Tigers in Tanzania
By: Tanzania Scarborough
What is privilege? It is not easily seen or recognized but as a student of Clemson University, it is generally a way of life. Privilege is being able to attend a prestigious four-year institution in pursuit of better economic conditions. But what’s life like when you are stuck in poverty, with limited economic mobility while starving for opportunity? Just ask the children of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Thriving children, born into unfavorable condition, are eager to learn and incorporate new sustainable initiatives that provide means of obtaining an education. In the country of Tanzania, families are expected to pay for their children’s education after the second grade, which is almost impossible for them to do.
Tigers in Tanzania is a service-learning experience and more! The experience allows students to make their mark as Clemson Tigers by participating as active community members in Tanzania. They have the opportunity to innovate different avenues of sustainability to promote education and economic stability for underprivileged families. Because the program is not major specific, students have the flexibility and advantage of tailoring the experience through the implementation of resources and background knowledge about specific fields. In preparation for her upcoming trip, student Assatta Herbert said, “As a finance major, I plan to be involved in all of the service components of the trip and will be teaching math during the learning portions.” Project leader Skye Gerald Arthur-Banning, explains one should not have an “I’m going in to save the world mentality,” but rather an understanding of the culture making all sustainable initiatives culturally relevant.
For example, students from the 2013 Maymester trip purchased a chicken for every family with a school-age child. The families are able to make money by selling the eggs, which provides a source of sustainable income and possibly a chance to further their child’s education. Tigers in Tanzania allows students to evaluate their purpose as a citizen of the world as well as their obligations to marginalized societies by being immersed into a culture so rich and unique.
7 Things to Do in Tanzania
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Mt. Kilimanjaro
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National Museum and House of Culture
Hover over a number to discover a Tazanian landmark and click to learn more information about it!
Students are expected to apply conceptual knowledge learned in the classroom while getting to know a culture’s food, music, dance and other interactions. Students also have the opportunity to travel on a 3-4 day safari through the Serengeti National Park and get to observe some of the world’s rarest animals like the Black Rhino and the Nile Crocodile.
The real work, according to Herbert, begins in the classroom. “In preparation for the trip, we have researched and presented on various subjects and topics related to the country and the relevant topics that we will need to be fully educated on for our success and safety while in the country,” she says. Herbert also expressed her reasons for choosing Tigers in Tanzania over other service-learning opportunities at Clemson. “I will have the opportunity not only to help others, but also to learn from the children in Tanzania and have fun while doing it.”
Tigers in Tanzania enculturing roaring students one service trip at a time
Written By: Tanzania Scarborough
Tanzania is a junior English major with an emphasis area of Writing and Publication Studies with a minor in Business and Technical Writing. She is a Resident Assistant and a Peer Dialogue Facilitator and believes nothing connects people like the art of literacy.
