I realised this evening that in 4 weeks time, I will be flying through the skies for my summer in Tanzania. It's hard to believe it's so close and as it rains down outside, it's even harder to believe I'll be sweltering in 30+ degree heat for most of the summer!
Preparations continued over the last month, notably travel vaccinations:
Preparations continued over the last month, notably travel vaccinations:
Travel VaccinationsNot my favourite part of travel prep but it has to be done. Luckily I only had to get 3: Yellow fever Typhoid DTP (Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis) As I travel (a bit!) my Rabies and Hep B vaccinations were still in date. There were no flu symptoms afterwards, however my arms were quite sore for a few days after the injections. I've also been prescribed Malarone as anti-malaria tablets. These will have to be taken two days before and a week after the trip. Lastly, while there are "travel clinics" all around the country, I would definitely recommend trying your own GP first. They have all your details, can keep a record of what has been prescribed and will probably work out a lot cheaper than specialised clinics. |  |
Packing
With one month to go, it's time to pull out the suitcases and start packing!
I am actually doing a bit more than a holiday this year, I will be spending time with the Holy Union Sisters in Tanzania and I will be helping to set up a computer room in the COBET street children project. I am looking forward to the challenge and have a lot of gathering of resources to do over the next few weeks. The computers supplied by CAMARA will have basic applications for word processing and some educational software. Scratch programming software will also be installed.
As far as I understand, I will be training the adults/staff on how to use computers. I will also be educating the pupils. And because I really like a challenge, I am hoping to set up a Coderdojo there also!
I am allowed two cases on my flight, I will be bringing a rucksack (of course!) and a case. I am also applying to the airline to carry an extra bag.
I have secured sets of sports equipment and Sr Annette has also asked for pens, pencils and any stationary.
I am really hoping to bring USB memory sticks for my computer kids.
These days, in my school, we no longer use USB sticks. The internet is so fast, it is quicker to share files and photos on instant messaging or email. Unfortunately internet (and sometimes electricity) is very unreliable in Tanzania. We will probably not be using the internet at all and the children will need to save their work on their own USB stick.
So I will finish with a shout out to any company with promotional USB sticks lying around unused. It would be great to be able to bring a batch with me. These kids may never own a computer, or a laptop or a tablet, but wouldn't it be so exciting for them to be able to save their work on their own little USB Memory stick?
I am actually doing a bit more than a holiday this year, I will be spending time with the Holy Union Sisters in Tanzania and I will be helping to set up a computer room in the COBET street children project. I am looking forward to the challenge and have a lot of gathering of resources to do over the next few weeks. The computers supplied by CAMARA will have basic applications for word processing and some educational software. Scratch programming software will also be installed.
As far as I understand, I will be training the adults/staff on how to use computers. I will also be educating the pupils. And because I really like a challenge, I am hoping to set up a Coderdojo there also!
I am allowed two cases on my flight, I will be bringing a rucksack (of course!) and a case. I am also applying to the airline to carry an extra bag.
I have secured sets of sports equipment and Sr Annette has also asked for pens, pencils and any stationary.
I am really hoping to bring USB memory sticks for my computer kids.
These days, in my school, we no longer use USB sticks. The internet is so fast, it is quicker to share files and photos on instant messaging or email. Unfortunately internet (and sometimes electricity) is very unreliable in Tanzania. We will probably not be using the internet at all and the children will need to save their work on their own USB stick.
So I will finish with a shout out to any company with promotional USB sticks lying around unused. It would be great to be able to bring a batch with me. These kids may never own a computer, or a laptop or a tablet, but wouldn't it be so exciting for them to be able to save their work on their own little USB Memory stick?
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