Name: Gemma Meakins
Programme: Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam Teaching Project
How did you feel before you joined the programme? I was excited about the prospect of going to Africa but was nervous about whether I would enjoy the project and feel supported when abroad.
How did Real Gap assist you? I felt comfortable ringing Real Gap with any questions I had which was very helpful. The pack received about the project was very useful and so was the kit list.
It was really great to be given the contact details of the other volunteers whilst in England as it meant that I arranged to meet them at the airport and therefore I felt more comfortable than if I had been travelling alone. It also meant that we arrived at the same time and so could learn our way around and begin our projects together.
What was the accommodation like?
It was basic compared to English standards. For example the water ran out so we had to wash out of buckets a few times and the electricity wasn't always available. There was also a very long queue for the bathroom! However in comparison to most African houses it was absolutely fine. I felt happy and comfortable there and it soon felt like home. The people that worked at the house were very friendly and this gave the house a nice atmosphere. Also I felt the food was really nice.
What did you think of the programme? Volunteering in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania was fantastic. I worked from 8am-1pm every day in a Primary School teaching and spent the afternoons either helping the other volunteers teach English to the Maasai tribe or relaxing at the beach.
I really enjoyed the programme. I did think doing projects both in the morning and afternoon was quite exhausting but meeting the children and spending time with them was good.
Did your project and destination meet your expectations? Any anecdotes? My trip exceeded my expectations - I had a fantastic time. The Africans are really extremely friendly so after a few days you feel at home. A few members who worked as project leaders called Edward and Selestine were fantastic, they organised trips for us, showed us around Dar and local places and were always available when we needed help. Having them to help and show you local places and ways of life was a major benefit of the trip that you wouldn't get if you travelled independently.
How have you benefited from your experience? I am more confident now and definitely more independent. I also now would like to visit more places and volunteer elsewhere, its definitely a worthwhile experience.
What was the most memorable moment of your trip? I took a fantastic trip to Zanzibar for 5 days with the other volunteers and spent one night in stone town and the other nights in a gorgeous beach resort called Kendwa. It was a good opportunity to get to know everyone better and spend time relaxing on the beach. We also went to a beach party and my most memorable moment was dancing the YMCA with members of the Masai tribe.
What advice could you offer? I would recommend the trip to everyone. However just be prepared for the fact that the house is basic and amenities like water and electricity often don't work.
Teaching in a school whilst being hugely rewarding, is hard work and very tiring. I would advise them to research a bit about the country etc before they go. One reason I think I enjoyed it was because I knew what to expect and therefore I anticipated the less glamorous side of living in Africa that I don't think some people did. Also I think you must be open-minded and accept that sometimes things won't go to plan when your abroad but its good to be flexible and just enjoy it.
Nonetheless the best part of the trip for me was sharing my experiences with all the other volunteers. It was really nice to get to know new people and to spend time discussing our day in the pub in the evenings.
