| Volunteer Testimonials |
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“I worked with AHEAD, Inc. (Adventures in Health Education and Agricultural Development, Inc.) as a volunteer to assist especially with the growth monitoring program that AHEAD provides to infants and children in Meatu. Upon my preparation for the summer I desired two experiences. The first was to make a difference, no matter how small or insignificant, I want to leave my mark in Tanzania. The second was to be transformed by the experience, for Tanzania to somehow leave its mark on me. In the last days of my travel, I realized how much Tanzania would leave its memory in my life, through the kindness of so many, who had so little. The little I hoped to give was even tinier than what I had expected, yet participants of the program did not feel the same way. The love I received for my small contribution of assisting the nurses in their routine was unmatched to any worldly gift. I thought my eyes would be opened by their culture; instead my heart was opened through their love. I thought my experience would be gained from what I did, but I realized it is what I received that my experience became unforgettable”. Christiana Metzger, University of Maryland – Baltimore “When I first arrived, I was quite overwhelmed by the lacking conditions of the village even though I was prepared in a very intensive one-week orientation. I was very pleased with the fact that I was able to apply skills and knowledge that I have gained at MIT towards improving the conditions of the people. The lack of resources required creativity on our part. The way that we have been taught to solve problems here at MIT really influenced the way I attacked and found solutions to problems there that initially seemed insurmountable”. Nneka Mobisson, MIT, Cambridge, MA, “I would first like to start off by saying that I am truly thankful and appreciative of the opportunity to travel to Tanzania. The people are wonderful, and they taught me the true meaning of patience and hospitality. I felt like I was truly at home... I think AHEAD is really dedicated to serving people, and I am truly proud of being a part of the team. I had a great time, and I learned a lot about Africa, Tanzania, and myself. I believe I changed and grew and am a better person because of the things I learned. Thank you for the opportunity”. Lisa Moore, Benedictine College, Illinois. “Karibuni Tanzania!! These are the warmest words of welcome that you’ll hear in this land that possesses immeasurable beauty, peace, variety, vegetation, arts and crafts, architecture, and foods! Just when I thought I would be going cabin crazy, the pilot announced that we were flying over Mt. Kilimanjaro. The view was breathtaking! I had finally arrived and I thanked God to be so blessed. We immediately witnessed the gratitude and appreciation for the work that AHEAD volunteers are doing. We often hear of missions or projects where we send our contributions only to find out that the donation is caught up in a system, which prevents it from serving its intended purpose. With AHEAD, we delivered medicines and clothing, and I witnessed the people receiving these otherwise unavailable items on a daily basis. Yet these medical supplies and equipment were not enough”. Michelle Parker, Howard University, Washington, DC “What makes an AHEAD volunteer? She/he arrives prepared to help Tanzanians and ready to make a difference. She/he leaves a changed person, one who has contributed to AHEAD in a number of ways. Some volunteers find themselves providing an extra set of hands, while others lead seminars and workshops. Each volunteer brings his or her unique skills to the AHEAD experience, developing and shaping an individual project that may examine an aspect of the local culture, strengthen an existing AHEAD program, or otherwise deepen a volunteer’s connections with AHEAD and the community. The AHEAD experience is just that, a self-encounter, an opportunity to learn a great deal about another culture, and the chance to grow individually. AHEAD volunteers often learn more from the Tanzanians they meet, than they could ever hope to compensate. Many volunteers maintain their ties with AHEAD once they return to their home countries, donating time, energy, and resources”. Amy Nichols, West Virginia State “I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to go to Tanzania with you. Working with AHEAD has allowed me to get involved in the community in a way that I never saw as possible. The people I met and the experiences that I had impacted me in a way that I cannot express. I just know that it will stay in my heart and I will remember this journey always and forever. Thank you... Linnie Supall-Burks, University of Miami
Medical Volunteers:“...my experience was invaluable. I learned more about tropical diseases, and how to work within limited reliance on technology. But most of all, the gratitude of patients that I cared for was a moving experience”. Melissa Clarke, MD(Emergency Medicine) Harvard Univ. Medical School “...I commend you and your staff for the excellent work you have done, and are continuing to do in the rural villages of Meatu District. Many women, children, and families have experienced the direct benefits of restoration of health and well being and also prevention of the deadly Malaria, malnutrition, and measles so common to this area. The experience of referring a seven-month-old baby with severe bacterial conjunctivitis to the Meatu District Hospital, and observing his complete recovery with preservation of his vision and prevention of possible blindness was one I will never forget. AHEAD must be able to continue in the delivery of vital services to those who in distant rural villages would otherwise have no access”. Dr. Gwendolyn Dean (Pediatrics) “Every Tanzanian that I have interacted with has touched my life in a special way; influencing my growth and learning. For this, I thank AHEAD for allowing me to be a part of the 1994 team. What once seemed detached and distant suddenly became real. I know now that there is no obstacle too great to overcome”. Jeannie Visootsak, MD, UCLA & Drew University Medical School “Working side by side with the local residents, I discovered a few things about myself and gained respect for other cultures and methods of doing things.... I have become a less judgmental and arrogant American. I also learned that I have more endurance and fewer limitations than I had assumed. My experience last summer gave me the courage and inspiration needed to fulfill my goals”. Anastasia Rowland, MD 
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AHEAD USA >> P.O Box 2049 | Rockville, MD | 20847-2049 
AHEAD Tanzania >> P. O. Box 28078 | Kisarawe, Coast Region | Tanzania