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June 2011 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet 1

2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

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Page 1: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

June 2011Tanzania Outreach Brigade

Information Packet

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Page 2: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

Table of Contents

Introduction........................................................................................................................................Letter from Brigade Coordinator.................................................................................................3

Tanzania History and People...........................................................................................................4Background..................................................................................................................................4Map of Tanzania………………………………………………………………………………..5Our trip.........................................................................................................................................6

Preparing for the trip........................................................................................................................7Medical Needs and Vaccinations.................................................................................................7Passports......................................................................................................................................9

Packing for trip..............................................................................................................................11Luggage.....................................................................................................................................11What to pack..............................................................................................................................12

Traveling........................................................................................................................................15Airports......................................................................................................................................15

Respecting the Culture...................................................................................................................16The people.................................................................................................................................16Additional tips on Cultural Sensitivity......................................................................................17

Jet Lag/Culture Shock....................................................................................................................18Anticipated Duties/Responsibilities...............................................................................................19

Three teams................................................................................................................................19Food and Lodging..........................................................................................................................20Plan for Adventure.........................................................................................................................22

Sightseeing.................................................................................................................................22To Do List………………………………………………………………………………………..23Important Dates & Deadlines…………………………………………………………………….24Addendums....................................................................................................................................25

Additional Passport Information……………………………………………………………...26U.S. Immunization Schedules………………………………………………………………...27Useful Swahili Phrases………………………………………………………………………..30

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Page 3: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

IntroductionFebruary 2011,

Jambo (Swahili for hello),

Just a few months to go before our exciting trip to the East African nation of Tanzania!!!

We are traveling to Tanzania to implement the mission of Village Life Outreach Project (VLOP) to “unite communities to promote Life, Health, and Education.” While our primary goal is service, this journey is also meant to be a learning experience for everyone, so please have fun and learn as much about the culture and the land as possible. Breathtaking beauty awaits us around each corner, and we do plan to “take the scenic way home.”

For those of you who have never been to Africa, this brigade will be one of the most incredible and humbling experiences you will ever have....guaranteed! With dedication, hard work, knowledge and compassion, we absolutely have the ability to improve conditions in the Rorya District of Tanzania and touch peoples’ lives. Our previous brigades have been quite successful, and have allowed us to establish Village Life as a dedicated group of people committed to helping each community we serve with their specific needs. We are really looking forward to going back with fresh faces and fresh ideas to build upon our previous experiences.

This first packet of information is written for the main purpose of providing details about what we need to do, as well as what we should expect in Tanzania. As we get closer to the actual date of departure, there will be additional information given in relation to all the specifics of the itinerary. This packet contains guidelines which we need to follow prior to the trip as well as essential information for our stay in Tanzania. Please, make sure you thoroughly read through the contents of the entire packet as it contains very important information!

I am looking forward to meeting each of you, and I will do my best to answer any questions you might have concerning the trip. All updated trip information will be relayed to each of you in a timely manner. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] or Village Life’s Administrative Assistant Donna Schmid at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Jeff PerryVillage Life Outreach Project, Inc.Board of Directors, Treasurer, Brigade [email protected]

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Tanzania History and PeopleBackground

Demographics Tanzania (pronounced “Tan-zahn-knee-ah) is roughly twice the size of

California and is the largest of the East African countries. There are an estimated 30 million residents made up of over 120 tribes throughout this rich and diverse country.

History The country was ruled by the Germans from 1885 until 1918, followed by the

British administration until 1961. Tanganyika united with Zanzibar on April 26, 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. It was officially renamed The United Republic of Tanzania on October 29, 1964.

Exploration Tanzania has always been a lure for exploration, and in 1871, Dr. Livingstone

was greeted by journalist Henry Stanley with the famous line, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” It was Livingstone and Stanley who worked to help end the slave trade market. Tanzania, especially in the Lake Maliwi area, suffered more heavily at the hands of slave traders than any other country in East Africa. By 1922, however, the very last remnants of the slave trade were eradicated.

Natural wonders

Tanzania is known as the “cradle of humankind” for its rich fossil finds of early humanoids, and is internationally known for the spectacular lay of the land. The Serengeti National Reserve, the Ngorongoro Crater National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro and the splendid Lake Victoria are all in this one country!

Van travel Driving in Kenya and Tanzania is opposite of the U.S. as they drive on the

left hand side of the road. There will be quite a bit of “off road” driving so be prepared for a bumpy ride (especially those predisposed to motion sickness).

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Page 6: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

Our trip

Our destination Our primary destination will be the Shirati region, located in the Rorya

District. It is situated in the northern region of Tanzania, in close proximity to Lake Victoria.

What’s included?

The flight, all lodgings and most meals, ground transportation, safari, visa applications, and bottled water are included in the fee of $3,600.

Local people The first Luo immigrants into the region came in the 15th century from Sudan

searching for pastures and a continual water source. Today, the Luo are distinguished as skilled watermen, fishermen, and boat builders, as you will see in the village of Burere. Some of the Luo have migrated away from Lake Victoria into the regions of Roche and Nyambogo. It is in these three villages where we will focus our efforts to help villagers improve the health and education conditions in the region.

Our local contact

Our main contact in Tanzania is Dr. Esther Kawira. Esther was born and trained in the United States, but married a Tanzanian man named Josiah Kawira and moved to Tanzania in the 1970’s. Esther now runs a health clinic in Sota, a small village near Shirati. Josiah and Esther Kawira help run the Shirati Health, Education and Development Foundation (SHED), which is Village Life’s sister organization in Tanzania. They help with all of Village Life’s accommodations and ongoing projects.

How can I be contacted during the trip?

We will have a designated person from Village Life here in the United States who will be in contact with the group while they are traveling. This person will be available to give concerned family members updates on how we are doing throughout our travel, since we will have limited access to telephones, e-mail, etc. In case of emergency, your designated contact person can contact this Village Life representative in order to relay a message to you while traveling. However, this should only be done in case of a true emergency that you need to be notified of right away.

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Preparing for the tripMedical Needs and Vaccinations

Vaccinations Required

Yellow Fever vaccination is absolutely required by the government prior to entry in the Sub-Sahara region of Africa. You must show proof that the vaccination was received.

How to get vaccinated

How to obtain appropriate documentation

There are several ways to get vaccinated and obtain appropriate documentation. 1) Your primary care physician may be able to direct you to the nearest facility which carries the vaccine. 2) Contact your local health department for information 3) Global Health Services is a local clinic that graciously waived their office fees and just charged for the cost of immunizations for several brigade members last year. Their website is www.ghs-inc.com. The phone number is (513) 777-8111, and the contact person is Beth Townsend, RN. 4) University of Cincinnati students may be able to utilize the health services on campus to receive vaccinations.

You will receive an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet, approved by the World Health Organization, which is the proof of vaccination. This booklet is mandatory and should be kept with your passport.

When to get vaccinated

You must receive your vaccine 4-6 weeks prior to leaving in order for the proper immunity level to be reached.

How long does the vaccine last?

Once you receive the vaccine, it is good for (10) ten years.

. Want to know more?

Yellow Fever: www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/yellowfever.htmGeneral information about travel and prevention of infections: www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm

Continued on next page

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Medical Needs, continued

Other Immunizations

For our brigade, Village Life requires that all childhood immunizations are up to date. Also,

Hepatitis B series of injections should be completed A tetanus booster within the past (10) ten years Hepatitis A vaccine Typhoid vaccine Polio vaccine (A one-time dose of polio vaccine is an additional

recommendation.) Meningococcal vaccine

These vaccinations will need to be obtained at least 4-6 weeks prior to our departure (early May at the latest).

Other Medications

Have a prescription filled for Ciprofloxacin (Cipro or the equivalent) as a precaution against traveler’s diarrhea.

Bring medicine for nausea and motion sickness. Imodium AD (or equivalent anti-diarrheal) could come in handy. Bring all regularly prescribed medications. They must be in the

original containers, and you should also have a written list indicating all medications, doses, directions, and reasons for use.

If you suffer from allergies, you will definitely need to bring medicine to relieve your symptoms.

Antimalarial medications are necessary for travel to Africa and very strongly advised by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the WHO (World Health Organization), and VLOP.

Malaria Malaria can be a very serious disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes.

Travelers to Tanzania are at an increased risk for contracting malaria and should take every precaution available. There are multiple anti-malarial drugs to choose from, and the choice is entirely up to you and your doctor. For an in-depth description of the available anti-malarial drugs, please see: www.cdc.gov/travel/malariadrugs.htm. Other precautions to prevent malaria are personal protective measures including wearing an insect repellent containing DEET 15% to 30% and wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.

Do I need medical insurance?

Village Life does purchase group travel insurance through an insurance company which will cover medical needs for the entire group. If you are worried about additional coverage, please consult with your health insurance carrier to confirm what benefits, if any, you have while traveling overseas.

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Passports/VisasPassports

Mandatory A VALID PASSPORT AND TRAVEL VISAS ARE REQUIRED FOR

TRAVEL TO TANZANIA AND KENYA. The passport must have an Expiration Date at least 6 months past the date of return to the U.S. If you currently do not have a passport, you must submit one ASAP and have it expedited in order for it to be processed and your visas to be obtained in a timely manner.

How do I get a passport?

For a new passport, you must apply in person at a designated facility. Approximate costs are $55 for the passport fee, $12 for a security surcharge and $30 for an execution fee, for a total of $97.

Required items: A CERTIFIED copy of your birth certificate (bearing the state seal).

Birth certificates may be obtained from the vital statistics office of the state in which you were born. You can also go to the following website for information: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm

Four (4) passport photographs. This can be done at Sam’s, Kinko’s, Walgreen’s, etc. These photographs must meet all the specifications of a passport application.

Have more questions?

For more detailed information about obtaining a passport and downloadable application forms, please refer to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Is your legal name on your passport?

For women who are already in possession of a passport but have had a last name change due to marriage, you must get this name change documented on your current passport. (It is basically a stamp placed on the back of the passport indicating the name change.) The marriage certificate is required for this to be documented. It should be an easy procedure, but it is absolutely necessary to have this done. For more information: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/correcting/correcting_2654.html

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Valid passport needs

Your passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date we obtain visas. It is also advised that you have four (4) blank pages on your passport in order for the consulates to place their entry visa stamps. (They do not like to put the stamp on a page which already has a visa stamped on it.)

Copies Once you get your passport back with the approved visas, we ask that you make two (3) photocopies of it. These copies will be in addition to your original passport. One copy is to be kept here in the U.S. with Village Life. A second copy will be kept with you during your travels, travel with you but be kept in a separate, secure place from your original. The third copy will be a backup kept by the Village Life leader during the brigade. Your original passport MUST be kept on your person AT ALL TIMES while in Africa. You DO NOT want to have your passport lost or stolen. These may seem like duplicated precautions, but your passport will be one of your most valuable possessions throughout the entire trip.

Visas

Visa Requirements

Our travels will require us to cross both the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders. Separate visas are required at entry and exit from each country.

Visa Applications

Visa applications will be filled out in Africa. You will get your Kenyan Visa at the airport when landing in Nairobi and your Tanzanian Visa when crossing the border into Tanzania. You do not need to do anything ahead of time in regards to Visas.

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Packing for tripLuggage

Two checked luggage

Description: Two (2) large suitcases that should be easy to roll with extendable handles and very sturdy.

Contents: One and a half (1 ½) of these suitcases will be STRICTLY for the transport of our medications and supplies. The second checked suitcase will have some space left over for your personal items.

Weight limit Remember that the weight limit for checked baggage is 50 lbs. This is

STRICTLY enforced! You are NOT permitted to pay extra for additional weight. Your luggage will not be allowed to travel if it exceeds 50 lbs.

What to put in checked luggage

Place anything sharp or questionable (eg. scissors, metal nail files, cuticle clippers, razors, etc.) in your checked luggage. DO NOT pack any aerosol cans such as hair spray or Lysol with ANY of your luggage. If one person gets held up, we all get held up. You can be detained, questioned, and actually denied the right to get on the flight.

Carry on items Only one (1) carry-on bag is allowed along with one (1) personal item.

Please refer to new carry on guidelines posted at www.delta.com Suggestions for carry on items:A “gym type” duffel bag or a small carry on with wheels can really hold all the clothes/personal items you will need for the entire trip.Wear a backpack for your personal items. You really NEED A BACKPACK as we will be heading out to the villages every day, and you will pack it each morning with everything you need for an entire day in the field.

Additional carry on

On the plane, keep with you everything that you need for travel and for two (2) nights stay (clothes, toiletries, etc). Depending on many factors, it could take that long before you get access to your checked luggage once we arrive in Shirati.Have any medications that you may need during our flights easily accessible.

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What to pack

Personal care items

Carry items for freshening up, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, “brush-ups,” facial cleansing cloths, baby wipes, etc.

Money belt You may want to use a money belt to hold your passport, airline tickets,

money, and other important documents. It should be one that goes around your waist and snaps securely shut with a clasp.

What money should I take?

This will be discussed further during our informational meetings. There are several meals that are not covered in the Brigade Cost and we suggest bringing cash for tips and, primarily, for shopping in Nairobi. Most travelers bring anywhere from $100-$500. We suggest bringing denominations of $20.00 as that will make it easier for vendors, hotels and banks to exchange for shillings. Smaller denominations will make it easier to exchange currency, purchase souvenirs, or tip personnel. The local markets and vendors will accept U.S. dollars, but will give you change in shillings.

There are opportunities to use a credit card or ATM at the shopping mall in Nairobi. If you bring a credit card, only bring one and keep it with you at all times in a very secure fashion.

Drive to Shirati It is a long drive from Nairobi to Shirati. Keep snacks and rain gear handy.

Clothing Do NOT take excessive clothing. a few cotton shirts t-shirts (no halter tops, tube tops or sleeveless tops for men or women in

public) a couple pairs of Khaki type pants or jeans shorts (only for leisure, it is not acceptable in the culture to wear shorts

while working in the community) scrubs (for health team personnel) pair of sandals pair of sturdy gym shoes undergarments socks one “nice” outfit lightweight rain jacket sweatshirt

- Consider bringing items that you won’t mind parting with, as you will have the opportunity to donate clothing to villagers at the end of the trip. -Laundry service is available for a small fee while staying at our motel in Tanzania.

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What to pack, continued

Snacks Be sure to bring snacks!Snacks will definitely get you through the trip because you might miss eating your usual meals. Granola bars, candy bars, raisins, nuts, dried fruit, small bags of potato chips, gum, cookies, beef jerky, and canned/packaged chicken and/or tuna are some suggestions to consider. Consider Gatorade and Crystal Light packets (pre-sweetened) to add to your water. Ketchup and syrup are different in Africa. You may consider bringing a few extra packets of these items as well.

Other things to pack

Several bottles of insect repellent containing 15- 30% DEETSmall flashlight (electricity is unreliable and street lamps do not exist in the Tarime district)SunscreenChapstickBrimmed hatToilet paper (about 2-4 rolls per person)Handy/Baby WipesWash cloth/towelSoapDetergent for hand-washing clothes, although laundry service will be available for small fee while we are in ShiratiAdapter plugs/converters for 220 ACCamera and PLENTY of film or memoryMP3 player/CD Player/CDs Travel version of games (Scrabble, Uno, etc.)Batteries (to fit various devices)Diary/travel journalBinocularsEye drops for dry eyesEar plugsZiploc baggies for open foodA couple of one-gallon plastic bags for laundrySmall calculator for money exchangeSmall umbrella (if you want, usually not needed)

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Taking photographs

Africa is a land of supreme photo opportunities. Make sure to bring plenty of film/memory and extra camera batteries. Film is sold in Kenya and Tanzania, but it is extremely expensive and limited. You may want to purchase a lead lined pouch in which to put your used film upon return, but this is NOT necessary. If you choose not to use a lead lined pouch, you can request that the airport screeners do a “hand-check” instead of sending your film through the x-ray machine so that your film does not become ruined by the damaging rays of the machine.

Medical personnel items to bring

Medical personnel should bring stethoscopes, otoscopes/ophthalmascopes (fully charged or battery compatible), reflex hammers, pen lights and any additional items that can facilitate patient care.

Time Kenya and Tanzania are seven hours (7) AHEAD of Eastern Standard Time.

Money Currency

Exchanging Money

The unit of currency in Kenya and Tanzania is the Shilling, which is divided into 100 cents. Kenya and Tanzania each have their own currency, and the rates do differ. The current exchange rate for the Kenyan Shilling is approximately 74 KShillings to one U.S. dollar. In Tanzania, the current exchange rate is 1,250 TShillings to one U.S. dollar.

In general, the Village Life leader will handle all money exchanges. You will then have the opportunity to exchange your money with the Village Life leader.

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TravelingAirports

NO picture-taking here

You are NOT permitted to take any pictures at airports, harbors, government buildings, or anything considered to be of military nature in Africa. This is illegal and considered by the African government to be suspicious behavior. When in doubt, DO NOT take the picture.

Going through Customs

There are customs checkpoints every time we change countries. At the customs checkpoint upon arrival and departure from Africa, you will be asked questions regarding the purpose and length of your stay in Africa. The group will be briefed before reaching customs; it is essential that every member of the group have the same answer to prevent delays in our travel.

Border crossings

At the border crossings between Kenya and Tanzania, we will all need to get out of the vehicles and fill out forms. You must have your passport on you, and then we will give you instructions as to how to complete the forms.

Customs declaration on return flight

You will be given a customs declaration form on the plane during the return flight. You may orally declare all souvenirs you have acquired abroad and brought back with you “duty free” IF their total value does not exceed $400.00.

NO joking Do NOT joke, in any manner, with the officials.

Safety Always try to stay with at least one other member of the group. NEVER go

anywhere alone -- especially at night while in Tanzania.

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Respecting the CultureThe people

Please be aware…

We will be warmly embraced in most places that we travel. However, it is pertinent to remember that some citizens of foreign countries may not have a friendly attitude towards citizens of the United States. For some, it will be their first time interacting with people from the United States. Therefore, we must always think of ourselves as ambassadors for our country with the ability to positively OR negatively impact the perceptions of others about the U.S.

Respect differences

This is a priceless opportunity to engage another culture and gain valuable knowledge from the experience. It is imperative that we be open, respectful and non-judgmental of differences in the cultures we will encounter. (As one example, we will visit some villages where polygamy is an accepted and respected practice.) Try to find books and information on Tanzania before the brigade. Consider learning at least a few Tanzanian phrases (“Jambo” – Hello; “Tafadhali” – Please; “Asante” – Thank you; etc.) that will demonstrate your respect for common courtesies.

Religious beliefs

Most villagers are deeply religious. While it is acceptable to practice polygamy in some areas, it is practically taboo to label someone as having HIV (or “the sickness”). It is a paternalistic society, so most major decisions are deferred to the men. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask one of the team leaders or our translators who will be traveling with us every day.

Photographing etiquette

If you want to photograph any of the local people, you must first ask permission.

Handouts Please be careful in giving anything to the villagers. While your intentions

may be sincere, certain “gifts” may cause more harm than good. There is no sanitation system in the area we will be serving. People are used to just discarding the trash on the ground because most of their trash is biodegradable. Giving out lollipops, wrapped candy, etc. creates “trash” that will lead to pollution. Also, it is not a good idea to freely hand out money. We are not trying to supply “handouts,” but are trying to help the village people become self-sufficient.

Additional tips on Cultural Sensitivity16

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Don’t boast Think as big as you like but talk and act smaller. In many countries, any form

of boasting is considered rude. Talking about wealth, power or status can create resentment.

Speak slowly Speak lower and slower. In conversation, match your voice level and tonality

to the environment and other people. A loud voice is often perceived as bragging. A fast talker can be seen as aggressive and threatening

Listen first Listen at least as much as or more than you actually talk. By all means, tell

people about the United States and your life in our country. However, also ask people you're visiting about themselves and their way of life. Listen, and show your interest in how they compare their experiences to yours.

Acceptable dress

Dress modestly. Try not to dress too casually when you will be in a professional position. Women should remember not to exposes excessive amounts of flesh (low cut and/or tight tops, short bottoms, sleeveless tops, etc.)

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Jet Lag/Culture Shock

Adjusting to a new time zone

It may be difficult to make your body adjust to the time change. (Kenya and Tanzania are 7 hours ahead of EST.) You may want to slowly adjust your sleeping schedule about a week before we leave by waking up an hour earlier each day. You can also try to bring items with you that will make the long plane rides more comfortable, such as pillow rests and ear plugs.

Emotions can run high

This experience may initially be overwhelming to some of you, and this is completely understandable. We will be halfway around the world and weary from jet leg, as well as the long road trip to reach the Shirati region. We will then see some very ill patients in some dire living conditions, which may make one feel “helpless.” YOU WILL NOT BE ALONE IF YOU ARE INITIALLY SHOCKED OR FLOODED WITH EMOTIONS, but you can adjust. Get your feelings out. We will all be there to support one another. If you don’t feel like talking about it, then write about it in your journal. Once you see and feel the love and sincere gratitude of the people we are going to help you will remember that, “Yes, one person can make a difference in this world.” I am confident that everyone will give their all, and the wonderful people of the Rorya District will reap the benefits of our hard work

Journaling Consider bringing a journal to write in each evening. Capturing the daily

events and your personal reflections by writing them down each night will be priceless to you for the rest of your life.

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Food and Lodging

Water is unsafe NEVER drink the water. We will purchase sealed bottle water when we arrive in Nairobi, Kenya. ALWAYS check to make sure that the seal is previously undisturbed prior

to you opening and drinking from a bottle of water. Use bottled water to brush your teeth. When bathing in regular water,

keep your mouth shut and your eyes closed to lessen the chance of the water getting into your body.

Only purchase bottled water from vendors if it is clearly sealed.

Our lodging We will stay in various types of accommodations including guesthouses,

motels (Motel 2000 in Shirati) and hotels (for the safari experience).

Nairobi, Kenya We will be staying overnight at the Mennonite Guest House in Nairobi,

Kenya for our first night as well as our last night in Africa. This guest house is a beautiful place, full of history, as it was built and used during the British rule from 1918-1964. It is now used mostly to house missionary groups from around the world providing aid in Africa. The food at the Guest House is very good (similar to food you are accustomed to eating.) Some romms have private showers and bathrooms while others use communal facilities.

Shirati, Tanzania

Our home base in Shirati will be the Motel 2000 and/or SHED Hostel There is no running water. You will be provided buckets of hot and cold

water in the shower area for “bucket baths.” You will quickly adjust to this routine, but ask questions if you need help.

The food is simple and lacks variety. However, it is good and served with love and appreciation.

To use blow dryers, electric plug-in razors, or any equipment which must be plugged into an electrical outlet, you must have an adaptor for 220 AC.

However, electricity is unreliable. As such, always carry a flashlight. No computer access is available.

Double occupancy

Lodging in Kenya and Tanzania will be a minimum double occupancy, so everyone gets a roommate. This will be an important part of our “bonding” experience by giving you a chance to unwind from the day by sharing your experiences with each other.

Continued on next page

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Jet Lag/Culture Shock, continued

Meals Three meals a day will be provided during a majority of the trip. Please exercise a little caution as to what you eat until you determine what your body can tolerate. Try not to take more food than you can eat to avoid unnecessary waste. The same will apply for the bottled water that will be provided. We do not want anyone to become dehydrated, but please use all the water that you have before taking additional bottles. There will be 1-2 days when lunch will not be provided due to the fact that we will be driving all day to reach remote locations and roadside dinners are not readily available along on our route. It is suggested that brigade members pack a few things to eat during these times. A few suggestions would include tuna salad packs, beef jerky, pre-packaged trail mix, etc.

Tipping It is generally customary to tip any personnel whom you feel assisted you in

any way (e.g., baggage handlers and hotel personnel). Tips are usually done as a group (we will ask you for a recommended donation amount if you are comfortable doing so) on the last day at each location. Thus, you do not need to worry about tipping individuals yourselves. Also, our drivers will be with us during the entire stay, acting as translators, safari guides and all around support systems, and we will collect a group tip for them on our last day in Nairobi.

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Plan for AdventureSightseeing

Location After the brigade work is completed, we will have the opportunity to do some

wonderful sightseeing on the way back to Nairobi. We will depart Shirati and head to the safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya.

Accommodations Our last night in Africa is back at the Mennonite Guest House in Nairobi.

Crafts for souvenirs and gifts

The local crafts are truly beautiful and make wonderful souvenirs and gifts, while also supporting the region’s economy. Be prepared to be bombarded and swarmed when we visit the open air markets, as the people can be aggressive and overwhelming while trying to get you to buy their goods. They will occasionally barter for American items; sunglasses, clothes, watches, shoes, umbrellas, etc. It can be quite an experience – especially if you enjoy shopping/haggling!

NOTE: DO NOT purchase anything made with ivory or the hide of a wild animal. It is ILLEGAL (as most of these items are the result of poaching), and you will not be able to get through customs with such items.

Packing Crafts Many of the items you may purchase are VERY fragile and must be packed

with EXTREME care for the return flight.

Hopefully this packet gives you the information you need to start getting ready for your Tanzania Outreach Brigade. Again, please feel free to call or email Jeff Perry with additional questions. As they say in Tanzania, “Asante Sana,” or thank you very much.

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To Do ListPay Deposit & Fees

Passport

Vaccinations

Medications

Packing

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Page 23: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

Important Dates & Deadlines

Mandatory trip meeting: To be announced

$500 deposit is due immediately

$1,500 payment due by March 31. This is critical in order to pay for your flight.

Final payment of $1,600 due by April 30. Please mail checks to:

Village Life Outreach Projectc/o Alliance Primary Care3306 Ruther AvenueCincinnati, Ohio 45220

Brigade Briefing / Packing session: To be announced

June 7th - Depart for Tanzania

June 21st - Arrive back home in U.S.

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Page 24: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

Addendums

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Page 25: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

Additional Passport Information Photo is 2x2 inches in size, taken within the past 6 months.

Image size from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches.

Photographs may be in color or black and white.

Must be full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background.

Should be taken in normal street attire, without a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline.

Uniforms should not be worn in photographs.

If prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles are normally and consistently worn, they should be worn when the picture is taken.

Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required to support the wearing of such glasses in the photographs.

If you choose to submit digitized photos, they must meet the same requirements of all passport photographs. In addition, digitized photographs are always produced on digital printers. Some printers will produce a photograph in which the dots are seen. Visible dots distort the image by making it look grainy. Acceptable photos have a continuous tone image that looks very photo-like.

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Page 26: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

Childhood Immunization Schedule

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Page 27: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

Adult Immunization Schedule

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Page 28: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

Useful Swahili Phrases

ENGLISH SWAHILI

Welcome KaribuHello JamboGood-bye KwaheriPlease TafadhaliThank you (very much) Asante (sana)Yes NdiyoNo HapanaHow are you? Habari?Good MzuriBad MbayaVery well Mzuri sanaOkay Sawa sawaExcuse me SamahaniWhat? Nini?When? Lini?Where? Wapi?Which? Ipi?Who? Nani?Why? Kwa nini?Now SasaNot yet BadoSoon Sasa hiviI don’t know SijuiI don’t understand SielewiHow do you say…? Unasemaje…?How much? Ngapi?(Too) expensive Ghali (sana)I don’t want SitakiToday LeoDaytime MchanaTonight/Night UsikuTomorrow KeshoYesterday JanaMorning AsubuhiAfternoon AlasiriEvening JioniFriend RafikiNo problem Hakuna matataWater MajiHot (temperature) Moto

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Page 29: 2006 Tanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet · Web viewTanzania Outreach Brigade Information Packet Table of Contents Introduction Letter from Brigade Coordinator 3 Tanzania

Hot (spicey) KaliCold BaridiI’d like a cold beer Tafadhali nataka bia baridiI am thirsty Nina kiuI am hungry Nina njaaFood ChakulaFish SamakiRice WaliVegetables MbogaNumbers:OneTwoThreeFourFiveSixSevenEightNineTen

MojaMbiliTatuNneTanoSitaSabaNaneTisaKumi

Leopard ChuiLion SimbaElephant TemboCheetah DumaMonkey KimaGiraffe TwigaZebra Punda-milia

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