Tanzania Trip - August 2010

World Computer Exchange (WCE) seeks individuals with good technology skills to help schools in Tanzania. This team of 5-8 “eCorps” volunteers will depart for two weeks on Friday, the 27th of August. 

Volunteers need one or more of these skills: using the Internet in education, network troubleshooting, computer repair training, website development, appropriate recycling of electronic waste, or Linux LTSP thin-client lab installation.  Volunteers need to speak English.  Volunteers for this trip need to be at least 21 years of age.  

The trip will begin with two days of  rest, site-seeing and orientation in Dar es Salaam.  Onesmo Ngowi of iEARN Tanzania will participate in the orientation.   After this, the group will take the bus to Moshi and begin work for eleven days in more rural settings.  The teams will be assisting WCE Partner organisations that have already received WCE computers and plan to receive additional computers from WCE. 

In eCorps Tanzania 2010 these are our three work sites.  We are currently checking on the projects needed for these and other WCE Partners that have received computers from WCE.  The team will also meet with WCE Partners from Tanzania on Sunday the 29th in Dar and later in the trip in Arusha or Moshi.

• Moshi Institute of Technology led by Thadei Msumanje, Programme Manager  (Implementation Plan)  Arrangements are for a small 1 bedroom house with a sitting room for 2 people.  They request help in training youth in application and uses of the Internet, training of staff in computer skills, and training in ICT to the rural community - especially in area secondary schools. The computers that MIT is receiving in the current shipment will go to these 4 sites:  Moshi Institute of Technology, Marangu Village Internet, Mwangaria Farm School, and Ghona Secondary School.  Food and lodging at this site is $20 per day plus lunch. Jon Holland is the lead volunteer for this site.
• St. Francis School  led by Fr. Sheejan Kallarakkal - 2 will be at this school which is located in Kibaha that is 40 kilometers from Dar es Salaam so a weekend trip to historical Bagamoyo or Zanzibar is possible from here ~ and 2 others will be at another school in Morogoro that is close to Mikumi National Park ($20 entrance fee).  Both schools are under the Catholic order of St. Francis de Sales  (Implementation Plan) There is about one hour's drive between the two schools.   There will be no cost for lodging at the site and the food will be $75 each.
• Tumaini University Dar es Salaam College Library led by Julius Tweve.  Assistance will be given with the installation of a video conference equipment donated by the Embassy of the UK in Washington DC.  The team will probably stay again at Altiman House for this.

Many prior eCorps volunteers have found their 2-week trip to be life-changing and excellent.  Read about eCorps Nigeria.  Read the evaluation and comments of our eCorps Tanzania 2009 team.  Read the evaluation and comments of our eCorps Kenya 2009 team.  Our prior eCorps volunteers would love to share stories of their adventure with you!  

A copy of our eCorps Application is attached in Word.

This trip will be again led by Walter (Gene) Vinson.    If you want to join the eCorps Tanzania 2010 team, please e-mail us at:  Tanzania@WorldComputerExchange.org

Estimated Costs:  $2,845 (less for some work sites)  Yes, you can donate full amount to WCE for tax deduction.

• June round trip airfare between Boston (sample city) and Dar es Salaam: $1,695  (you can check on airfare from your country - Pam Cooney will help you seek low cost)
• WCE Coordination: $500 ($150 if you live in Africa)
• Business Visa: $100 (you need to get this from an Embassy of Tanzania prior to your departure for Tanzania)
• Travel / Medical Evacuation Insurance: $100
• Immunizations: $75 (if you need them)
• 2 days in Dar es Salaam for: orientation, lodging & meals ($19 x 2)  and site-seeing :  $100
• Transportation to/from Dar and your work site:  $55 for Arusha and Moshi and less for St. Francis - more for Musoma
• Lodging and Breakfast/Dinner for 11 nights (maximum): $20 x 11 = $220 ($7 at St. Francis School)  ($12 at Faraja)

All of your costs can be covered through a donation to WCE. This is tax-deductible in Canada and the USA.  We can provide you with a letter to use in seeking to raise funds from your employer or organisation.

Itinerary: