As a child, I always dreamt of going to Africa and this past summer, after two years of scrimping and saving, my dream became reality. In July, I spent two weeks in the small East African village of Pommern, Tanzania, as a member of Global Volunteers.
In addition to other projects, Global Volunteers assist with the teaching, planning, construction and maintenance of the Pommern Polytechnical Secondary School that serves Pommern and surrounding villages in one of the most economically impoverished areas of Tanzania. As volunteers, our objective was not to change the people of Pommern but to use education as a "catalyst for self-reliance."
After a two-day, dusty drive in a cramped bus on a washed out "road," we arrived at Pommern in the dark. Slowly, the morning light emerged and unveiled the village from its blanket of darkness. The landscape was dotted with tiny, red clay huts with straw roofs sporadically arranged amid the cornfields. As the village gradually awakened, residents began their daily routine - the village women gathering and grinding corn for the evening meal, while their barefooted children chased wild chickens into the fields.
At this first glimpse of the village, I struggled with mixed emotions that ranged from excitement to "what did I get myself into?" I realized Pommern was a far cry from the manicured lawns and the white picket fences of home. At first, it was difficult adjusting to a world without the modern conveniences of electricity and plumbing - not to mention the unchanging menu of rice, beans and collard greens.
These concerns dissipated though as I became immersed in a rush of activity. Together, the volunteers and the villagers began constructing the student dining hall. The days were filled with "mud-making" for the bricks, digging sand, bucket brigades and bricklaying.
Working side by side the villagers, we traded personal stories and laughed at the odd American culture. I discovered that Pommernians are warm, welcoming people who are equally curious about other cultures and ideologies. Although they live in a vastly different world, they really are not much different from me. Because of my biochemistry background, I was recruited by the headmaster to assist at the school where my first project was to organize the chemistry lab. I discovered that other organizations had donated a variety of glassware and chemicals but had failed to explain their function. I was able to fill this need and demonstrate the proper handling and disposal of chemicals. I also taught a biology class on respiration and breathing and was amazed at the students' level of comprehension and knowledge. They often asked insightful questions and were eager to learn.
My interest in medicine drew me to the medical clinic. This was perhaps the most disheartening aspect of my experience in Pommern. The medical technology, abundant supplies and knowledge that we take for granted in our country are simply not available in this remote community. It was heartbreaking to see patients with curable bacteria and viral infections going untreated. The local medical officer named Godlove explained that antibiotics and other medications were in short supply. The volunteers had donated what small amounts of antibiotics and medications we had in hopes it would help some of the patients in the clinic. I was also saddened by how many patients were stricken with HIV. Unfortunately, as Godlove explained, it was a sight all too common in the clinic.
I also spent a day in the local kindergarten. It was cold that morning as 40 barefoot children piled into the old clay building. The rays of the sun peered through the worn thatched roof to brighten colorful drawings hanging on the walls. The children were so patient and eager to learn during their Swahili lesson.
However, just like American children, their true natures were unleashed during playtime when our first activity was coloring. I had the dangerous and unlucky job of passing out the crayons and found myself quickly surrounded. A feeding frenzy ensued. All 200 crayons were snatched up by 80 little eager hands and I was left dazed and confused, standing with an empty and torn Crayola box. After we had depleted our supply of coloring paper, we had a wonderful time playing "Duck, Duck, Goose," "Ring around the Rosy" and "Hokey Pokey." And at all times, I had at least 10 children whining for my attention, all wanting to hold my hand or play with my hair. At the end of the day, I was exhausted, but it was the most endearing day I had in Africa and I will always remember each of the children's smiling faces.
All too soon, my stay in Pommern came to an end. The student dining hall foundation was completed, the walls were being erected, the chemicals were organized, patients filled the clinic and the village women were still gathering corn.
As I prepared for my leave, I realized that the little village with the tiny, red clay huts no longer seemed primitive or impoverished. It was rich with laughing children, eager students and friendly neighbors always quick with a "komwene" greeting, friendly smile and a laugh. This was definitely the experience of a lifetime.
