Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Tanzania, Here I Come!

For those of you who know me, I'm sure it's no surprise when I say I will be moving to Tanzania in August to teach. After all, I've only been talking about this for...oh...at least 1000 days. (You do the math!) But the time is finally here, and in two months time I will be saying "Peace out Wisconsin...and HELLO AFRICA!"

I am volunteering as a math teacher with an organization called WorldTeach (www.worldteach.org), a program that sends teachers to countries all over the world to assist with education programs. I was able to apply directly to the year-long Tanzania program, and I couldn't be more excited to live and teach in this exotic, beautiful and wonderful country! However, some of the statistics are staggering. First, there is an estimated shortage of 85,000 secondary teachers in Tanzania alone (the secondary level is equivalent to high school in the US). Second, it is not atypical for a school of 1,500 students to have only 10 teachers. Third, while strong English teachers are in demand, math teachers are in even greater demand, just like in the US. Forth, music programs are almost non-existent in Tanzania.

As I look forward to teaching secondary math classes, I am also excited for the opportunity to work with extra-curricular activities, and perhaps even begin a music club or program in the school! Hopefully if all my packing goes well I'll even be able to take my French horn! :) What an amazing opportunity to share both of my passions, math and music, with students across the globe!

On a more personal note, I truly believe that God closed the door leading to Peace Corps service after years of preparation only to open this window of amazing opportunity with WorldTeach instead. I applied for this program the same day I declined my PC invitation...and here I am now! Ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime!

All of this being said, this is a volunteer commitment. This program is a significant monetary commitment for me, especially as a recent college graduate. Putting my teaching career in the US on hold to live life abroad for a year may be a huge risk, but one that I have no doubt will be worthwhile. If you feel inclined to support me along my journey as teacher in Tanzania, I would be forever grateful. Thoughts, prayers and donations are always welcome!

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For now, financial contributions (as opposed to notebooks or pencils) will be the most reliable. You can donate directly to me on the WorldTeach website, which will help offset the program cost for me. My goal is to fundraise half of the program costs, $3000. Go to www.worldteach.org. In the upper right corner, there is a red Donate/Pay button that you can click. Make sure that you specify the donation for "Contribution to Volunteer Fee/In-Country Program," and that you use my name, Elizabeth Martin, with Tanzania as the country of service.
Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!