Volunteer. Innovate. Change. YCI Tanzania 2014

My name is Tamanisha Jennifer John and I am a first-generation college student majoring in International Relations with a double minor in Anthropology and Latin America & Caribbean studies. As an International Relations major, I learn a lot about NGO’s, governments, trade, (re)distribution, and “on the ground issues” affecting civil society in countries all over the world. However, this Fall when I was away in Washington, D.C. I realized that reading about policies and things that are happening, is a lot different than experiencing, seeing, and understanding what is actually happening. I found out that although my college coursework taught me about local and global politics— because I was never immersed in any of the situations I read about— in D.C. I was appalled when these things, or politics (like the government shutdown) were actually happening.

This made me realize the importance of being able to relate to what you are studying to what you are learning by having experience. I have never been abroad and with my major and interests, I know that I need field experience. YCI is the perfect opportunity for me to get that experience. As a Canadian based, youth-centered, non-profit, non-religious, non-governmental organization focused on international development issues with an overall goal  to equip youth with skills and resources to contribute positively to their communities, as well as to engage Canadian (American & European) youth applicants with international development and social justice, it's goals and missions align with what I plan to do in the future. 

While there, I will be piloting community specific, sexual reproductive health manuals, conduct professional skills training, coordinate girls club training, and teach health education classes to women and children.

If you do plan to contribute to my campaign, you can either donate here, or to make things easier, visit my YCI page and donate there at: http://yci.tigweb.org/ind/tj1173a