2018Tanzania_WelcomePackage_Spreads_Jan15-2018

2018Tanzania_WelcomePackage_Spreads_Jan15-2018

Welcome Package

Your ME to WE Trip to Tanzania

Wel come .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Safet y over v i ew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Vi s i t i ng a t ravel doctor .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Commun i cat i on wh i le t ravel i ng .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Money .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ME to WE Tr i p rules and pol i c i es .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Pack i ng t i ps for Tanzan i a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

I nt roduc i ng our Tanzan i a count r y team.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Upon ar r i val .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Wel come to Tanzan i a : Count r y i nformat i on over v i ew. . . . . . . . . . . 12

Accommodat i ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Volunteer i ng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Sample i t i nerar y .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Next -steps check l i st .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Contact us .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Table of contents

Dear parents & guardians: First of all—thank you for your support in your child’s journey to change the world! You must know you’ve raised an amazing child. With that in mind, we understand that sending your child on a ME to WE Trip is a family decision. We can’t wait to host your child in Tanzania, and want to welcome you as part of the planning process as well to ensure you’re feeling confident and equipped with all the information you need. The next few pages first focus on the aspects of a trip we know are most important to parents, followed by information directed at your young traveler to help them feel excited and prepared for their adventure! We recommend that you review all the information in this package together as a family. If you have any questions, please connect with your trip coordinator—we’re here to support you with anything you need. Jambo!

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Safety overview: our #1 priority ME to WE has been facilitating volunteer trips overseas since 2002. Since then, we have taken more than 6,500 youth to Africa, Asia, South America, Central America and North America without incident. We take serious measures and precautions to ensure your child’s safety from the moment they approach you about going on a ME to WE Trip to the moment they return home. ► ► ME to WE Trips abide by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs travel advisories and monitors these updates prior to and during travel. ► ► Canadian and American participants are registered with their respective embassies before departure to ensure accountability in case of emergency. For all other nationalities, ME to WE strongly recommends participants register with their embassy prior to travel. ► ► Copies of all passports, medical and travel insurance, and emergency contact information are collected well in advance of the trip. ► ► Our extensive facilitator training program includes emergency evacuation protocols, standard operating procedures, and crisis prevention and risk management. All facilitators are trained in first aid and carry an emergency kit at all times. In Tanzania, our safety measures include: Pre-trip

► ► Emergency communication is available 24 hours a day between our Country Team and our Toronto office. During the trip ► ► ME to WE Trips arrive into Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. The majority of the trip is spent in the rural Longido region. ► ► Mobile tent camps are surrounded by fences, and there are 24-hour security systems at all facilities. ► ► All transportation is run by our trusted transportation providers in ME to WE owned vehicles, and all travel within Tanzania occurs under the guidance of our team. ME to WE Trips do not utilize any public transportation in Tanzania. ► ► ME to WE Trips travel with a local ME to WE staff member fluent in the local language and familiar with all locations of ME to WE programming. ► ► Purified water is available at all times and all food is prepared by ME to WE cooks who are trained in proper food preparation. ► ► During all building activities, participants are given thorough instructions on the use of equipment and wear protective gear at all times. ► ► Local hospitals with Western medical standards are available and prepared to handle any minor or major medical situations. All participants have AMREF Flying Doctor’s insurance. ► ► Click here for more information on ME to WE’s safety procedures.

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Visiting a travel doctor As you prepare for your ME to WE experience, we recommend that you visit a travel doctor. At ME to WE, we cannot provide advice on specific medications or vaccinations you may need for your trip. The advice given to you by a travel doctor will depend on your past medical history, and will ultimately be a family decision. We suggest going to visit a travel doctor two to six months before you depart on your adventure. *Please note that you will not be interacting with animals on your trip, but you may see animals in the communities you are working in. Communication while traveling Once the group arrives, there will be limited access to phones and the Internet for the duration of the trip. Apart from there being very limited cell service in the areas we work in, we truly believe in having youth immerse themselves fully in programing and the adventure they are having.

home by email to let them know they have arrived safely. Please note that although we strongly encourage travelers to send an email home, some choose not to. If you would like an email, please let your traveler know. From then on, the trip coordinator will send an update to all listed emergency contacts approximately every 3-4 days of the trip outlining what the group has been doing. Facilitators will carry an emergency cell phone at all times to be used in the event of an emergency and will be in daily communication with our team in Tanzania. Remember, no news is good news! In the event of an emergency in-country, parents or guardians will be contacted immediately by phone. We therefore ask that you ensure that if the phone numbers of the emergency contacts listed on the Trips Portal are up to date. If they have changed, please contact your trip coordinator as soon as possible. In the event of an emergency at home please contact ME to WE’s emergency phone at 1.416.526.8450. If you have any general questions about the trip, please contact your trip coordinator.

Within 24 hours of arrival, travelers will have an opportunity to contact parents or guardians back

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Mo n e y We recommend bringing between $150 and $200 USD in small bills for your trip. Your food, water, transportation and other basic costs are included in the cost of the trip, but you will want to have some money to purchase souvenirs. You may also want to buy snacks along the way or at the airport before and during your travel—this will be at your own expense. Please exchange your money to USD before the trip. There will be an opportunity to exchange money when you arrive in Tanzania as well.

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Photo policy This policy exists to preserve the positive relationships we have with our partner communities. We want to ensure that the photos we take are not exploitative, and that we are taking photos of solutions—not problems— to share with friends and family. We ask that photos are only taken of people with whom we have built a relationship, after obtaining their permission. We will never take photos of people we see while driving or walking by. We can assure you that there will be plenty of opportunities for you to take photos and highlight key moments on your trip. The trip facilitators will let the group know when it’s appropriate to take a photo. Gift-giving policy WE has worked for many years to create strong partnerships with the communities we work with. The WE Villages program works toward sustainable development and empowering people and communities to support themselves. This means that the work we do is in solidarity with our communities, not an act of charity. Because of this, we ask that participants do not bring gifts from home to give local children or families. This includes anything and everything from a soccer ball to school supplies to the sunglasses on your face. Remember that you’re already contributing so much just by being in the community volunteering. A friendly wave, a smile or a hello in the local language is the most important gift you can give.

ME to WE Tr i p rul es ME to WE has a set of rules that will apply to all youth, adults and staff while you are traveling with us. Breaking these rules could result in a traveler’s removal from the trip at their own expense or that of their parent/guardians. 1. There is no alcohol, tobacco or any other illegal substances allowed on the trip. This includes any drug or alcohol paraphernalia, regardless of the age of the traveler. 2. There is no sexual activity or romantic relationships allowed on the trip and all accommodations are separated based on gender. 3. Only respectful and positive relationships are allowed. All travelers must show respect for themselves, their educators, staff, the community and the general public. There is no tolerance for discrimination, violence or inappropriate language use while on a ME to WE Trip. ME to WE po l i c i es and commi tments There are a few policies that we ask travelers to commit to, in order to ensure we are preserving the relationships we have with our communities and making this trip as impactful as possible.

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Packing tips for Tanzania Be sure to consider the weight of the items that you are planning to bring—remember that you’ll have to carry them around with you throughout your travels. All clothing and personal items should be packed in a hiking backpack (45-65 litre) or a duffel bag. It is recommended that you have a document holder (e.g. money belt) to carry important documents such as your passport and money that should never leave you while in transit. Please be sure to review our clothing policy before packing and dress conservatively throughout the trip. This means not wearing any clothing that is tight or revealing. Please note that the clothing list is a guide and to be used at your discretion, however please consider that there may be cultural expectations around dress that may be different from home. If you are concerned about what you should and should not wear, please refer to the list below for must haves and items to leave at home. Cotton and natural fibers do not dry well in hot weather. We advise synthetic, quick- Average temperatures in Tanzania in the wet season (October to May) During the wet season, you should expect periods of rain. From October through February, short rainfalls are likely to fall in the late afternoon or evening. In March through May, you will likely experience long rainfalls that seldom last a whole day. The temperature ranges between 10°C and 27°C.

drying fabrics. Full length, lightweight pants and shirts are recommended for better coverage against flies and mosquitos in Tanzania. Please bring travel-size amounts of items and only what you will need for the duration of the trip. Please also remove any plastics and packaging from products before packing them to ensure proper recycling and limited waste in country. You will be asked to not leave anything behind at the end of your trip. We invite you to take the opportunity to use your trip as a time to disconnect from technology and immerse yourself in your new surroundings. We ask that you do not bring your cell phone on your trip, and if you do it is only to use it as a camera. If you are on a connecting flight, we recommend bringing your cellphone for transit in case you need to connect with our team. If you would like to wash a few items during the trip, you can bring biodegradable laundry soap and hand wash items at your accommodations.

Average temperatures in Tanzania in the dry season (June to September) During the dry season, the sky is clear and the days are sunny. Temperatures range between 10°C and 23°C, with early morning temperatures being quite chilly. Please remember to bring enough warm clothing and wear layers.

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Checked Baggage (45-65 litre backpack or duffel bag) Toiletries Toothbrush and toothpaste Dental floss

Carry-on bag (School sized backpack) Passport and travel documents Prescription medications Camera or cellphone (to use as camera) 2 t-shirts 1 pair of pants 1 sweater 2 extra pairs of underwear Sunglasses Essential toiletries (no liquids over 100ml) Personal items (e.g.: books, magazines, journal) Reusable water bottle Sleeping bag $150 - $200 USD Spending money Provided in country on trip P P Filtered water to fill your water bottle P P Hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, steel toe covers and masks, and rain boots in the Amazon

Hairbrush Deodorant Moisturizer Hand wipes and sanitizer Sunscreen Feminine products (if required) Biodegradable shampoo, conditioner and soap Bug spray with DEET Footwear

Sturdy running shoes Socks for length of trip Flip-flops or sandals for showers and accommodations

Clothing 4-5 quick-dry or light pairs of pants 2-3 pairs of knee-length shorts/capris Undergarments for the length of the trip 5-6 t-shirts (no low cut v-necks or exposed shoulders) 3-4 quick dry long sleeve shirts 2 sweaters or 1 jacket + 1 sweater 1 light rain jacket with hood Light pajamas Hat with a brim & winter hat Optional recommended items Nut-free snacks Rehydration salts or electrolytes Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries Universal adaptor plug to charge items Camera with charger Biodegradable laundry soap Towel and facecloth A thin scarf or bandana Aloe vera cream/gel/anti-itch cream

What not to bring × × Yoga pants or leggings × × Tank tank tops or low cut tops × × Jewelry × × Clothing with any sayings that may be culturally inappropriate × × Knives or weapons of any kind (including Swiss army knives) × × Hair straightener or blow dryer × × Electronic items, including shavers

× × Plastic bags of any kind, including zip-lock, grocery and shopping bags. It is illegal to enter Tanzania with these items.

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Introducing our Tanzania country team

Below are some of the incredible team members who are working hard in Tanzania to make all the arrangements for your life-changing experience. While they work mostly behind the scenes, you may see them pop in during your trip, so make sure to introduce yourselves! You will also be accompanied by two full-time facilitators, who will be confirmed closer to your date of departure. Your facilitators will be there 24/7 to guide you through each moment of your trip experience, and make sure that you are having a fun, safe and impactful journey.

Jodie Collins Director, Quality and Development

Santai Kimakeke Director, East Africa Coordination

Jodi York Manager, East Africa Leadership Programs

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Upon arrival After landing at Arusha’s Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will proceed as a group toward customs. Please ensure you have your passport handy, as well as USD$50 to pay for your visa and your completed customs card, which will have been given to you on the plane before landing. In turn, each traveler will be called up to speak with a border agent, and they will ask to see your passport and customs card. It is here that you will also purchase your tourist visa. From there, you will proceed to baggage claim to find your luggage. You will then gather as a group to ensure everyone has claimed their luggage and is ready to go. Together you will all exit to the arrivals area, where a member of our team will be waiting to greet you! The drive to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes from the airport (depending on traffic) so, if necessary, please make sure to use the bathroom in the arrival area before you head to the vehicles.

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Welcome to Tanzania

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Tanzania facts: ► ► English and Swahili are Tanzania’s two official languages, and each of the country’s 120 ethnic groups has their own dialect ► ► Almost 70% of Tanzanians live in rural regions ► ► Tanzania’s adult literacy rate is 68% ► ► Only 44% of those in rural areas have access to improved water sources ► ► 42% of children are affected by stunting ► ► 21% of Tanzanian children aged five to 14 are engaged in child labor

Country information overview Located in East Africa, Tanzania borders the Indian Ocean to the east and shares borders with eight other African countries. Approximately the size of British Columbia (or twice as large as the state of California), Tanzania has an incredibly diverse population of over 49 million people with varied ethnic, linguistic and religious identities. Home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, and bordered by three of the largest lakes on the continent, Tanzania is also defined by great geographical diversity. Tanzania’s unique geography is complemented by its incredible wildlife— a fifth of Africa’s largest mammals can be found within its borders, including lions, hippos, elephants, zebras and wildebeest. With approximately 38 percent of the country’s territory established as game reserves, national parks, conservation areas and marine parks, Tanzania brings in thousands of tourists every year to experience its natural and cultural diversity. Despite this natural beauty, over half of Tanzanians still live on less than a $1.25 a day. Tanzania has had a significant population growth rate, with 64 percent of the population under the age of 25 and a life expectancy of 61 years. With over two-thirds of the population living in rural areas, Tanzania has struggled to provide adequate access to education, health, food security and income for millions of people.

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Accommodations For the first and last night of your trip, you will be staying at our ME to WE leadership center in Arusha. For the majority of your trip, you will be staying at a mobile camp near the community you’ll be volunteering in. You will share a tent with some of your fellow travelers of the same gender.

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Dinner ► ► Leek & potato soup ► ► Chicken, vegetable curry with rice ► ► Ginger carrots and steamed French beans

Food In Tanzania, all your meals will be served buffet- style, with a mix of familiar foods from home and more local dishes for you to try. Below is a sample menu of the types of foods you might find on your plate in Tanzania:

► ► Bread rolls ► ► Fruit salad

Breakfast ► ► Cereal ► ► Fruit ► ► Toast

► ► Scrambled eggs ► ► Tea/coffee/cocoa

Lunch ► ► Spinach pie ► ► Green salad with avocado ► ► Carrot with sultanas ► ► Bread rolls ► ► Watermelon bowl with oranges

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Volunteering You will find out the name of the community you will be volunteering in approximately one month before your trip. Communities are allocated based on need and the progress made by previous groups. You can learn more about the Ecuadorian communities that WE Villages works with here .

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Sampl e I t i nerar y Clothing Day 1: Travel Your adventure begins as you depart for Tanzania via overnight flight. Get ready to change the world! Day 2: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania Transfer to your accommodation in Arusha. Check in and enjoy a hot meal. Day 3-onwards: Explore Tanzania Highlights include: Swahili lessons : Throughout the course of your trip, you will have the opportunity to learn basic Swahili. Knowing a few of the basics in Swahili, including how to say “Hello” and “Goodbye,” is a great way to connect with the people you meet when you visit local communities. You’ll have the chance each day to practice what you’re learning! Community orientation: One of the most exciting moments of your trip may be the first time you visit the community where you’ll be volunteering throughout your time in Tanzania. Your facilitators and a Maasai guide will lead you on a tour of the building projects in the community. Be welcomed

by local community members and learn more about Tanzania’s culture and traditions, joys and daily challenges. For the next several days, you won’t just be a visitor in the community—you’ll be part of a family as you work together toward shared goals. Building 101: Make the most of your volunteering time in the community by taking part in a mandatory one-hour project building safety workshop. Volunteer project: Depending on the community, day and time, your volunteering could be a variety of different activities—alongside a local fundi (foreman) you could be laying bricks that will become a school, digging wells that will provide clean water, or planting crops that will grow into nourishing food. You’ll see the real results of your work as you volunteer alongside community members on WE Villages development projects—your work will have an impact that will last for generations to come!! Evening discussion: In the evenings, learn more about WE Charity’s holistic and sustainable community development model, WE Villages. Throughout your trip you will have the opportunity to learn about the five WE Villages Pillars of Impact: Education, Water, Health, Food and Opportunity.

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Water walk: Walk in the footsteps of a local mama as you journey with her to a nearby water source to collect water for her family. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges local families face in accessing clean water. Beading with Maasai mamas: Get to know a local mama who is carrying on the traditional beading done by her ancestors through her work with ME to WE Artisans. Try your hand at a small beading project—it’s not as easy as the mamas make it look! Afterward, share stories of family traditions and family roles. More than 1,400 women are employed through ME to WE Artisans, empowering them to earn a sustainable income to support their families and send their children to school. Final day: Return to Arusha Visit the Shanga shop and Cultural Heritage Centre, before heading to the airport for your overnight flight back home. *Please note that each trip experience has slight variations to accommodate our communities and our projects, and to consider the goals and objectives of each specific group. The above is a sample overview, however, a more detailed itinerary will be provided to you closer to your departure date.

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Next-steps checklist Log in to the Trips Portal Confirm your insurance

3. Submit a copy of your passport Please upload a copy of your passport to the Portal as soon as possible to secure your spot on your group flight. If your passport is expiring within six months of returning from your trip, you will need to renew it. However, please still upload a copy of your expiring passport to the Portal in the meantime. When you get your new one, you will be able to upload your updated passport. If necessary, we recommend applying for or renewing your passport as soon as possible. 4. Sign your waivers After you complete your application, our team will email you the waivers that must be signed for your trip. The waivers will be sent to you using an online, electronic signature program called DocuSign. If you are under 18 years old, the waivers will be sent to your parents or legal guardians. If you are 18 years old or older, you will need to sign the waivers for your trip. Please check your junk mail folder for the waivers if you cannot find them in your inbox.

Fill out your online application Upload a copy of your passport Sign your trip waivers through DocuSign (if under 18, will be sent to a parent/guardian for signature) 1. Log in to the Trips Portal Our online Portal is a great way for you to stay on track with completing necessary trip items and access important trip resources. As the date of your trip approaches, resources will be added such as a packing list, trip itinerary and letters from your facilitators. You should have already received a welcome email with your username and password. If you have not received it, please check your junk folder or contact your trip coordinator. To log in, click here . 2. Complete your online trip application Through your Portal account you will be able to complete your online application. This form will collect the dietary, medical and parent contact information we need to make sure you have the best trip possible.

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Contact us!

You can contact our team anytime by calling, emailing, or contacting your trip coordinator directly.

416.640.3865

c o o r d i n a t i o n @W E . o r g

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