Danielle Lynch: Long-Term Volunteer
Danielle Lynch is a Health and Physical Education teacher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Danielle volunteered as the Playroom Manager and Physical Education Teacher at Amani for 8 months in 2008.
”My mother had heard about Amani and thought it was a great organization. I also had a cousin who had volunteered in Moshi with another program. He was not working at Amani, but he knew about the organization and told me good things about it. After hearing about the volunteer opportunities that Amani had to offer I went online to their website and learned more about the organization.
“Growing up I have always volunteered in my community, but never long-term and never overseas. I am very interested in traveling. After researching Amani, I thought that the organization seemed very well run and I loved what they were doing. Before I began volunteering I had never been to Tanzania, let alone Africa. I thought it would be an eye opening experience and that I would learn a lot.
“The best part about volunteering was getting to know all the children – hands down. Each and every one of them is different in their own way and they are all great. They all have such big hearts and open minds. I loved my volunteer experience teaching sports and running the playroom because my students were always willing to learn, try new things, and participate. Their enthusiasm for all the little things in life was so motivating and inspiring.
“The first time I traveled to Arusha with Amani’s Street Educator, Godfrey, I found it to be a very eye opening experience. It helped me to understand where Amani’s kids were coming from, and the lives they led before joining Amani. Godfrey was so great with the kids. They all trust him and love him, and run after him down the street just to say hello.
“This second time I traveled to Arusha in the back of my mind, I was trying to find a child who had run away from Amani since I had arrived. We had developed a really nice bond, and I was upset to see him go. As our day progressed we ran into this student and his friend walking through the center of town. At first he was scared because he thought he would be in trouble for leaving Amani. We spent most of the afternoon together, just talking and walking through town. At the end of the afternoon, both kids decided to come back to Amani. We sent them on the bus and they went right there. It was such a good feeling to know that I had a role in bringing a child off the streets and into a safe environment.
“My advice to anyone wanting to volunteer at Amani would be to try your best to acclimate yourself to the Tanzanian culture and respect the way things are done there. Don’t worry if things don’t always work out. Always try new stuff and get the kids involved as much as you can. The staff is very helpful if you need anything. I also found it nice to come into Amani on Saturdays, Sundays, and in the evenings. This gives you a chance to get to hang out with the kids outside of school hours. It really helps to get to know them and to learn what they like. It is also a chance to meet those Amani children who attend public schools and vocational programs outside of Amani during the regular school day."