So -- everything fits into the suitcase and I have weight to spare! Not much, but enough for last minute items which I might or might not remember . . .
Even though most of you who read this will already know me, a few words of introduction and explanation of the title of this blog might be in order. Asante Network is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization which is committed to helping women in Tanzania and Uganda. We connect the women's groups with markets in the U.S. This empowers these women to develop their traditional arts into viable home-based businesses. Profits and donations are returned to East Africa to fund micro loans and projects.
I am an Asante volunteer; and I live in Alaska; hence the title. I'm going to be traveling in Tanzania for the next 3 weeks, visiting old friends and making new ones. I'll be v isiting women who have been past recipients of micro-loans to document progress towards their goals; I'll be visiting new micro-loan recipients as well. Asante is also engaged in a couple of new ventures which I'll be able to document: administering funds for a new latrine/toilet facility in a primary school in Minjingu; solar lighting in a residential secondary school for Masaii students in Ketumbeine; a school lunch program for primary students in Lambo; partnering with "Plant With a Purpose" (formerly Floresta) for a community project in the Kotela area.
And then, of course a little time to enjoy the scenery, sunshine and wonderful beaches on the Indian Ocean at Pangani in the Tanga region of Tanzania.
To Seattle tomorrow afternoon, then to Amsterdam Tuesday morning. 10+ hour flight from SEA to AMS, then a 3 hour layover before heading on south (for 8 hours) to Kilimanjaro airport outside Arusha, TZ. Looooooooong flights but so worth it once I'm there.
Internet access is iffy in some of the villages, but I'll do my best to keep in touch.
Cheers,
Lydia
