Connecting Growth Globally - Experience Tanzania

Trip Dates: May 20 - 28, 2024

Go beyond tourism. Connect as a global citizen. Forever change your perspective.  

Tanzania's known for Mount Kilimanjaro and its famed safaris. Most visitors skip over major cities and have little interaction with locals outside of those in the tourist industry. That's what makes a CGG Experience an adventure of a lifetime. This video brings your experience alive.

Join us on this custom nine-day/eight-night CGG Experience. We immerse in the rapidly growing city of Dar es Salaam; make Maasai home visits, visit enterprises, and get to know students while based at the Lodge at SEGA Girls' School in Morogoro; enjoy a safari at Mikumi National Park. The Experience connects us to Tanzania's future--culture, education, sustainability, and wildlife preservation are a focus. As in all CGG Experiences, personal connection and global learning are the key souvenirs. 

This CGG Experience is limited to 10 curious, adventurous, globally-minded travelers. There will be numerous opportunities to engage pre-trip, which will enhance our learning experience. 

For connections to Tanzania and SEGA Girls' School, enjoy these Tanzania CGG blog posts:

• What Happens Next

• Something About My Sister

• The Modern Warrior

Trip Dates: June 20th - July 2, 2024

Nurturing Minds and SEGA Girls’ School are seeking volunteers to help with a 5-day STEM Adventures at SEGA Program in Morogoro, Tanzania. 

Position Title: STEM Adventures at SEGA Volunteer 

Goals of the Role: To engage diverse students in conversations around STEM and introduce them to STEM professionals.

Impact of the Role: In Tanzania, the participation of female students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines in Higher Education is low. According to UNESCO, women in Tanzania represent 40 percent of university enrollment, but only about 24 percent are in STEM. In Tanzania, students must select a track to study in high school after Form 2. This track could be either Science, Arts, or Business. To achieve higher levels of girls’ participation in STEM subjects, Nurturing Minds and SEGA launched a pilot STEM extracurricular program that reinforced concepts learned in class, made STEM learning interactive and accessible, and emphasized the myriad possibilities of careers in STEM for women.

Volunteers will become STEM Role Models and Story Tellers to foster a sense of belonging in STEM among SEGA students by exposing them to experience motivation, excitement, and interest, and to learn about phenomena in the natural and physical world and think of themselves as science learners to develop an identity as someone who knows about, uses, and sometimes contributes to science. Through the program, students will create emotional connections and personal relevance to impact their STEM learning. 

Role Models are crucial in showing students where they might fit in STEM. Volunteers are role models for our SEGA students who are available to students for questions and interactions throughout the program and after.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow a pre-designed curriculum to implement a STEM program and science-sharing project 

• Assess and document student skill level and progress

• Submit all required paperwork promptly

• Develop strong, positive relationships with students to promote personal and academic growth

• Ensure consistent attendance and learning outcomes for the class are met

• Document and review student learning progress to share with staff

• Fulfill all other duties deemed vital to the function of the organizations

Time Requirements: STEM Volunteers will be engaged in lessons from 8 AM until 3:30 PM during the 5 days of program lessons. It is roughly 6-7 hours of teaching per day. There are breaks for tea, rest, and lunch. Our schedule includes a field trip day, a science share day, a cultural exchange day, and a weekend safari!

Location: SEGA Girls’ School in Morogoro, Tanzania

Land Cost:

Single Accommodation Land Cost: $2,344 (single hotel room options in Dar es Salaam)

Double Accommodation Land Cost: $2,288

Not included in Land Cost: International airfare, carbon off-setting for flight, travel health insurance, any medical-related costs, visa, and souvenirs.

Work Environment: You should expect to be very active and on your feet throughout your volunteer time. You will need to listen to your body on when to sit down, find shade, or find a cool area or fan. Please note the Visitor House and the classrooms where the program will take place are not air-conditioned. There are fans in the classrooms, but with the temperatures, you can still expect it to be pretty hot. The average temperature fluctuates throughout the year from 82-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Skills & Qualifications:

• High school or University Student who studies or is interested in STEM subjects

• Teacher of STEM subjects or has an interest in STEM subjects 

• STEM Field or Corporate professional or has an interest in STEM subjects 

• Creative, solution-oriented, and adaptable 

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

• Ability to build supportive and professional relationships with high school youth and staff

• Ability and willingness to have fun in the classroom!

Orientation & Training:

Prior to traveling and volunteering with Nurturing Minds and the SEGA Girls’ School, there will be a series of Zoom orientation calls and emails to help prepare you for your destination and job responsibilities. 

Prior to traveling: 

• We will have a series of weekly Zoom orientation meetings to discuss the STEM Curriculum, meet volunteers, and answer questions.

• We will have an orientation to discuss all travel, volunteering, and teaching at SEGA, health, and safety logistics.

• We will discuss cultural humility, Tanzanian culture, and what it means to be a foreign volunteer in Tanzania. 

• You will have an opportunity to meet with SEGA’s Communication Coordinator and Hospitality Coordinator, who will help you get settled in once you arrive, before arriving. 

• We share with you via email visiting manuals, emergency contact lists, COVID-19 protocols, and more. 

Arriving at SEGA: 

• Once you arrive at SEGA, the Communications and Hospitality Coordinators will greet you and help you settle into your home for the week. They will discuss safety, transportation, ways to explore Morogoro and Tanzania, culture, food, and health, and give you a tour of SEGA’s Campus. They will help introduce and welcome you to SEGA’s staff and students. 

• Once settled at SEGA, we will have a volunteer orientation, co-teacher planning sessions, and time to organize all lesson materials. 

• Every evening, we will have debriefing sessions and preparation for the following day’s activities.

Supervision:

The Nurturing Minds Cultural Exchange Coordinator will co-lead this year's STEM Program at the SEGA Girls’ School. Volunteers will partner with Mr. Shadrack, Head Teacher for the Science and Math Department at SEGA, Mr. Mwakalinga, a Biology Teacher at SEGA, and with the support of the Hospitality Coordinator Isabella and Communications Coordinator, Rhona. SEGA School Headmistress Madam Elly supervises all individuals. 

Volunteer Benefits:

Volunteering with SEGA is a unique opportunity to foster life-long friendships and become a mentor for a SEGA girl. Most of our volunteers stay connected with their student groups well into their university-level studies and exchange letters and photographs, and many return to SEGA for their graduation. 

How to Apply:

Complete the form below and Nurturing Minds Cultural Exchange Coordinator will contact you!

MOROGORO REGION, TANZANIA

Lying at the base of the magnificent Uluguru Mountains, the Morogoro region is the agricultural land of Tanzania. The region supports the vegetation of tobacco along with the complete processing before being transported to market areas. Along with agriculture, the city is known for its educational centers and hospitals. The short distance from the city of Dar es Salaam makes Morogoro popular among travelers. The region exhibits its beauty with its culture and art. Adventure and leisure can be best here with less chaos and amazing food. One can even enjoy a Safari at the closely nestled Mikumi National Park and Selous Game Reserve.

FIND YOUR HOME AT SEGA 

Nestled near the base of the beautiful Uluguru Mountains, the SEGA Girls School is located 7 miles north of Morogoro, which is located approximately 5 hours west of Dar es Salaam by car. Experience the school in person and relax in our comfortable visitor house while enjoying delicious dishes from your private cook and experiencing the vitality of our vibrant school and nearby cultural immersion activities. 

The SEGA Visitor House includes 3 daily meals, fans, solar power, a private bathroom, toiletries, free wifi, daily housekeeping, mosquito netting, and a private chef. 

Your stay at the SEGA Visitor House contributes to improving the financial sustainability of the SEGA Girls' School.

IN-COUNTRY STAFF

Nurturing Minds and SEGA is excited about our partnership with our dedicated, passionate, and motivated volunteers. The SEGA Staff and SEGA School teachers are welcoming you to join them to enrich girls' lives and help end the cycle of poverty by educating a girl through the STEM Adventures at SEGA program. 

CULTURAL IMMERSION ACTIVITIES

Upon arrival, volunteers will be welcomed with the SEGA School Welcome Song. Volunteers will then be led around the campus by Form 3 Hosting Students on a school tour to learn about the girl's daily life, school activities, and campus.

In addition to exploring Morogoro's natural wonders, volunteers will take a visit to local markets, learn about traditional batik fabric dyeing, learn how to make chapatti, engage in football competitions and movie nights with students, and volunteers will have an incredible opportunity to meet SEGA graduates, staff, and the Executive Director and Headmistress.

WEEKEND ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

On the weekends, our expert staff will guide your group on local cultural and learning activities including exploring a nearby hydroelectric plant, visiting SEGA’s growing community-outreach Modern Girl program, visiting Morogoro Town, overnight safari to Mikumi National Park, and visiting the home of a current SEGA Student!

TEACHERS, JOIN US IN EDUCATING GIRLS! 

Experienced educators help support our SEGA teachers and students by providing additional support, teacher resources, materials, and additional hands-on learning that open the door to potential STEM majors and career paths for SEGA students. 

An Education Volunteer is anyone with a passion for educating students and finding ways to enrich students' lives through STEM subject learning. Educators can get started as solo volunteers or recruit a team of colleagues to join them! Education Volunteers help bring hands-on activities and STEM experiments to our youngest learners!

CORPORATE VOLUNTEER GROUPS, GIVE BACK THROUGH OUR PROGRAM!

Experienced professionals in STEM fields help support our SEGA teachers by providing real-world perspectives that open the door to potential STEM majors and career paths for SEGA students. 

A Corporate Volunteer is anyone with a passion for supporting students and building excitement about STEM subjects. Employees can get started as solo volunteers or recruit a team of colleagues to join them! Corporate Volunteers help bring STEM to life for our youngest learners!

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS, WE WELCOME YOU! 

Any high school or college student with a passion for working with others in their community is invited to volunteer with our youngest learners who are participating in the STEM Adventure at SEGA Program. Every student volunteer can find an impactful way to give back in the classroom. Students have the opportunity to connect with SEGA students and share STEM concepts and ideas, igniting that same spark they have in themselves.

To learn more email us today at myranda@nurturingmindsinafrica.org

FAQ

Do I need to have a STEM background to apply?

No, and several current and past members of the team didn’t have any background in STEM before joining! There are a few roles where a STEM background is important, but for most roles, we’re keen to welcome students, professionals, or educators with all academic interests!

Do I need to have previous experience to apply?

For most roles, no! If you are wanting to join as a Program Lead or to lead certain program lessons, you’ll need some general science or math understanding and experience. Generally, we’re not worried about whether you’ve done something like this before if you’re applying to be a volunteer. 

I don't have every skill listed - can I still apply?

Yes! Though having at least some of the listed skills will help you have a good foundation for your chosen role, enthusiasm to learn and grow is more important to us than past experience, and you’ll develop many of the skills you need during your time in the team. Remember though, you can tell us about what skills you have through anything you’ve done before or been previously involved in, whether through school, clubs, work, action in your community, or your personal experiences.

How does the team work together and communicate with each other?

We mainly work through email and WhatsApp. We will have several Zoom orientation meetings to meet everyone prior to traveling, and we will have a welcome dinner on our first night together in Dar es Salaam! 

What makes an ideal applicant to join the STEM Adventures at SEGA Program?

There’s no one thing that makes someone an ideal applicant - everyone on the team has different backgrounds, skillsets, interests, and levels of previous experience in making a difference through STEM education!

There are a few things every member of the STEM Adventures at SEGA team has in common though…

• Passion for the Nurturing Minds mission - to transform lives and communities by educating and empowering Tanzanian girls.

• Enthusiastic to learn and grow - your enthusiasm to get involved is much more important to us than your previous experience or qualifications.

• Commitment to getting involved in all aspects of the volunteer program - both for your own development and the team’s collective progress toward our mission.

When is the booking deadline?

Interested volunteers have until Wednesday, June 12, 2024, to book. Still undecided, and want more time to discuss? Email myranda@nurturingmindsinafrica.org to chat!

None of these FAQs answer my question - who can I contact?

We’re happy to hear from you!  Please email your questions to our Cultural Exchange Coordinator, Myranda at myranda@nurturingmindsinafrica.org.

USTAWI Global Inaugural Event 2024

Offered and organized by Globally Reconnect and Collaborative Learning Network.

Hello Friends!

We are excited to invite you to the inaugural event for USTAWI Global, a movement towards co-creating a harmonious world in which all living systems can flourish. As friends of ours, we know you have heard us talk about this audacious aspiration and we hope that you will become the leaders of this movement. There are many exciting opportunities ahead!

We are gathering a global group of school leaders who are curious to learn from the experiences of others and are willing to courageously share their own stories of successes, challenges, and everything in between. We will work together to discover what is possible when integrated learning experiences emerge from strong relationships and entrepreneurial skills are developed to meet the community’s real needs. This is the founding group of an intentionally curated community that will gracefully expand over time.

The aspiration is to co-create a community of beautiful humans with a heart for a flourishing planet who are leading mission-aligned schools from across all global regions.  We will guide the group toward meaningful conversations about philosophy, practice, and possibilities. We hope that supportive partnerships will emerge from this gathering and that the conversations will continue on a shared and facilitated platform.  We are actively pursuing funding for three years of coaching support for ten learning communities that aspire to become a local and global model.   

The immersive event will be a week-long event hosted by one of your peers, SEGA: Secondary Education for Girl’s Advancement, the girls are very excited to meet you all at their campus. Our time together includes hands-on learning experiences with SEGA students, an excursion to a local research facility, and sharing music, dance, and sports. Time will be allocated for you to share your story, your learning, and your reflections with your peers as we build this movement together.

Click now to discover more about USTAWI GLOBAL 2024!

Details:

Dates: Friday, July 5 - Saturday, July 13

Land Cost: 2,750 USD per person

Deadline to book: April 30, 2024

The itinerary includes various accommodations and activities:

1. SEGA Visitor House: Located near the Uluguru Mountains, 7 miles north of Morogoro, approximately 5 hours from Dar es Salaam by car.

2. Blue Sapphire Hotel: Conveniently situated on Pugu Road, only 3 km from Julius Nyerere International Airport.

3. Hotel Slipway: A stay planned for departure from Dar es Salaam, offering dinner, sightseeing, and shopping opportunities.

4. Mikumi National Park: Travel to Vuma Hills Tented Safari Camps for a 2-day stay with game drives aimed at spotting the Big 5 animals.

5. APOPO Facility: Visit the facility where hero rats are trained to detect tuberculosis, contributing to life-saving efforts.

Additionally:

• Transportation: SEGA organizes trusted guides and drivers for travelers' convenience and safety.

• Food: All meals, snacks, water, and juice are provided during the stay.

• Tips & Gratuities: Included for tour guides, SEGA Hospitality staff, and transportation drivers.

What's not included in the package:

1. Airfare: Flights to and from Tanzania are not included.

2. Travel Medical Insurance: Coverage for medical expenses and evacuation is not provided. Yonder Travel is recommended for assistance.

3. Tanzania Visa: The cost of the ordinary tourist visa ($100) or multi-entry visa ($50) is not covered.

4. Extras: Expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, souvenirs, and laundry are not included.

We are hopeful that we will hear back from you by April 30, 2024!

We look forward to welcoming you to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Friday, July 5, 2024, to travel to the school on Saturday to spend a week learning together.  We will then return to Dar es Salaam on Friday, July 12 in time for your departure the following day. 

At this point, we are looking for confirmation that you can attend during these dates. Please research flights to and from Tanzania and let us know how many members of your team would be able to attend.

We will be sending more detailed information about vaccinations, visas, and accommodation over the next few weeks.