Banjika Day 6 (Day 14: June 1)
We woke up and all arrived at Banjika School at 7:45. Once everyone arrived, we shared our appreciations we had from the previous day. After appreciation we have breakfast at 8:00. At 9:00 we did a world leadership activity with the Banjika students to continue the bonding experience, and at 10:00 we headed to Hidden Hope Foundation! Hidden Hope is an NGO (Non-Govermental Organization) that is aimed to help disabled individuals find employment in Tanzania. At Hidden Hope, we were able to learn about the history of the company and see what they do there. From 10:00 - 12:45 we were able to look at their shops, see what they do, and how they do it! At Hidden Hope they create bracelets, necklaces, shoes recycled out of old tires, hats, and gordes made out of squash. All which Menlo and Banjika students were able to try and help create! We ate lunch there, and headed back to Banjika for an ANCHOR around 2:30 and then headed to homestay around 3:00. Some of the Menlo students had dinner at their homes while others were invited over to have dinner at other Banjika students’ home. It was a very fun and eventful day and all the students felt they were able to gain something out of visiting the NGO.
-Jazlyn & George
We had the opportunity to visit the Hidden Hope Foundation over two days. This is a very small, grassroots organization that is still in its early stages. They are dedicated to helping people with disabilities have employment by making and selling crafts. We learned that in Tanzania, people with disabilities often stay at home and do not attend school. Because many jobs in rural areas rely on physical labor, even everyday tasks—like washing clothes by hand—are physically taxing, it can be hard for people with disabilities to find jobs. Their current goal is to expand the types of crafts they can produce by purchasing a cutting tool that costs $375. We also learned that after returning from last year’s trip, a Menlo student created their website, and with support from Menlo families, they have been able to pay their rent. Of all the NGOs we have visited and learned from, this one is very much still getting off the ground, and we hope to continue working with them and see them grow over the next few
