mazizini Orphanage gave me an experience that no other traveler’s could truly have as I was completely welcomed into their homes and lives. It seems almost cliche to say it, but people can never forget experiences such as these and I certainly won’t - so thank you to Arsheen and the Daraja Foundation for setting up the connections between volunteers and the wonderful people in Zanzibar!
Always,
Gemma
It was clear to me from the beginning that the older girls had strong characters, some aspiring to be doctors and fashion designers or directors, which was great to see as education was clearly on the forefront of their minds. To further this, I arranged a huge box of colouring pencils and paper of an afternoon where the children could design their own clothes or even just draw and be creative.
Playtime was always of great importance to all the children and of course they were great at inventing fun games that could include all. I brought in skipping ropes for the children and we held a competition, where each child had ten rounds to skip the most times. Once the results had been calculated by Mulrahd (one of the older girls) the results were read out in the main hall, with all the children clapping and cheering when it was announced that Asher came first place. Although this was a great activity, it did not take all day and the older girls at the orphanage expressed their need for things to do in their spare time. I therefore organised a trip to town with Dr Jaffar to buy new story and exercise books for the children. I thought that the books would have only entertained the older girls who were more confident with reading, but on many occasions I would find them all huddled together and the children being read to.
Whilst I was in Zanzibar, Dr Jaffar gave my the great opportunity of observing him for the morning at the Menbeladu Maternity Hospital, where he performed two c-sections and showed me around. I was a truly great morning, that I genuinely don’t think I could have experienced anywhere else. It was great to see how clean and welcoming the hospital was and even though it felt a million miles away from what I was used to, the care provided for the mothers seemed fantastic. Both babies that were born were healthy and it was such a great opportunity that was definitely eye opening.
On my final few days, Arsheen had organised a trip to the beach with all at the Mazizini Orphanage, where the children could spend the day flying kites and playing on the beach and in the sea. The whole day was full of the children laughing and smiling and it was amazing to see how happy they were.
Since returning from my volunteering trip, I’m starting to feel that no one can say they've experienced the real Zaznibar without involving yourself in the local culture with the people who live there. My time spent with the children at the Mazizini Orphanage gave me an experience that no other traveler’s could truly have as I was completely welcomed into their homes and lives. It seems almost cliche to say it, but people can never forget experiences such as these and I certainly won’t - so thank you to Arsheen and the Daraja Foundation for setting up the connections between volunteers and the wonderful people in Zanzibar!
Always,
Gemma
EXCITING, BUT SCARY
Posted by Nabilah Juma on Monday, 15 September 2014
Posted by Nabilah Juma on Monday, 15 September 2014
The smell of fresh ocean water, the sounds of the market place and the sight of the most beautiful sunset are all the things that come to our mind when we think about Zanzibar. Zanzibar, with it’s beautiful white sand beaches and its bustling city life is what draws tourists into this gorgeous place. It was definitely what drew us in, however, tourists and adventure seekers alike will come to agree that Zanzibar is more than it’s landscape and tight cornered city; it’s about the people.
The Zanzibar culture and lifestyle is unique and laid back. Every where you’ll see people wandering the market place looking to buy goods for their families. You’ll see kids biking through the narrow walls of stone town racing to play street games with their friends. Lovely paintings depicting Zanzibar culture are laid out on the streets attracting new tourists. Young men walk through the town selling fresh fruits and fried foods (and the most delicious grapefruit you’ll ever eat).
We went to Zanzibar and volunteered with Daraja to support their efforts in maternal and fetal health at the Mwembeladu Maternity Hospital. Nearing the end we realized that we did much more than that. The first couple of days were a little confusing and we almost felt like we didn’t know what was going on, but soon we were able to keep up with the pace. We assisted the nurses with deliveries and learned a great deal about the birthing process. The nurses and Dr. Jaffar were exemplary teachers, and from seeing their day to day activities we understand what committed and dedicated health care professionals they are. Being with the mothers and seeing how strong they were throughout their deliveries was remarkable. We were able to spend a day at the Mazizini Orphanage along with two other Daraja volunteers. One of our favourite days was spent playing games and making bracelets with the kids at the orphanage. We had a blast getting to know them, their talents, what they wanted to be when they grow up. We only wish that we had more time to spend with the kids.
We also happened to be there during the Zanzibar International Film Festival. The atmosphere was so unreal. Every night, tourists and locals would gather together to witness the most talented artists from around Africa. The music was so enveloping that even if you didn’t go inside the Old Fort, you could still stand outside and enjoy a nice cup of sugar cane juice in Forodhani Park and still feel a part of it. Along with the Zanzibar International Festival, the FIFA World Cup games were also in progress. Every hotel, restaurant, and store was packed with people cheering on their favourite team - there were games even being shown on the projector in the Old Fort every night!
Going to a new place can be scary. Exciting, but scary. We didn’t know the language, we didn’t know the people, we didn’t know the culture all too well, but we knew Daraja and we knew Arsheen. We were supported every step of the way and never felt alone in our journey together. From the minute we met Shah, to when we met Dr. Jaffar at the hospital, and to the kids we met at the orphanage, we always felt connected. Our experience in Zanzibar would not have been the same without Daraja’s support every step of the way.
<3 Nabilah & Khalida
The Zanzibar culture and lifestyle is unique and laid back. Every where you’ll see people wandering the market place looking to buy goods for their families. You’ll see kids biking through the narrow walls of stone town racing to play street games with their friends. Lovely paintings depicting Zanzibar culture are laid out on the streets attracting new tourists. Young men walk through the town selling fresh fruits and fried foods (and the most delicious grapefruit you’ll ever eat).
We went to Zanzibar and volunteered with Daraja to support their efforts in maternal and fetal health at the Mwembeladu Maternity Hospital. Nearing the end we realized that we did much more than that. The first couple of days were a little confusing and we almost felt like we didn’t know what was going on, but soon we were able to keep up with the pace. We assisted the nurses with deliveries and learned a great deal about the birthing process. The nurses and Dr. Jaffar were exemplary teachers, and from seeing their day to day activities we understand what committed and dedicated health care professionals they are. Being with the mothers and seeing how strong they were throughout their deliveries was remarkable. We were able to spend a day at the Mazizini Orphanage along with two other Daraja volunteers. One of our favourite days was spent playing games and making bracelets with the kids at the orphanage. We had a blast getting to know them, their talents, what they wanted to be when they grow up. We only wish that we had more time to spend with the kids.
We also happened to be there during the Zanzibar International Film Festival. The atmosphere was so unreal. Every night, tourists and locals would gather together to witness the most talented artists from around Africa. The music was so enveloping that even if you didn’t go inside the Old Fort, you could still stand outside and enjoy a nice cup of sugar cane juice in Forodhani Park and still feel a part of it. Along with the Zanzibar International Festival, the FIFA World Cup games were also in progress. Every hotel, restaurant, and store was packed with people cheering on their favourite team - there were games even being shown on the projector in the Old Fort every night!
Going to a new place can be scary. Exciting, but scary. We didn’t know the language, we didn’t know the people, we didn’t know the culture all too well, but we knew Daraja and we knew Arsheen. We were supported every step of the way and never felt alone in our journey together. From the minute we met Shah, to when we met Dr. Jaffar at the hospital, and to the kids we met at the orphanage, we always felt connected. Our experience in Zanzibar would not have been the same without Daraja’s support every step of the way.
<3 Nabilah & Khalida
BUILDING A CHICKEN FARM
Posted by Sharon Welsh on Monday, 19 May 2014
Posted by Sharon Welsh on Monday, 19 May 2014
It is hard to believe that it has been almost two months since we left Zanzibar. Where does the time go? The good news is that the wonderful memories still linger. It has been a challenge to know where to begin to share all the experiences we packed into our 3 weeks in Zanzibar. So I guess I will just start at the beginning. My daughter, Amber and I were the first Daraja volunteers to go to Zanzibar without Arsheen. We were test driving the Daraja volunteer experience.
We were each given a mission, mine was to begin the development of ‘exit plans’ for the older youth at the Mazizini Orphanage. When the youth reach 18 years of age, they need to leave the orphanage and live independently. Some have family they can stay with, but most have no support outside of the orphanage. So I was to assess what was needed to create a positive transition from life in the orphanage to independent living. My daughter’s mission was to create a video that would portray the volunteer opportunity that Daraja offered. Something prospective volunteers could watch to get an idea of what to expect when they volunteer with Daraja.
For me, the best part of the experience was the connections. Arsheen and the others have done an amazing job of creating a web of connections in Zanzibar. Even though we were travelling on our own, we were not alone. That sense of connectedness started before we even left. Reading the blogs. Talking with Arsheen. Knowing that Shah would meet us at the airport. Seeing pictures of the home we would stay in. It all helped to prepare us for the experience. Once we arrived, we were welcomed and supported by the Daraja community in Zanzibar. Throughout the whole experience I felt a part of something bigger than myself. I felt supported. I felt safe. I felt inspired. And it was wonderful.
Our time in Zanzibar began with Shah… our handsome, charming and pure-hearted host. Shah met us at the airport and arrange a ride to his home-hotel where we would stay. Throughout our time in Zanzibar, we relied on Shah a lot. Whether it was someone to help with interpretation, to help us find something we needed or just to discuss an issue, Shah was there for us. We arrived late afternoon, so Shah suggested we take a little time to settle in and when ready for dinner we were to come and get him and he would show us around town… help us get oriented… show us where to eat.
I am so glad we had him guiding us that first night. Stone Town is such an easy place to get lost in. The walkways between the buildings are narrow and many look the same. With buildings that are two to four stories high on either side of the walkways it was hard to orientate to the surroundings, as we couldn't see much beyond the walkway we were on. Also the look of the walkways were constantly changing as stores often opened and closed throughout the day as the owner’s took time for prayers or other activities. Even at the end of the three weeks I would often get confused about the way home. Fortunately, people in Stone Town are generally very friendly and helpful and all I had to do was to ask someone and they would point me in the right direction.
The first place Shah took us was Forodhani Park. Each night vendors set up booths in the park and sell food to locals and tourist. The park is alive with activity. Great food. Great prices (at least for North Americans). My daughter and I could both eat a very complete and satisfying dinner for less than $10. Zanzibar pizza was a favorite. Zanzibar pizza bears no resemblance to what we know as pizza! My daughter is making a video on making Zanzibar pizza, so you will soon be able to see this delicious dish first hand.
That first night Shah introduced us to sugar cane juice. I wasn’t eager to try it, but Shah was convincing. Oh my gosh was it good! I was instantly hooked. We watched as the vendor crushed sugar canes using a hand crank wheel that pulls the cane through a narrow opening forcing the juice out. The cane was then folded and put through again. This was repeated several time. On the last time through they place some lime and ginger between the folded canes. Tangy, sweet… perfection! I managed to convince myself that fresh sugar juice was a healthy snack… please tell me I am right! Shah also introduced us to Zanzibar soup… known as ‘the mix’. A warm broth is made from green mangos, tamarind and spices. Added to this is meat, potatos, hard boiled eggs, shoe string potatoes, and a spicy sauce. I tried it from a variety of vendors around Stone Town. All a little different and all delicious. This became our favorite lunch while in Zanzibar.
Our home in Zanzibar was perfect for our needs, clean, safe, comfortable and close to everything. Although not what one might expect in North America it was more than adequate. We had private rooms that could be locked and shared the bathrooms and kitchens with Shah, his mother and the other guests. Shah’s mom was a delightful and helpful host. She always greeting us with a smile and friendly words. Also staying in the house were two students from England who were studying and living in Zanzibar for a year and one traveller who was there for three months. They had all been there for several months so had lots of good advice and helpful hints.
After a day to settle in and explore a little of Stone Town we were picked up by Dr. Jaffar and taken to the orphanage to meet with the youth. We walked into a room of smiling and welcoming faces. They were very receptive and excited to have us there. I was amazed at how easy it was to engage with the youth. The only challenge was that their English skills were a little less than expected, but with time, patience and help from the youth whose skill were stronger we were able to work around this. I also noticed that as time went on and we became more comfortable with each other, they were more willing to try to communicate with me in English. Also, as I learned to slow down and simplify my language, they seemed to understand me more. It was a learning process for all of us.
On that first day we talked with the youth about what they wanted to do and learn while we were there. They shared that how to make a living was the number one issue. They also identified the need for English, computer and cooking skills as well as moral education. These needs became the focus for our three week in Zanzibar and took us in many direction and sparked some ideas and projects that will likely bring me back to Zanzibar for many years. Much happened in our three weeks and it could take several blogs to even begin to touch our amazing experience.
Dinner in Forodhani Park was an evening ritual for us. Most nights you would find Amber and me sitting in the park eating and chatting with the locals. Always men, as no woman are out and about on their own or initiating conversations with tourists, and usually young men. I would often share with them what we were doing and ask them about life in Zanzibar. Since my mission was to look at helping the youth from the orphanage transition successfully, I would also ask them about what opportunities there were for young men and woman. Many shared with me their struggle to make a living. I found most of them to be intelligent and capable people who wanted to be doing something meaningful with their life, but were struggling to find work or opportunities. These conversations helped me understand a little about the culture of Zanzibar and enriched my experience.
Zanzibar is about 90% Muslim. I was reminded by one of the young men that the Muslim faith forbids the paying of interest. So it is almost impossible for residents to get funds to start a business. Understanding this helped me to make sense of some of what I was seeing. One very fateful connection I made while in Zanzibar was with James. Although Arsheen had never met James, they had been in contact via email and she suggested that we connect. James was just starting up a non-profit training center called Zabeco and it seemed worth exploring how we might work together. James worked as an accountant at a local hotel and saw their need for skilled employees. He also saw the need of local residents for employment. Unfortunately, most of the locals lacked the needed English and computer skills to gain employment in the hotel. Zabeco was developed to help bridge this gap, but with the vision to of growing and evolving to respond to the education needs of the residents of Zanzibar.
James invited us to visit the Zabeco Training Center and asked if we would talk to his English class. He felt it would be helpful for the students to practice their English with native English speakers. It was decided that we would visit the class and have a discussion on the differences between Canadian and Zanzibar culture. It was an eye-opening experience… for all of us.
While travelling to and from the school, I shared some of my conversations with the young men in Forodhani Park with James. I asked him about life in Zanzibar and what business opportunities he saw for people in Zanzibar. James told me that his hotel spent over $1,000 per week to fly in chicken meat from the mainland. He also noted that the hotel he worked in was one of the smaller hotels and the larger hotels spent even more. James felt chicken farming would be a great business if the infrastructure could be developed to ensure a reliable and consistent supply.
This got me thinking… and thinking… and planning. I went to Dar es Salaam and visited a chicken farm. The woman running this farm was more than willing to train people from Zanzibar in running chicken farms. She was also willing to help us identify the needed infrastructure and to help us set this up. James was willing to develop a training program through his school. My mind was racing. I could see possibilities.
It is funny the turns life takes. I never imagined myself in my mid-fifties making plans to set up chicken farms in Zanzibar. I definitely didn’t have this in mind when I went to Zanzibar… but what a great adventure! We are just in the initial stages of planning. But Daraja is on board. I am working to get the funding in place (about $20,000 to start) and plan to return to Zanzibar in early 2015 with my husband to begin the construction of a hatchery and several small chicken farms. The initial thinking is that Daraja will own the building and lease these to locals who will run the chicken farms. We will establish contracts with local hotels and each farm will be matched with a hotel.
Between now and early 2015, I will be busy developing the business plan, getting all the expertise in place, and raising the needed funds. If you or anyone you know can offer any expertise, has suggestions on funding sources or would like to help out with this project, please let Daraja know. The hope is that this will be the beginning of a social and economic development project that will create business opportunities for individuals, families and communities and create ongoing funding for Daraja to expand and develop their services in Zanzibar (through the leasing of the buildings). I am so excited about this project. I think it is the beginning of something positive and transformative. I know there will be challenges and lots of learning along the way… and that’s okay. We will learn together and hopefully develop a firm foundation on which many will flourish.
Warmly,
Sharon Welsh
Daraja Volunteer and wannabe chicken farmer ;)
We were each given a mission, mine was to begin the development of ‘exit plans’ for the older youth at the Mazizini Orphanage. When the youth reach 18 years of age, they need to leave the orphanage and live independently. Some have family they can stay with, but most have no support outside of the orphanage. So I was to assess what was needed to create a positive transition from life in the orphanage to independent living. My daughter’s mission was to create a video that would portray the volunteer opportunity that Daraja offered. Something prospective volunteers could watch to get an idea of what to expect when they volunteer with Daraja.
For me, the best part of the experience was the connections. Arsheen and the others have done an amazing job of creating a web of connections in Zanzibar. Even though we were travelling on our own, we were not alone. That sense of connectedness started before we even left. Reading the blogs. Talking with Arsheen. Knowing that Shah would meet us at the airport. Seeing pictures of the home we would stay in. It all helped to prepare us for the experience. Once we arrived, we were welcomed and supported by the Daraja community in Zanzibar. Throughout the whole experience I felt a part of something bigger than myself. I felt supported. I felt safe. I felt inspired. And it was wonderful.
Our time in Zanzibar began with Shah… our handsome, charming and pure-hearted host. Shah met us at the airport and arrange a ride to his home-hotel where we would stay. Throughout our time in Zanzibar, we relied on Shah a lot. Whether it was someone to help with interpretation, to help us find something we needed or just to discuss an issue, Shah was there for us. We arrived late afternoon, so Shah suggested we take a little time to settle in and when ready for dinner we were to come and get him and he would show us around town… help us get oriented… show us where to eat.
I am so glad we had him guiding us that first night. Stone Town is such an easy place to get lost in. The walkways between the buildings are narrow and many look the same. With buildings that are two to four stories high on either side of the walkways it was hard to orientate to the surroundings, as we couldn't see much beyond the walkway we were on. Also the look of the walkways were constantly changing as stores often opened and closed throughout the day as the owner’s took time for prayers or other activities. Even at the end of the three weeks I would often get confused about the way home. Fortunately, people in Stone Town are generally very friendly and helpful and all I had to do was to ask someone and they would point me in the right direction.
The first place Shah took us was Forodhani Park. Each night vendors set up booths in the park and sell food to locals and tourist. The park is alive with activity. Great food. Great prices (at least for North Americans). My daughter and I could both eat a very complete and satisfying dinner for less than $10. Zanzibar pizza was a favorite. Zanzibar pizza bears no resemblance to what we know as pizza! My daughter is making a video on making Zanzibar pizza, so you will soon be able to see this delicious dish first hand.
That first night Shah introduced us to sugar cane juice. I wasn’t eager to try it, but Shah was convincing. Oh my gosh was it good! I was instantly hooked. We watched as the vendor crushed sugar canes using a hand crank wheel that pulls the cane through a narrow opening forcing the juice out. The cane was then folded and put through again. This was repeated several time. On the last time through they place some lime and ginger between the folded canes. Tangy, sweet… perfection! I managed to convince myself that fresh sugar juice was a healthy snack… please tell me I am right! Shah also introduced us to Zanzibar soup… known as ‘the mix’. A warm broth is made from green mangos, tamarind and spices. Added to this is meat, potatos, hard boiled eggs, shoe string potatoes, and a spicy sauce. I tried it from a variety of vendors around Stone Town. All a little different and all delicious. This became our favorite lunch while in Zanzibar.
Our home in Zanzibar was perfect for our needs, clean, safe, comfortable and close to everything. Although not what one might expect in North America it was more than adequate. We had private rooms that could be locked and shared the bathrooms and kitchens with Shah, his mother and the other guests. Shah’s mom was a delightful and helpful host. She always greeting us with a smile and friendly words. Also staying in the house were two students from England who were studying and living in Zanzibar for a year and one traveller who was there for three months. They had all been there for several months so had lots of good advice and helpful hints.
After a day to settle in and explore a little of Stone Town we were picked up by Dr. Jaffar and taken to the orphanage to meet with the youth. We walked into a room of smiling and welcoming faces. They were very receptive and excited to have us there. I was amazed at how easy it was to engage with the youth. The only challenge was that their English skills were a little less than expected, but with time, patience and help from the youth whose skill were stronger we were able to work around this. I also noticed that as time went on and we became more comfortable with each other, they were more willing to try to communicate with me in English. Also, as I learned to slow down and simplify my language, they seemed to understand me more. It was a learning process for all of us.
On that first day we talked with the youth about what they wanted to do and learn while we were there. They shared that how to make a living was the number one issue. They also identified the need for English, computer and cooking skills as well as moral education. These needs became the focus for our three week in Zanzibar and took us in many direction and sparked some ideas and projects that will likely bring me back to Zanzibar for many years. Much happened in our three weeks and it could take several blogs to even begin to touch our amazing experience.
Dinner in Forodhani Park was an evening ritual for us. Most nights you would find Amber and me sitting in the park eating and chatting with the locals. Always men, as no woman are out and about on their own or initiating conversations with tourists, and usually young men. I would often share with them what we were doing and ask them about life in Zanzibar. Since my mission was to look at helping the youth from the orphanage transition successfully, I would also ask them about what opportunities there were for young men and woman. Many shared with me their struggle to make a living. I found most of them to be intelligent and capable people who wanted to be doing something meaningful with their life, but were struggling to find work or opportunities. These conversations helped me understand a little about the culture of Zanzibar and enriched my experience.
Zanzibar is about 90% Muslim. I was reminded by one of the young men that the Muslim faith forbids the paying of interest. So it is almost impossible for residents to get funds to start a business. Understanding this helped me to make sense of some of what I was seeing. One very fateful connection I made while in Zanzibar was with James. Although Arsheen had never met James, they had been in contact via email and she suggested that we connect. James was just starting up a non-profit training center called Zabeco and it seemed worth exploring how we might work together. James worked as an accountant at a local hotel and saw their need for skilled employees. He also saw the need of local residents for employment. Unfortunately, most of the locals lacked the needed English and computer skills to gain employment in the hotel. Zabeco was developed to help bridge this gap, but with the vision to of growing and evolving to respond to the education needs of the residents of Zanzibar.
James invited us to visit the Zabeco Training Center and asked if we would talk to his English class. He felt it would be helpful for the students to practice their English with native English speakers. It was decided that we would visit the class and have a discussion on the differences between Canadian and Zanzibar culture. It was an eye-opening experience… for all of us.
While travelling to and from the school, I shared some of my conversations with the young men in Forodhani Park with James. I asked him about life in Zanzibar and what business opportunities he saw for people in Zanzibar. James told me that his hotel spent over $1,000 per week to fly in chicken meat from the mainland. He also noted that the hotel he worked in was one of the smaller hotels and the larger hotels spent even more. James felt chicken farming would be a great business if the infrastructure could be developed to ensure a reliable and consistent supply.
This got me thinking… and thinking… and planning. I went to Dar es Salaam and visited a chicken farm. The woman running this farm was more than willing to train people from Zanzibar in running chicken farms. She was also willing to help us identify the needed infrastructure and to help us set this up. James was willing to develop a training program through his school. My mind was racing. I could see possibilities.
It is funny the turns life takes. I never imagined myself in my mid-fifties making plans to set up chicken farms in Zanzibar. I definitely didn’t have this in mind when I went to Zanzibar… but what a great adventure! We are just in the initial stages of planning. But Daraja is on board. I am working to get the funding in place (about $20,000 to start) and plan to return to Zanzibar in early 2015 with my husband to begin the construction of a hatchery and several small chicken farms. The initial thinking is that Daraja will own the building and lease these to locals who will run the chicken farms. We will establish contracts with local hotels and each farm will be matched with a hotel.
Between now and early 2015, I will be busy developing the business plan, getting all the expertise in place, and raising the needed funds. If you or anyone you know can offer any expertise, has suggestions on funding sources or would like to help out with this project, please let Daraja know. The hope is that this will be the beginning of a social and economic development project that will create business opportunities for individuals, families and communities and create ongoing funding for Daraja to expand and develop their services in Zanzibar (through the leasing of the buildings). I am so excited about this project. I think it is the beginning of something positive and transformative. I know there will be challenges and lots of learning along the way… and that’s okay. We will learn together and hopefully develop a firm foundation on which many will flourish.
Warmly,
Sharon Welsh
Daraja Volunteer and wannabe chicken farmer ;)
A FACE FULL OF EXPRESSION
Posted by Leah on Monday, 07 April 2014
Posted by Leah on Monday, 07 April 2014
Direct flights should never be taken for granted. You can sit on the plane with your mind at ease so comfortable and confident that your 6 duffle bags of full of medical supplies will make it safely to their destination. With a direct flight there wouldn’t be a 5-hour wait for your connecting flight in Amsterdam, not one but two security checkpoints and an additional 2-hour flight delay. With a direct flight you wouldn’t be staying overnight in the Nairobi airport for eleven hours while being sleep deprived, your connecting flight wouldn’t be delayed, you wouldn’t miss your Ferry in Dar Salaam leaving you stranded, and then, luckily finding a seventy-five dollar flight to Zanzibar on a zebra striped 1950’s Cessna that transported you and 4 bags to the spice island. My advice? Get direct flights.
After wiping the sweat off my brow and dropping my bags on the ground I took a sigh of relief, I was back in Zanzibar. The familiar sights and smells quickly filled my senses, memories of old buildings and people became reality again. I was happy that I had a mental map of the narrow roads of Stone Town; winding alleyways with storefronts were now simple to find. Friendly faces stopped me on my path to welcome me back to the island; I was pleased that they remembered me, some even by name.
The following day at the orphanage the children running to the gate welcomed us. We greeted each other with hugs and hellos and little ones jumping up for piggy back rides. In our arms we carried 36 pairs of TOMS shoes, each with a name that fit the feet that followed us inside. We arrived like big brothers and sisters that came back from a long adventure, everyone awaiting a story and a gift from our journey.
Waiting in the living room the children sat on the floor anxiously for their shoes. They had grown so much in a year; young girls became little women, the toddlers into rambunctious boys. Scanning the room I noticed an older woman holding a baby, I hadn’t seen him before. Curious, I walked over and looked at his hidden face. I was shocked to see his mouth hung open, his eyes rolled back, his chest moved quickly struggling for oxygen. I reached out and held him in my arms; he was so light, maybe 7 pounds. I asked the lady how old he was and she said 4 months. Looking back at him I touched his face with the back of my hand, it was burning hot. With urgency I looked to my team. We had to help him. We surrounded him and continued our assessments. With the help of the workers we learned that his name was Hadir, he was abandoned on the street by his parents when the orphanage took him in, he had been sick for over a week with dehydration, he was losing weight and his fever rising, he was vulnerable, he needed intervention. We drove Hadir straight to Mnazi Mmoja hospital’s pediatric ward. As we waited in the hallway Dr. Jaffar took him to the observation room with the other medical staff. Minutes later the doctor informed us that Hadir had a high-grade fever, was anemic, dehydrated, and malnourished. He was admitted to the hospital, put on IV fluids, had a blood transfusion, and was fed nutrient rich formula. We went to visit him a couple times making sure he was ok. A week later he was discharged from the hospital, I didn’t even recognize him when I went back to the orphanage. His cheeks were chubby, his eyes vibrant, and his face full of expression.
I can say that I would have gone on that journey all over again if it had brought me to Hadir. He made it all worthwhile. But, as beautiful as Hadir is I have to admit there are moments I can forget him: moments back in Canada stuck in angry traffic, overwhelmed with my own personal problems, when I’m sleep deprived and working on a day that seems to drag on forever. It’s amazing how quickly one can forget. But there, in my darkest moments, the ones where nothing seems to be enough; I remember Hadir. And Hadir makes it worth it for me.
After wiping the sweat off my brow and dropping my bags on the ground I took a sigh of relief, I was back in Zanzibar. The familiar sights and smells quickly filled my senses, memories of old buildings and people became reality again. I was happy that I had a mental map of the narrow roads of Stone Town; winding alleyways with storefronts were now simple to find. Friendly faces stopped me on my path to welcome me back to the island; I was pleased that they remembered me, some even by name.
The following day at the orphanage the children running to the gate welcomed us. We greeted each other with hugs and hellos and little ones jumping up for piggy back rides. In our arms we carried 36 pairs of TOMS shoes, each with a name that fit the feet that followed us inside. We arrived like big brothers and sisters that came back from a long adventure, everyone awaiting a story and a gift from our journey.
Waiting in the living room the children sat on the floor anxiously for their shoes. They had grown so much in a year; young girls became little women, the toddlers into rambunctious boys. Scanning the room I noticed an older woman holding a baby, I hadn’t seen him before. Curious, I walked over and looked at his hidden face. I was shocked to see his mouth hung open, his eyes rolled back, his chest moved quickly struggling for oxygen. I reached out and held him in my arms; he was so light, maybe 7 pounds. I asked the lady how old he was and she said 4 months. Looking back at him I touched his face with the back of my hand, it was burning hot. With urgency I looked to my team. We had to help him. We surrounded him and continued our assessments. With the help of the workers we learned that his name was Hadir, he was abandoned on the street by his parents when the orphanage took him in, he had been sick for over a week with dehydration, he was losing weight and his fever rising, he was vulnerable, he needed intervention. We drove Hadir straight to Mnazi Mmoja hospital’s pediatric ward. As we waited in the hallway Dr. Jaffar took him to the observation room with the other medical staff. Minutes later the doctor informed us that Hadir had a high-grade fever, was anemic, dehydrated, and malnourished. He was admitted to the hospital, put on IV fluids, had a blood transfusion, and was fed nutrient rich formula. We went to visit him a couple times making sure he was ok. A week later he was discharged from the hospital, I didn’t even recognize him when I went back to the orphanage. His cheeks were chubby, his eyes vibrant, and his face full of expression.
I can say that I would have gone on that journey all over again if it had brought me to Hadir. He made it all worthwhile. But, as beautiful as Hadir is I have to admit there are moments I can forget him: moments back in Canada stuck in angry traffic, overwhelmed with my own personal problems, when I’m sleep deprived and working on a day that seems to drag on forever. It’s amazing how quickly one can forget. But there, in my darkest moments, the ones where nothing seems to be enough; I remember Hadir. And Hadir makes it worth it for me.
TWO BOATS TO PRISON ISLAND
Posted by Arsheen on Sunday, 30 March 2014
Posted by Arsheen on Sunday, 30 March 2014
Zanzibar in its entirety is a beautiful place with beautiful people. I was really happy to be returning once again. This trip was the first in which we had the opportunity to work under the umbrella of the Daraja Foundation; our avenue to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, and of our own. This opportunity enabled us to plant the seed of Daraja’s vision and foster its roots in Stone Town. To share these experiences with others who feel and embrace that same passion is an opportunity I never thought I would be blessed with. I feel like I won the lottery.
This year in January, Ashnoor, Leah and I reconnected with Shah, Dr. Jaffar, Ahmed, Lahad, Mohammed, Wilfred, who was back all the way from Nairobi, and Yaasir, all the way from Morogoro. And Alen, he’s growing up so fast, so full of life and eager to engage in Daraja activities. The tremendous local support from friends, the community and other organizations was humbling. We launched the foundation through a gratitude event for our supporters, just as we did in Calgary and registered the organization in Zanzibar, just as we did in Canada. We assessed the needs of the communities we are working with, clarified our focus, and determined our purpose.
I noticed that none of us were in a rush when it came to conversations about our lives at home, our ambitions and our personal paradigms. We enjoyed the company of one another, and we laughed a lot together. Whenever I would hear the sound of a grandfather clock there, it would bring back memories of my childhood spending time with my grandparents. My grandmother to this day keeps our family together with her gracious and giving persona. Her delicate hands hold an abundance of love that radiates through you just by looking at her. She’s a gem in my life. My grandfather used to make origami boats and boxes with paper, and my sister used to enjoy him and his magic and she would watch him intently. Sometimes she would let me have a go at braiding his one patch of hair over the top of his shiny head, but most days she had to have it braided her way. He used to play the harmonica and we would listen together. This time in Zanzibar, I saw Ashnoor's inner child when her and Shah were making the boats together. She was so excited that he knew how as well. Her hands remembered so quickly, and she lit up. I just saw her in her element, and in that moment I felt so grateful that she took the journey with me back to our roots.
The day before I left, we organized a trip to Prison Island with eldest children from Mazizni orphanage. That was one of my best days there. We took two boats out to the island, saw the old tortoises and walked along the beach. The girls swam in the ocean and the boys played soccer on the beach until sunset. I recognized the glow in their faces and their deep appreciation for a simple act of kindness. They appreciated the gift, yet they might have no idea what they did for me. I feel that through moments like these, I am able to understand and shape own perspectives and character. My mom tells me that wisdom is true wealth. She encourages me to always be aware of my own presence and that of others, to let my intuition guide me and to live with good intentions. She says there is something to be learned from my every action and inaction, and I have seen truth in that. Just as my parents do, I try to pay forward the good that’s given to me, and to share what I have been fortunate to have. As for my personal growth, I think this journey continues to teach me more about myself through every encounter. My dad teaches me to live freely and do what makes me happy. “Amplifying what is great within you will accelerate your life faster than trying to fix what you think limits you”, this was a quote he once shared with me by Brendon Burchard. My dad said the next five years can be the best five years of my life, or just another five years. It’s my decision. It’s mine to own and manifest. And he reminds me that it’s not so much about how to do it, but about why.
Why Daraja? Because there is an immediate need, because a mother and her child should leave the hospital together, because children don’t choose their circumstances, and of course, because we can. So why not? At Mnazi Mmoja and Mwembelado, we will spend the year working alongside other organizations to support and improve birthing experiences through education, supplementation and assessment initiatives. We will also continue to create opportunities for volunteerism, encourage knowledge exchange and support policy change in the future. Volunteers will also be connected to Mazizni Orphanage, working together with local support to improve nutrition, education and life skills. The projects will continue to develop over time and continue to improve as we go forward with asking the right questions and connecting the right people at the right time. It’s already starting, Sharon and Amber were there in February, Imran and Salina in March, Masira, Alisha, and Gemma planning their trips for July. It’s really amazing.
Every year, my boss has me ask myself, what can I do more or less of right now to be better in my personal life? By doing this, I have learned to constantly self-reflect and continue to work on myself. He taught me to be mindful of the direction that my heart, gut and head will take me in my decision making, to understand before being understood, to be aware of my ego, and to never judge, blame or have fear. I use the principles taught to me from mentorship through various avenues, and I do feel complete and whole. I realize that our lives are purposeful and captivating. I now appreciate life’s delicateness and what it means to make every moment count. What better way to live it than be around people who build on your inner strength and inner balance. I can’t thank the people enough who have supported Daraja and brought the foundation to its first anniversary, which will be in May. I am very proud of what we have created, even though it may seem small, it’s a movement that can be felt and understood, and will continue forward.
This year in January, Ashnoor, Leah and I reconnected with Shah, Dr. Jaffar, Ahmed, Lahad, Mohammed, Wilfred, who was back all the way from Nairobi, and Yaasir, all the way from Morogoro. And Alen, he’s growing up so fast, so full of life and eager to engage in Daraja activities. The tremendous local support from friends, the community and other organizations was humbling. We launched the foundation through a gratitude event for our supporters, just as we did in Calgary and registered the organization in Zanzibar, just as we did in Canada. We assessed the needs of the communities we are working with, clarified our focus, and determined our purpose.
I noticed that none of us were in a rush when it came to conversations about our lives at home, our ambitions and our personal paradigms. We enjoyed the company of one another, and we laughed a lot together. Whenever I would hear the sound of a grandfather clock there, it would bring back memories of my childhood spending time with my grandparents. My grandmother to this day keeps our family together with her gracious and giving persona. Her delicate hands hold an abundance of love that radiates through you just by looking at her. She’s a gem in my life. My grandfather used to make origami boats and boxes with paper, and my sister used to enjoy him and his magic and she would watch him intently. Sometimes she would let me have a go at braiding his one patch of hair over the top of his shiny head, but most days she had to have it braided her way. He used to play the harmonica and we would listen together. This time in Zanzibar, I saw Ashnoor's inner child when her and Shah were making the boats together. She was so excited that he knew how as well. Her hands remembered so quickly, and she lit up. I just saw her in her element, and in that moment I felt so grateful that she took the journey with me back to our roots.
The day before I left, we organized a trip to Prison Island with eldest children from Mazizni orphanage. That was one of my best days there. We took two boats out to the island, saw the old tortoises and walked along the beach. The girls swam in the ocean and the boys played soccer on the beach until sunset. I recognized the glow in their faces and their deep appreciation for a simple act of kindness. They appreciated the gift, yet they might have no idea what they did for me. I feel that through moments like these, I am able to understand and shape own perspectives and character. My mom tells me that wisdom is true wealth. She encourages me to always be aware of my own presence and that of others, to let my intuition guide me and to live with good intentions. She says there is something to be learned from my every action and inaction, and I have seen truth in that. Just as my parents do, I try to pay forward the good that’s given to me, and to share what I have been fortunate to have. As for my personal growth, I think this journey continues to teach me more about myself through every encounter. My dad teaches me to live freely and do what makes me happy. “Amplifying what is great within you will accelerate your life faster than trying to fix what you think limits you”, this was a quote he once shared with me by Brendon Burchard. My dad said the next five years can be the best five years of my life, or just another five years. It’s my decision. It’s mine to own and manifest. And he reminds me that it’s not so much about how to do it, but about why.
Why Daraja? Because there is an immediate need, because a mother and her child should leave the hospital together, because children don’t choose their circumstances, and of course, because we can. So why not? At Mnazi Mmoja and Mwembelado, we will spend the year working alongside other organizations to support and improve birthing experiences through education, supplementation and assessment initiatives. We will also continue to create opportunities for volunteerism, encourage knowledge exchange and support policy change in the future. Volunteers will also be connected to Mazizni Orphanage, working together with local support to improve nutrition, education and life skills. The projects will continue to develop over time and continue to improve as we go forward with asking the right questions and connecting the right people at the right time. It’s already starting, Sharon and Amber were there in February, Imran and Salina in March, Masira, Alisha, and Gemma planning their trips for July. It’s really amazing.
Every year, my boss has me ask myself, what can I do more or less of right now to be better in my personal life? By doing this, I have learned to constantly self-reflect and continue to work on myself. He taught me to be mindful of the direction that my heart, gut and head will take me in my decision making, to understand before being understood, to be aware of my ego, and to never judge, blame or have fear. I use the principles taught to me from mentorship through various avenues, and I do feel complete and whole. I realize that our lives are purposeful and captivating. I now appreciate life’s delicateness and what it means to make every moment count. What better way to live it than be around people who build on your inner strength and inner balance. I can’t thank the people enough who have supported Daraja and brought the foundation to its first anniversary, which will be in May. I am very proud of what we have created, even though it may seem small, it’s a movement that can be felt and understood, and will continue forward.
IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Posted by Yaasir on Sunday, 30 March 2014
Posted by Yaasir on Sunday, 30 March 2014
Daraja - "bridge', a perfect name for the foundation. I got to know Arsheen and Ashnoor in 2012 when they traveled together to Zanzibar, and I was visiting from Morogoro. I knew right away that they would be back here one day. We all met again this year, and Arsheen told me about Daraja. I was amazed with her passion and appreciated all the work put into starting Daraja. I was interested in being part of it in some way or another and I wanted to participate in the Daraja activities alongside the sisters, Shah, Leah and Wilfred who shared the same passion.
We went to meet a boy named Alen, Arsheen stayed with his family the first time she came to Zanzibar. We all showed up at his house to surprise him with a skateboard. He had seen it being used on TV, and so it was our gift to him that came from Canada. The smile on his face made me realize that it doesn't take much to make a difference for one person, and I was happy to see that. One of the other things we did together as a Daraja family was visited Vuai's family in the fruit farm. We tasted several of the fresh fruits from the farm, it was so nice. We came up with idea of supplying fresh fruits to Mazizini orphanage, and they made a deal which was a very good thing for the kids in Mazizini because they will be getting fresh and healthy fruit. This created income for Vuai and he could earn more and take care of his own family. Every Friday since our visit and until now, Vuai delivers fruit there.
I was happy and proud to take part in the launch of the Daraja Foundation in Zanzibar. I was the MC at the event and I got to introduce the speakers and the Daraja family in Stone Town, it was an honour. We spent a lot time with each other during this trip. We went to the south of Zanzibar and enjoyed a day at Makunduchi beach and also we went to Prison Island and had lots of fun together. This made our bond stronger and we realized how well we can all work together. I can simply say that it's the little things in life that matter the most and yes anyone can make a difference!
We went to meet a boy named Alen, Arsheen stayed with his family the first time she came to Zanzibar. We all showed up at his house to surprise him with a skateboard. He had seen it being used on TV, and so it was our gift to him that came from Canada. The smile on his face made me realize that it doesn't take much to make a difference for one person, and I was happy to see that. One of the other things we did together as a Daraja family was visited Vuai's family in the fruit farm. We tasted several of the fresh fruits from the farm, it was so nice. We came up with idea of supplying fresh fruits to Mazizini orphanage, and they made a deal which was a very good thing for the kids in Mazizini because they will be getting fresh and healthy fruit. This created income for Vuai and he could earn more and take care of his own family. Every Friday since our visit and until now, Vuai delivers fruit there.
I was happy and proud to take part in the launch of the Daraja Foundation in Zanzibar. I was the MC at the event and I got to introduce the speakers and the Daraja family in Stone Town, it was an honour. We spent a lot time with each other during this trip. We went to the south of Zanzibar and enjoyed a day at Makunduchi beach and also we went to Prison Island and had lots of fun together. This made our bond stronger and we realized how well we can all work together. I can simply say that it's the little things in life that matter the most and yes anyone can make a difference!
I CAN'T HELP BUT STOP AND SMILE
Posted by Wilfred on Saturday, 29 March 2014
Posted by Wilfred on Saturday, 29 March 2014
It’s amazing how time flies. It’s been a year already? Well great years always go by faster than you'd expect. Looking back at my achievements I can’t help but stop and smile whenever I think about Zanzibar and our foundation. What turned out as a spontaneous 2013 vacation yielded into something extra special. Daraja, well that’s the sort of stuff you find yourself talking about a lot, fits right into every great conversation. Picking off from last year, the idea Daraja growing into a registered organization and launching itself to the world is heartwarming. Destinations unknown turning into natural routine is one of life’s great gifts. Going back to Zanzibar in 2014 felt like going home. Streets so familiar, reuniting with friends. Zanzibar had fed me with its culture, history and the warmth of its people in 2013, and now, we have been given the chance to add more into its peoples' ease and happiness.
Being part of the Toms Shoes donation to the orphanage was awesome. Interacting with the kids and individually knowing their needs to better ease their lives. The older school going kids needed backpacks and Daraja sorted that. To us, being able to reach out to the community and specifically sorting out their most immediate needs, wow, impactful foundation work right there. We were soon reunited again with Vuai's Family, being able to supply shoes to the kids and create a connection for them to supply their fruits to the orphanage, yet another piece of impactful foundation work. Getting the people what they need most and getting them going. Growth all the way from Canada and the rest of the world has made Daraja what it is now. A strong vision turning into reality.
Being part of the Toms Shoes donation to the orphanage was awesome. Interacting with the kids and individually knowing their needs to better ease their lives. The older school going kids needed backpacks and Daraja sorted that. To us, being able to reach out to the community and specifically sorting out their most immediate needs, wow, impactful foundation work right there. We were soon reunited again with Vuai's Family, being able to supply shoes to the kids and create a connection for them to supply their fruits to the orphanage, yet another piece of impactful foundation work. Getting the people what they need most and getting them going. Growth all the way from Canada and the rest of the world has made Daraja what it is now. A strong vision turning into reality.
CONTAGIOUS VIBRANT ENERGY
Posted by Ashnoor on Monday, 24 March 2014
Posted by Ashnoor on Monday, 24 March 2014
Billowing white sails against the spectacular sunset enjoying a cold beer at Africa house; soaking in the simplicity of life at a slow, calm, African pace. This was my favorite moment at the end of each day of my trip to Zanzibar in 2011. Although I had every intention to relive this moment during my 2014 trip, I knew this time my adventures in Africa would be much different; with a new sense of purpose, to be a part of something greater than myself, to make a difference. I was excited to embark on our journey to Zanzibar. To connect with my family roots, to be surrounded by such natural beauty, to instill hope in the community, to provide opportunities, and to experience lives blossom.
I’ve always heard the passion in my sisters voice when she spoke of Zanzibar, this exotic paradise composed of this contagious vibrant energy. Her vision painted out in words with such sincerity, such clarity, such humility. She instilled this inspiration in me and in everyone else that surrounded her, creating a movement. The Daraja family was born, her dream was about to come to life.
I could write about everything that we did there. But all our previous blogs have already highlighted that. My amazement was the people of Zanzibar and the life lessons they taught me that I will cherish for a lifetime. Every day was started with the call of the rooster, listening to the children playing in the streets, reciting of namaze at dawn and taking in the breeze of the Zanzibar air through the open shutters (also with a little fear that a crow would make its way into my room!). The people of Zanzibar are resilient, generous and hospitable. Seeing what people do with so little really put things into perspective for me, whether I was walking the narrow streets of the city, observing at the maternity ward at Mnazi Mmoja hospital or engaging with the children at Mazizini orphanage. Each soul filled with happiness and strutting glowing smiles. Every moment offered me a humbling experience.
Visions coming to life: The Vuai family offerings of luscious fruit and supporting and connecting the orphanage to provide nutritious, organic fruit (although the freely roaming chickens plucking around had me running for cover). Children with such innocence, filled with gratitude and pride while carrying gifts from Daraja; The staff at Mnazi Mmoja hospital making use of the equipment supplied by Daraja with such gratefulness. Mission accomplished.
We always talk and brainstorm about what Daraja has to offer the people of Zanzibar. Our focus will continue to be supplementation, assessment and pre and postpartum education and provide supplies and equipment for safe birthing experiences at both Mnazi Mmoja and Mwembeladu, aiding in empowering and educating the women of Stone Town. Creating and fostering the healthy development of the children at the orphanage is also another emphasis of the foundation. We will also continue to organize volunteers to head to Zanzibar and experience a city filled with such powerful, positive energy. But I think the biggest thing for me was what Zanzibar offered me; the feeling of fulfillment, humbleness, gratitude, peace, soulfulness, gratefulness. All of these feelings that we sometimes forget to reflect on. I have taken away with me just as much I left in Zanzibar.
To see the contagious wave of support for Daraja in Zanzibar was overwhelming but lit up my heart. Everyone there involved with Daraja beamed with passion, new ideas, and gratitude. I want to thank all the individuals in Zanzibar who are making the vision of Daraja possible. Without all our supports here in Calgary, none of this would be possible. I want to thank all of our family, friends, supporters and sponsors for believing in the Daraja Foundation.
Ashnoor
I’ve always heard the passion in my sisters voice when she spoke of Zanzibar, this exotic paradise composed of this contagious vibrant energy. Her vision painted out in words with such sincerity, such clarity, such humility. She instilled this inspiration in me and in everyone else that surrounded her, creating a movement. The Daraja family was born, her dream was about to come to life.
I could write about everything that we did there. But all our previous blogs have already highlighted that. My amazement was the people of Zanzibar and the life lessons they taught me that I will cherish for a lifetime. Every day was started with the call of the rooster, listening to the children playing in the streets, reciting of namaze at dawn and taking in the breeze of the Zanzibar air through the open shutters (also with a little fear that a crow would make its way into my room!). The people of Zanzibar are resilient, generous and hospitable. Seeing what people do with so little really put things into perspective for me, whether I was walking the narrow streets of the city, observing at the maternity ward at Mnazi Mmoja hospital or engaging with the children at Mazizini orphanage. Each soul filled with happiness and strutting glowing smiles. Every moment offered me a humbling experience.
Visions coming to life: The Vuai family offerings of luscious fruit and supporting and connecting the orphanage to provide nutritious, organic fruit (although the freely roaming chickens plucking around had me running for cover). Children with such innocence, filled with gratitude and pride while carrying gifts from Daraja; The staff at Mnazi Mmoja hospital making use of the equipment supplied by Daraja with such gratefulness. Mission accomplished.
We always talk and brainstorm about what Daraja has to offer the people of Zanzibar. Our focus will continue to be supplementation, assessment and pre and postpartum education and provide supplies and equipment for safe birthing experiences at both Mnazi Mmoja and Mwembeladu, aiding in empowering and educating the women of Stone Town. Creating and fostering the healthy development of the children at the orphanage is also another emphasis of the foundation. We will also continue to organize volunteers to head to Zanzibar and experience a city filled with such powerful, positive energy. But I think the biggest thing for me was what Zanzibar offered me; the feeling of fulfillment, humbleness, gratitude, peace, soulfulness, gratefulness. All of these feelings that we sometimes forget to reflect on. I have taken away with me just as much I left in Zanzibar.
To see the contagious wave of support for Daraja in Zanzibar was overwhelming but lit up my heart. Everyone there involved with Daraja beamed with passion, new ideas, and gratitude. I want to thank all the individuals in Zanzibar who are making the vision of Daraja possible. Without all our supports here in Calgary, none of this would be possible. I want to thank all of our family, friends, supporters and sponsors for believing in the Daraja Foundation.
Ashnoor