2004 Team
Jeanne Erhart, Leslie Mowry, Therese Barenz,
Doug Thompson, Cheryel Reyhons, Tracy Hufford, Linda Manary,
Andrew Barenz, David Barenz , Lori Cardella, Jackie Jo Steuter,
Roxanne ClemensTwelve participants from the Solon area traveled to Same
(pronounced "sah-may"), Tanzania in the summer of 2004. This mission will be
coordinated by St. Mary's Catholic Church and the United
Methodist Church of Solon, Iowa.
The Site
Our host contact in Tanzania is Father Mansuetus Setonga,
Director of Development, Same Diocese of the Roman Catholic
Church. The Same Diocese covers approximately 83 villages and
includes 370,000 people. The Diocese is in the largest and
poorest region in Tanzania. In the flatlands, there is little or
no water at some times and flooding at others, with much soil
degradation. Agriculture is marginal in many areas, but
improving due to irrigation projects. In the mountains, rainfall
is generally good on one side and bad on the other. There is a
good variety of fresh produce. The area is inhabited by a mix of
Masaai and Wapare people.
The Mission
The
mission offers opportunities to see the land, people, and
villages in the area and to engage in work projects that will
help to improve the quality of life for local residents.
Travel Itinerary
The team will fly from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Tanzania's Kilimanjaro Airport and drive a few
hours to the village of Same.
Accommodations
The team will stay in the Elephant Hotel in Same, although they
may spend some nights in one or more of the villages.
Health Issues
Throughout most of Tanzania, it is essential to drink bottled or
boiled water to avoid health problems. All meals for the
volunteers are prepared by a local cook trained in preparing
healthy food. Advance vaccinations and preventive medications
while on this mission are required at additional cost.
Trip Costs
The cost for the mission is estimated at $2,200 per person. This
cost covers most trip-related expenses, including air fare,
hotels, in-country travel, meals in Same and the villages, and
training materials. Optional trips and hotel stays on free days
are extra and will be paid by individual participants.
Time-Off Opportunities
Participants will have the opportunity (for additional cost) to
go on a short safari at the end of the mission. Several game
reserves are nearby, including Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater,
and the Serengeti. Same is immediately adjacent to the Mkomazi
Game Preserve, home of 450 varieties of birds and the most
protected species in the world.
Local Currency
1 U.S. Dollar = 1,074.20 Tanzanian Shillings. |
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