Wow! What a year! Is anyone else as confused as I am that it is December? Here in Arusha it is a frigid 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can imagine that it is even more difficult to remember that it is December for me! As I was driving with Erasto and Rosie and Rachel last week, we started singing Jingle Bells along with the radio, with the windows down, and I was reminded for the millionth time that I have to have the best job in the world. Despite the heat, Christmas spirit has indeed swept through the TFFT-Tanzania office, as evidenced by our Christmas caroling and new snowflake window decorations!
As much as I love being here in Tanzania, the pull of home and family for Christmas eventually won out, and in less than a week, I will be arriving back in the US for a few weeks of holiday vacation. However, when I say I am on vacation, don’t be fooled, I will still be planning and shopping for a new year of Full Circle, which brings me to the point of this post!
Next term at Usa River Academy we will be focusing on health, safety, self image, and nutrition. In an effort to keep Full Circle engaging and spread the education to as many people as we can, this year we will be utilizing videography as a means of learning and teaching! With the world of technology that is now available, it is becoming easier and easier to communicate across the globe. The point of Full Circle is to provide a holistic, well-rounded education to our scholars and we would be doing them a disservice if we sent them into the world, armed with information, but lacking the skills to utilize the technology that is now available.
Besides keeping class interesting and providing our kids with skills in technology, using video making can also aid in the education process. Much like the Literacy Through Photography project that Kaitlin introduced to us earlier this year, videography will help students to get creative and learn and explore issues on their own. It also enables us to share what they are learning with you in the US and everyone else in the world! Isn’t technology amazing?
So, in order to make this a possibility, here is what I am asking from you TFFT supporters. Imagine with me that you wake up Christmas morning to discover that Santa has indeed brought you exactly what you wanted! You got a new video camera…or a new digital camera with video capabilities. How exciting! But what will you ever do with your old one? Boy do I have a solution for you! As I mentioned earlier, I will be spending my Christmas morning with my family in the US and am hoping to be able to gather many supplies and curriculums while I am there. If you find yourself in the situation above, PLEASE let us know, and we will take it off of your hands! I will bring the cameras with me when I return to Tanzania. (Email me at Chloe@TheFoundationForTomorrow.org or Kaitlin@TheFoundationForTomorrow.org for mailing information)
Before you go digging in your basement to find that 30 pound video camera from 1985, please remember that they must be digital and functioning (if you think it is difficult to purchase a camera here, you should try getting one fixed!) and include any cords, batteries, software, etc. that go with them. If you also include memory cards, I will be sure to pass along news of your generosity to Santa for the upcoming year!
As we close out the year, thank you to all of you for your support and encouragement of our programs! TFFT and Full Circle would not be possible without your kindness! Happy Holidays!