Volunteer in Tanzania
The United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC): Arusha, Tanzania.
Submitted by Hannah Hughes- Hhughes@bowdoin.edu
The UAACC is a NGO started by Americans Peter O’Neal and his wife Charlotte about twenty years ago. Pete is the former President of the Kansas City chapter of the Black Panthers and has been living in exile with his wife Charlotte for the past thirty years. Upon their arrival in Tanzania, Pete and Charlotte refused to stop their quest for social activism and created the United African Alliance Community Center just outside of Arusha. The community center is open to all, but was created for those who are unable to afford the government schools and are thus unable to receive an education. The UAACC has classes all year round for all ages. The classes are run by Africans, from Tanzania and all over the east coast, as well as volunteers from around the world. The classes range from introductory computer skills to English language to dance. The community center has its own recording studio for Africans who sing with a social or political message. Pete and Charlotte are forces of nature. They have empowered a community and given hope to those who are unable to get an education. This program is ideal for anyone who has skills that he or she would feel comfortable teaching to a group.
Contact us to learn more, or contact Pete and Charlotte to talk about what you want to teach. www.uaacc.habari.co.tz/
The Jifundishe Library: Arusha, Tanzania
Submitted by Hannah Hughes- Hhughes@bowdoin.edu
This public library, located directly next to the UAACC just outside of Arusha, was started by Debra Kelly, an American woman who has been living in Tanzania for the past few years. It has an impressive amount of books and an even more impressive presence in the community. It has become a hang out for students and a conference center for adults. I worked shelving and cataloging, and there is an infinite amount of work to do there. Book readings are held for all ages, and activities such as arts and crafts are held for the younger children. It is a wonderful place to volunteer, inspiring and hopeful. www.jifundishe.org