On Feb. 14, a group of 25 Walpole High School (WHS) students and teachers departed to begin their adventure in Tanzania, Africa. The service trip’s goal was to break ground and start digging the foundation for a new elementary school room. The students and teachers worked on the elementary school daily, using just pick axes and shovels.
"This picture was at the work site where we were digging the foundation for a new school to be built. The kids would also come over to us on their breaks and play with us and asks us what our names are. The people there and the kids made the trip so much better and such and amazing experience," senior Ryan Morano said.
"We did boma smearing which is a mix of fresh cow manure, soil, ash and sand, which is then smeared on the houses to act as insulation and seal cracks - a very humbling experience; and of course we went on a tremendous safari where we saw an abundance of elephants, impala, baboons, monkeys, and more," Walpole High School sciences teacher Susan Wick said.
Among many other unforgettable memories made during their week in the country, the Walpole High School group experienced a "water walk" first hand.
"We carried 20 liter jerry cans around our foreheads and on our backs for 4km to simulate what is done by every family in the community in order to have water--they share their water source with the local herds of cattle, and use the water for drinking, showering and cooking," Wick said.
In addition to their service work, water walk and safari adventure, on the last day of the trip, the travelers had the privilege to meet famous primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, whom has conducted her chimpanzee research and lived in Tanzania for nearly 60 years.
"As a group we felt privileged to be welcomed into the community and learned so much from our peers from across the world," Wick said.
Credits:
Ryan Morano, Samantha Teixeira, Caitlin McCabe