Global Citizens Network (GCN) Project Site:
Kilomeni, TANZANIA
Check Trip Schedule for Trip dates
Click here to see tentative schedule
A Maasai and Pare Village
Located on the eastern coast of Africa and over twice the size of California, Tanzania is a very diverse country, ranging in climate from tropical to temperate, in terrain from jungle to plains to highlands, and in elevation from 0 (Indian Ocean) to 19,340 feet (Mt. Kilimanjaro). Home to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it is world famous for its game preserves.
GCN’s host contact in Tanzania is Fr. Mansuetus Setonga, Director of Development, Same Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church. Same (pronounced “Sahmay”) is a medium-sized town in northeastern Tanzania on the Moshi-Dar es Salaam Road, about a ninety-minute drive from the Kilimanjaro International Airport. The Same Diocese covers Mwanga & Same political regions (out of 25 in Tanzania). It encompasses approximately 83 villages and 370,000 people and is the largest and poorest region in Tanzania. In the flatlands there is little or no water at some times and flooding at others, with much soil degradation. Agriculture is marginal in many areas, but improving due to irrigation projects. In the mountains, rainfall is generally good on one side and bad on the other. There are a good variety of foods available, including freshly ripened mangos.
GCN has partnered in this area in the village of Kilomeni, high in the Pare Mountains, about 90 minutes from Same. While the Same area is inhabited by a mix of Pare (pronounced “Pahray”) and Maasai peoples, only Pare live in Kilomeni. The first half of the trip from Same is on paved road; the rest is on a narrow dirt road that winds up into the mountains (an adventure in itself!) to Kilomeni. Although it can still get quite warm during the day, it is cooler than on the plains, and there is always a breeze and virtually no mosquitoes. It is a lush, beautiful setting with beautiful vistas of the mountains and the Mkomazi Game Preserve far below.
Expanding a Primary School
Kilomeni, and its neighboring community, Mlevo, are pleasant environments. Their difficulty lies in their remoteness. Both communities want to expand and renovate classrooms in their primary schools so more children in the area can continue their education without leaving home. GCN has been helping to build and renovate classrooms and expand the staff housing at the Kilomeni Primary School.
Travel Itinerary
Team members will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and drive about ninety minutes to Same, where they will stay overnight at the Elephant Motel. The next day, the team will pick up any supplies they need in Same, then make the drive to Kilomeni. They will live and work with the people in this scenic community for the remainder of the GCN trip, with the potential for a break in the middle and/or end of their stay. At the end of the trip, transportation to the Kilimanjaro International Airport will be provided.
Accommodation and Meals
GCN is hosted in Kilomeni by the Catholic Church, although the school project is conducted by the general community. Team members sleep and eat their meals with the church personnel. Accommodations can be made to keep husband/wives and parents/children together. Electricity, running water and flush toilets are likely, but not guaranteed. Food is plentiful and varied, and local cooks will prepare meals.
Time to Explore
The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip, of which there are several possibilities. Some options are to visit to the Maasai village of Marwa, the cattle market in Mgagao, the irrigation project at Buiko, or market day in Same. Most participants arrange time before or after the GCN experience to make a safari in the world famous Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Mkomazi or Tarangire game reserves, all within easy reach from Same. Additionally, many like to visit the Serengeti or trek nearby Mt. Kilimanjaro for the 19,000+-foot “walkup”.
Health Issues
Participants are required to be in sound health. Potential participants with significant physical limitations are encouraged to check with their physician and discuss the situation with GCN staff beforehand.
Throughout most of Tanzania, it is essential to drink bottled or boiled water to avoid health problems. A local cook trained in preparing healthy food prepares all meals for the GCN team. Check with your local travel clinic or the Center for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ for accurate information on inoculations and health preparation.
Costs
The program cost for this two week trip has been reduced from $2300 to $1900 when you apply by May 10. Program costs covers on-site accommodations (lodging and meals), in-country travel, training materials, donation to the project, emergency medical and evacuation insurance, t-shirt, and a portion of the team leader’s expenses.
Airfare to Tanzania, and costs relating to activities outside of the village, are additional and the responsibility of the individual participant.
All trip related costs are tax-deductible in the U.S.
Discounts available (one per person/group)
For further information contact us
Global Citizens Network
130 N. Howell St.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 644-0960 or (800) 644-9292
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