(Maggie’s back! If you didn’t read yesterday’s post, we’d suggest starting there…)

I think the biggest way I’ve felt connected to TFFT is through my communication with Richard Francis, the student we sponsor through our high school club. Receiving letters, report cards, and pictures from Richard helps me realize how big of an influence TFFT’s work has and how their work can truly change the lives of impoverished and vulnerable children in East Africa.

 

The most meaningful part of my work with TFFT was seeing the power of their work when I visited Tanzania in the Summer of 2011. I was fortunate enough to visit the Usa River Academy during a volunteer trip to Tanzania, and I was able to meet Richard, our sponsored student, along with his two friends Simon (the student who did RIDETZ) and Isaac. The boys were all incredibly well spoken, enthusiastic, motivated, and proud of their country and their school. It was during this meeting with Richard that I saw how absolutely life-changing TFFT is for the children in East Africa. Richard explained to me how much he loves Usa River Academy, how appreciative he is of Meghann and everyone involved with The Foundation For Tomorrow. He had a smile for the entire time we visited and said “thank you” and “God bless you” constantly. He was the epitome of happiness, thankfulness, and motivation. Seeing Richard was overwhelming, as he showed me the effectiveness of TFFT’s efforts and how they are truly changing lives of vulnerable children. Richard told me he wanted to be a businessman, Simon wanted to be an engineer, and Isaac wanted to be a politician. As these students told me their ambitions, I was so happy to see how driven they are to fulfill their endless dreams. 

For anyone interested in traveling to Tanzania, I went through Rustic Pathways and had a great experience. We taught English classes at the Poli Village Primary School, worked on an underground water pipe project, and painted a newly built classroom at their school. I had great trip leaders and they were flexible enough to allow me to visit the Usa River Academy, which I thought was a huge deal.

I will definitely continue my correspondence with Richard, because we have gotten to know each other well between writing letters and meeting each other in person. In all, I have loved every minute I have spent working with The Foundation for Tomorrow. I truly believe this is a powerful organization and that a quality education can change the life of an impoverished child. Through a research project I did in school, I learned a lot about impoverished countries and how to change their future. Through what I learned, I agree with the belief TFFT encompasses: that education is the most beneficial tool we can provide impoverished and vulnerable children in countries such as East Africa. I can’t wait to continue working with TFFT and see the huge difference it will continue to make!!

(This summer during the LTP photo project, our students had to act out their dreams. Richard chose to act out the dream that his sponsor, Maggie, came back to visit him!)