In September, I will be taking part in a 13 week volunteer programme in Tanzania organised by Raleigh International.

I’ll be using my experience as an editor to take on a writing and communications role, which will involve me reporting on various projects focusing on conservation, education, and youth development. I’ll be spending around half of my time working with office staff in Tanzania, doing things like planning media coverage and giving presentations to potential charitable donors, and the other half travelling to 11 independent rural projects across the country to report on what’s happening in each location.

I chose Raleigh because unlike some organisations working in Africa that embody the white saviour complex, I feel like it really takes into account the problems that can actually impede a community or country’s development. Rather than coming in and leading things, Raleigh always works with local charities, businesses and government bodies – for instance the Tanzanian Forestry Conservation Group, or the Ministry of Information, Youth, and Sport – to understand what’s genuinely needed and to ensure that they’re following the lead of local organisations. Instead of just building something and leaving, Raleigh spends as much time as is needed in each location until the changes can be sustained without outside help. Also, at least half of all staff and volunteers are from Tanzania, rather than the charity being run by foreigners.

For me to take part in this programme, I need to fund-raise £2,000 to help contribute towards the cost of hosting volunteers and keeping them safe and so on. I am paying for my own flights, vaccines, and equipment. Fundraising allows the charity to spend more of the money on the ground, rather than on the volunteers. In the images, I’ve added a chart to show where the money that I fund-raise is likely to go.

Anything you can contribute will be very much appreciated, and I promise to keep you up-to-date with my journey!

www.raleightanzania.org/news-and-updates