Cultural Exchange
Through our partnership, we have provided a direct cultural connection for between Seattle area high school students and high school students in Tanzania. With each trip, we strengthen these bonds.
After the 2004 trip, youth delegations traveled in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2017. A delegation of adults, including two over 85 years old, visited in 2012. Another adult delegation visited in 2019. Many returnees have said that this trip has been a life changing experience.
These trips have included:
Participation with Ailanga classes: This has included, for example, ASP students reading a book that was assigned to the Ailanga students, and participating in class discussions about this book.
Free time discussions with Ailanga students, often using delegate-sourced photos to compare life in Tanzania to life in the U.S.
Participation in Ailanga sports activities.
Visiting projects sponsored by the Meru Diocese, including a rehabilitation center that provides support to people with disabilities.
A safari to 2-3 nearby national parks.
In order to help the delegates be ready for the trip, we conduct preparation sessions throughout the preceding school year covering:
Meeting and bonding with other delegates.
Learning about Tanzania and the Ailanga school, often through delegate-researched and presented “Africa Moments,” shared by a different delegate, once a month, in the year leading up to the trip.
Learning some important Kiswahili phrases.
Laying ground rules for cultural sensitivity (cultural differences not ranked on a scale of one being superior or inferior to another).
Preparing music to perform at school, perhaps even at some churches throughout the diocese.
Providing packing guidance.
Discussing trip costs and the payment schedule, as well as potential fundraising activities.
Providing information on passport and visa acquisition, trip insurance, and required vaccinations.
We have been blessed to be a part of this mission with significant support for almost two decades. We look forward to years of friendship, exchange, and travel between our communities.
