17KL Depart for Phase One

The venturers have been undertaking a wide variety of training to prepare them for life on expedition. Those trekking have been learning practical skills such as how to put up a tent and use the cooking equipment. The WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) teams have been learning about teaching sanitation lessons to school children and the building work they will be doing. Those undertaking NRM (natural resource management) projects discussed the problem of deforestation in Tanzania and how the project aims to combat this.

There has also been plenty of time for fun, with evening entertainment including traditional Scottish and Tanzanian dancing as well as a quiz. The groups have also been playing plenty of ice-breaker games to get to know one another better and work on their team building skills.

The group were also asked to reflect on what they want to achieve from expedition and what impact they hope they will have in the communities they will be working. Those on trek may find the experience a physical and mental challenge, and the trek group discussed how to overcome these challenges. Those on NRM and WASH projects focused on the impact they want to have in the communities where they will be working.

The teams will be staying with homestay families, and everyone agreed how important it is to the success of the project to build strong connections within their communities. All of our venturers, whether they are on expedition for 10, 7 or 5 weeks, understand the value of young people to the success of sustainable development. There was a fantastic atmosphere as the groups set out together to create lasting change!

From now on, the venturers will be writing on the blog. They will be sharing updates from their projects, discussing sustainable development in Tanzania as well as offering us an insight into their communities and shining a light on those they have met. There will also still be the occasional update from me. If you’d like to contact a venturer whilst they are on project, please use the contact form found here. We will deliver your messages as soon as possible, however this may not be until changeover near the end of July. Please note that venturers will not be able to reply. You can also follow the teams’ progress by subscribing to the blog below. Words Alice. Photos Hilary and Rosie.