Well, after three weeks of training, travelling and occasionally sitting down our trainings have now finished.
After three days of trainings with yet another set of amazing girls with incredible leaders who really aim to inspire their girls, it was time to say bye and prepare for debrief.
On the Sunday (25th) we headed to the Tanzania guide HQ and had the final debrief of the last five years. It was incredible for us to see the changes that the last five years have had on the association.
Now we're officially checked in and now just have the flight home to navigate (not us, preferably the pilot). Sadly, really not long left!
Sunday 25 August 2013
Tuesday 20 August 2013
Mwanza Part Two
So our time in Mwanza has come to an end and after the fastest two weeks ever we're headin back to Dar.
The girls were incredible and now after sessions on wider guiding and fundraising were planning a trip to the world centres!
We really wouldn't have coped without the support of Mama Susoma and Mama Naomi who really looked after us during our time in Mwanza!
Now just one more training and then it's home time, it's so hard to believe.
The girls were incredible and now after sessions on wider guiding and fundraising were planning a trip to the world centres!
We really wouldn't have coped without the support of Mama Susoma and Mama Naomi who really looked after us during our time in Mwanza!
Now just one more training and then it's home time, it's so hard to believe.
Thursday 15 August 2013
Mwanza
On Monday 12th we spent the whole day traveling from Morgoro to Mwanza, where we arrived late that night. We start training tomorrow (Friday 16th) which is exciting.
However on our day off on Wednesday 14th we managed to luckily go on safari in the Serengetti. (Where we seen the only elephant in that area) The tour guide told us we were extremely lucky as many people spend three days in the safari and don't see half the animals we did.
We realise how lucky we are, and not only with regards to the safari.
Proverb: You are your only lens to the world, and you have the power to determine your own experience.
However on our day off on Wednesday 14th we managed to luckily go on safari in the Serengetti. (Where we seen the only elephant in that area) The tour guide told us we were extremely lucky as many people spend three days in the safari and don't see half the animals we did.
We realise how lucky we are, and not only with regards to the safari.
Proverb: You are your only lens to the world, and you have the power to determine your own experience.
End of Training
Sadly, on Sunday 11th August our training in Morgoro finished and we had to say goodbye to the incredible girls who looked after us and we trained. However, we ended on a high with a positive advocacy session.
We also sadly had to say goodbye to Victoria who is regional commissioner in Morgoro who along with her leaders were incredibly helpful and we really can't thank them enough.
Also, we were touched when the leaders gave us kangas which are fabrics that you wrap around you and women traditionally wear them and these were in fact made in Morgoro.
We really are so grateful for the support we recieved to fulfil our trainings.
After a final sort out of our rooms and dinner we prepared ourselves for the sixteen hour coach journey which would take us to Mwanza tomorrow.
We also sadly had to say goodbye to Victoria who is regional commissioner in Morgoro who along with her leaders were incredibly helpful and we really can't thank them enough.
Also, we were touched when the leaders gave us kangas which are fabrics that you wrap around you and women traditionally wear them and these were in fact made in Morgoro.
We really are so grateful for the support we recieved to fulfil our trainings.
After a final sort out of our rooms and dinner we prepared ourselves for the sixteen hour coach journey which would take us to Mwanza tomorrow.
Saturday 10 August 2013
Trainings
Today (10th August) we finished our second day of trainings in Morgoro, as due to school schedules, all of our trainings will take place at the weekend.
9th August;
We didn't have as many girls as we thought we were going to have due to it being Eid. However, this allowed us to ease into the trainings. We started with self esteem in the morning and then finished with teamwork in the afternoon. Throughout these sessions we realised what an incredible group of girls we were working with when they were discussing their dreams and aspirations.
10th August;
Today we completed trainings on both WAGGGS and leadership. Between the two sessions we seen how much the girls are capable of, and a glimpse of what they're possibly capable of in the future.
The trainings so far have been such an exciting view into these girls lives, and hearing from them that we're promoting their confidence is making us so happy to be here to help.
Proverb from one of the guides; 'anybody can be behind your success'
9th August;
We didn't have as many girls as we thought we were going to have due to it being Eid. However, this allowed us to ease into the trainings. We started with self esteem in the morning and then finished with teamwork in the afternoon. Throughout these sessions we realised what an incredible group of girls we were working with when they were discussing their dreams and aspirations.
10th August;
Today we completed trainings on both WAGGGS and leadership. Between the two sessions we seen how much the girls are capable of, and a glimpse of what they're possibly capable of in the future.
The trainings so far have been such an exciting view into these girls lives, and hearing from them that we're promoting their confidence is making us so happy to be here to help.
Proverb from one of the guides; 'anybody can be behind your success'
We made it!
Well we made it! After an hour delay, a six hour flight from Gatwick to Dubai (incredible airport) then a just under five hour flight from Dubai to Dar es Salaam. We then survived passport control and just about survived baggage reclaim, but it wasn't long before we met Glory (our go to woman over here). After a short minibus drive through Dar everyone finally got to have a look and start preparing themselves for the journey! We spent the first night in the YWCA where we got ourselves together, then went out for dinner and had an early night.
When we woke up we wandered down to breakfast which consisted of two slices of bread, a slice of watermelon and a boiled egg! After breakfast we headed to go and get our coach to Morogoro which took three hours and was quite cramped and hot, but we got there and that's what we wanted! As soon as we arrived we realised what a beautiful place it is, as we were completely surrounded by mountains. After being here a little while we have some local GirlGuiding visitors including the region commissioner. This made us all really excited for the trainings coming up at the weekend. Afterwards we went for a walk around the local area and then went for dinner.
Tomorrow (8th August) we're preparing for trainings which start tomorrow by getting our plans and resources together.
When we woke up we wandered down to breakfast which consisted of two slices of bread, a slice of watermelon and a boiled egg! After breakfast we headed to go and get our coach to Morogoro which took three hours and was quite cramped and hot, but we got there and that's what we wanted! As soon as we arrived we realised what a beautiful place it is, as we were completely surrounded by mountains. After being here a little while we have some local GirlGuiding visitors including the region commissioner. This made us all really excited for the trainings coming up at the weekend. Afterwards we went for a walk around the local area and then went for dinner.
Tomorrow (8th August) we're preparing for trainings which start tomorrow by getting our plans and resources together.
Monday 5 August 2013
Nearly there!
It's that time, last night we all met at Hannah's house to make sure that we were all together and to do the online check in! Showing us all that it is really happening!
For the majority of us amongst all the excitement it's still not hit us that we are going to Tanzania today!
Ah well, we've all got our kit, tablets and passports so we're ready for anything!
For the majority of us amongst all the excitement it's still not hit us that we are going to Tanzania today!
Ah well, we've all got our kit, tablets and passports so we're ready for anything!
Sunday 21 July 2013
Forth briefing
We'd all got our lists together, hoping we'd ticked off all our to do lists and on the train looking forward to the weekend when we all got a message saying that the website didn't work and we actually didn't have anywhere to stay. Luckily Clare and her mum were staying in London anyway. Megan and Jenni went and stayed with Bex and her mum in Morden and Hannah stayed with Jenny and her mum in Lambeth north. Which made us then call to the briefing the mummy briefing.
After all the chaos we finally managed to meet up on the Saturday morning where Jenny and Jenni sorted out the bank account when the rest of us went and picked up final bits and sorted out what we would be doing for the evening.
We then managed to have a productive picnic making the most of the gorgeous weather and also planning anything we could whilst we were all together.
Then we decided that we needed our laptops to do our training plans and then went to CHQ in order to do these. We got the majority of them done which meant that we only had a bit of polishing in the morning.
Sunday morning we read over our training plans making sure they made sense and making resource lists. We also made our happy plans or what makes us happy and not so happy. We also went through 'what if ' such as 'what if 200 turn up instead of 30'. Basically tying up all the remaining pieces that we needed to. When we said bye we suddenly realised that the next time we see each other it'll be at gatwick! It's scary how quick it's come around.
Tuesday 25 June 2013
Third Briefing
Friday
All of us had traveled (some further than others) to get to London where we agreed was a central point for all of us to meet up. We stayed in the Elephant and Castle (those of you who were at first briefing will see the link here) area of London and some of us (Clare) got very lost and was glad that Jenny knew her way around very well. We also were given our new uniforms for Tanzania.
Once we were all together we thought of our priorities and went for dinner. Over dinner we discovered how deep our team are with conversation ranging from the new promise to ethical debates.
After dinner we were very lucky to be able to walk along Southbank back to the hostel and got the opportunity to be a part of the amazing atmosphere.
Saturday
Although we did miss everyone from the last briefings, it was nice to do everything at a slower pace (still in our pyjamas). However, Jenny had to run off to a wedding (a friends not her own) and we informed her of things that we were discussing via text. We started off our day out with walking through London stopping at the Globe to try and get tickets and then had lunch on the steps of St Paul's whilst listening to the St Johns Ambulance brass band.
Then we made our way to CHQ (which Clare had never been to before) to do some more planning and started on who would be in charge of which sections and made lists of what we still had left to do not only with regards to Tanzania but with our lives too.
Once we realised how much we had actually done we went back for a team nap followed by a ridiculous amount of pizza followed by another walk along Southbank.
Sunday
We all traveled back home with our to do lists of things to do before next briefing which is in two weeks. This weekend made us all realise how real and soon the trip actually is. (Six weeks tomorrow as Hannah text us to say earlier)
All of us had traveled (some further than others) to get to London where we agreed was a central point for all of us to meet up. We stayed in the Elephant and Castle (those of you who were at first briefing will see the link here) area of London and some of us (Clare) got very lost and was glad that Jenny knew her way around very well. We also were given our new uniforms for Tanzania.
Once we were all together we thought of our priorities and went for dinner. Over dinner we discovered how deep our team are with conversation ranging from the new promise to ethical debates.
After dinner we were very lucky to be able to walk along Southbank back to the hostel and got the opportunity to be a part of the amazing atmosphere.
Saturday
Although we did miss everyone from the last briefings, it was nice to do everything at a slower pace (still in our pyjamas). However, Jenny had to run off to a wedding (a friends not her own) and we informed her of things that we were discussing via text. We started off our day out with walking through London stopping at the Globe to try and get tickets and then had lunch on the steps of St Paul's whilst listening to the St Johns Ambulance brass band.
Once we realised how much we had actually done we went back for a team nap followed by a ridiculous amount of pizza followed by another walk along Southbank.
Sunday
We all traveled back home with our to do lists of things to do before next briefing which is in two weeks. This weekend made us all realise how real and soon the trip actually is. (Six weeks tomorrow as Hannah text us to say earlier)
Meet Team Fab
Here's a little bit about each of us ...
Leader
My name is Jenni, I’m 21 and I’m from Newcastle, a firm northerner! I have just graduated from Durham University and am just about to begin teaching primary with Teach First when we get home. I chair the Girlguiding British Youth Council delegation, sit on the WAGGGS Europe external representatives committee, and am hoping to join a new Guide or Senior Section unit super soon. I am delighted to be leading GOLD Tanzania 2013 and have loved meeting my fab team who I have complete faith in to be brilliant.
Documenter
My name is Clare Nolan and I am currently twenty and I am from Liverpool but I am studying for my degree in R.E. in Chester University. I am a senior section leader in Liverpool. I am hoping to eventually be a teacher, teaching Religious Studies. I am looking forward to meeting new people in Tanzania and seeing what guiding is like out there. My favourite thing so far has being a part of team fab and knowing how lucky I am to be a part of such a great team.
First Aider
My name is Megan Singleton and I am currently twenty four, I am very excited to have my twenty fifth birthday on Project! Currently I am Studying for a Masters in Health Psychology and Work full time. I Guide in Leicestershire with 1st Ashby Rainbows. I am very excited to be part of the Tanzania 2013 team and can’t wait run lots of games and activities.
Resources
Heya my name is Hannah, I’m 20 and from Worthing West Sussex. I’m currently a pre-school teacher at St Matthew Pre-school. Guiding is a huge part of my life, I am a brownie leader at 17th Worthing but also help run a 2nd Worthing Rainbow and 13th Worthing Guides. As well as doing 3 units, I attend 2 Ranger units and also a peer educator for my county. I have been on county and region trips before to South Africa, Flamboree in Belgium and exchange project with USA Girlscouts. I am very much looking forward for being part of team Tanzania and increase my knowledge of guiding in the country to bringing back new ideas and activities to my units.
Treasurer
I’m Jenny Wilson, aged 25 and newly reunited with being a resident of London. Just prior to moving back to London, I lived in Swindon where I was a Brownie and Guide Leader as well as District Commissioner. This will be my first proper international Guiding adventure and I’m really looking forward to getting an insight into the Tanzanian approach. When not Guiding I work as a civil servant looking at science policies for developing countries and disaster risk reduction.
Secretary
I’m Rebecca Mayall and I’m 24 but will celebrate my twenty fifth birthday the day we arrive in Tanzania. I live in Sutton and work for two little museums running school visits and birthday parties. I also work for a charity called Sustainable Merton where I run the office and assist on projects. I’m a Brownie and Senior Section leader and this is my first international guiding adventure, though I plan on doing my international licence and going on more trips abroad. After returning from Tanzania I will be off to study for a PGCE in Primary education with my dream of becoming a Special Needs Primary School teacher in the future. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and learning lots of new activities and experiencing a new culture.
...altogether we make team fab
Leader
My name is Jenni, I’m 21 and I’m from Newcastle, a firm northerner! I have just graduated from Durham University and am just about to begin teaching primary with Teach First when we get home. I chair the Girlguiding British Youth Council delegation, sit on the WAGGGS Europe external representatives committee, and am hoping to join a new Guide or Senior Section unit super soon. I am delighted to be leading GOLD Tanzania 2013 and have loved meeting my fab team who I have complete faith in to be brilliant.
Documenter
My name is Clare Nolan and I am currently twenty and I am from Liverpool but I am studying for my degree in R.E. in Chester University. I am a senior section leader in Liverpool. I am hoping to eventually be a teacher, teaching Religious Studies. I am looking forward to meeting new people in Tanzania and seeing what guiding is like out there. My favourite thing so far has being a part of team fab and knowing how lucky I am to be a part of such a great team.
First Aider
My name is Megan Singleton and I am currently twenty four, I am very excited to have my twenty fifth birthday on Project! Currently I am Studying for a Masters in Health Psychology and Work full time. I Guide in Leicestershire with 1st Ashby Rainbows. I am very excited to be part of the Tanzania 2013 team and can’t wait run lots of games and activities.
Resources
Heya my name is Hannah, I’m 20 and from Worthing West Sussex. I’m currently a pre-school teacher at St Matthew Pre-school. Guiding is a huge part of my life, I am a brownie leader at 17th Worthing but also help run a 2nd Worthing Rainbow and 13th Worthing Guides. As well as doing 3 units, I attend 2 Ranger units and also a peer educator for my county. I have been on county and region trips before to South Africa, Flamboree in Belgium and exchange project with USA Girlscouts. I am very much looking forward for being part of team Tanzania and increase my knowledge of guiding in the country to bringing back new ideas and activities to my units.
Treasurer
I’m Jenny Wilson, aged 25 and newly reunited with being a resident of London. Just prior to moving back to London, I lived in Swindon where I was a Brownie and Guide Leader as well as District Commissioner. This will be my first proper international Guiding adventure and I’m really looking forward to getting an insight into the Tanzanian approach. When not Guiding I work as a civil servant looking at science policies for developing countries and disaster risk reduction.
Secretary
I’m Rebecca Mayall and I’m 24 but will celebrate my twenty fifth birthday the day we arrive in Tanzania. I live in Sutton and work for two little museums running school visits and birthday parties. I also work for a charity called Sustainable Merton where I run the office and assist on projects. I’m a Brownie and Senior Section leader and this is my first international guiding adventure, though I plan on doing my international licence and going on more trips abroad. After returning from Tanzania I will be off to study for a PGCE in Primary education with my dream of becoming a Special Needs Primary School teacher in the future. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and learning lots of new activities and experiencing a new culture.
...altogether we make team fab
Friday 21 June 2013
Second Briefing
This time we were a little more prepared, we knew more about each other and we also had things that we had to bring this time, something for entertainment and a presentation about our country.
Over the course of the weekend we discovered more about each others countries, and were trained in our individual roles which made us more confident in the fact that we now knew what we needed to do.
Although there was a lot of information handed to us in such a short period of time (we were thankful for handouts) on Sunday evening when it was time to leave, we all suddenly felt quite sad. Not only was it the end of the weekend, but it was also the last time that all the teams would be together in one room, it was also time to say goodbye to (the brilliant) Carrie who had supported us so much through our journey til now.
However, with two more weekends planned and the actual project there's still loads to do!
Over the course of the weekend we discovered more about each others countries, and were trained in our individual roles which made us more confident in the fact that we now knew what we needed to do.
Although there was a lot of information handed to us in such a short period of time (we were thankful for handouts) on Sunday evening when it was time to leave, we all suddenly felt quite sad. Not only was it the end of the weekend, but it was also the last time that all the teams would be together in one room, it was also time to say goodbye to (the brilliant) Carrie who had supported us so much through our journey til now.
However, with two more weekends planned and the actual project there's still loads to do!
First Briefing!
The first time our team got together, we were all so nervous to finally meet who we're in a team with, but turned out that actually we all work together really well!
Friday
After a long journeys, (but not as long as Jenni's) to Cuffley where no one seems to know where it is. Finally we got to meet each other properly and we had a game of articulate like no other.
Saturday
A long day of planning; roles, badges, trying to figure out if we were ever all going to be free on the same weekend and other bits of Tanzania information. With a couple of energisers in between activites in order to try and keep us going. Safe to say that we were all starting to get excited about our GOLD journey. Finally, after a brilliant nights entertainment revolving around 150 years of the tube, team Tanzania won the activities (cause we're fab).
Sunday
Last minute information, what is expected of each other and the final tidy up ended our weekend with our teams, with everyone now a bit more confident in knowing what will actually be expected of us next time.
Friday
After a long journeys, (but not as long as Jenni's) to Cuffley where no one seems to know where it is. Finally we got to meet each other properly and we had a game of articulate like no other.
Saturday
A long day of planning; roles, badges, trying to figure out if we were ever all going to be free on the same weekend and other bits of Tanzania information. With a couple of energisers in between activites in order to try and keep us going. Safe to say that we were all starting to get excited about our GOLD journey. Finally, after a brilliant nights entertainment revolving around 150 years of the tube, team Tanzania won the activities (cause we're fab).
Sunday
Last minute information, what is expected of each other and the final tidy up ended our weekend with our teams, with everyone now a bit more confident in knowing what will actually be expected of us next time.
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