Freezin' for a Reason: Hope for Arusha, Tanzania

Jambo and hello, my name is Gage. This summer, I volunteered in Arusha, Tanzania. While in Africa, I had the opportunity to work with a local veterinarian, Dr. Maguo at Elang'ata Agro Veterinary Service. During the evenings, I would visit and play with the children at the Faraja Children's Home.

In this beautiful community that embraced me, there is overwhelming poverty. As an aspiring veterinarian, I realize there is much work there to be done to educate children and families on how to treat and care for their livestock as well as the stray dogs that fill their streets.

What's more is that for children of Arusha, receiving an education is not a given. Government schools are lacking and the best hope for a quality education is through outside private schools, which are costly. The many children I met at the orphanage do not have the opportunity to attend school after 6th grade in their country and the grace of being able to attend secondary school sets them on course for better jobs and a future. In talking with these children, it broke my heart that the thing that they want more than anything is to go to school.

On November 13th, I will be taking a freezing cold plunge at Maple Leaf Pond in hopes of raising $5,000. These funds will support animal welfare education and vaccinations in Arusha as well as provide an impoverished child with a full six year, post secondary education, ensuring them a hopeful future.

I realize how deeply I am blessed and want more than anything to be a blessing. Won't you join me in providing hope for Arusha's most vulnerable? No donation is too small and is sincerely appreciated!

Baraka (blessings in Swahili),

Gage