Roy Gee - Village Africa. Options

[Game Warden]

Roy Gee, back row - 3rd left.

"Babu" Roy Gee has been a volunteer teacher for Village Africa, working in the remote West Usambara Mountains in the Tanga region of Tanzania. Village Africa, a registered UK charity aims to allieviate poverty through health and education. To read more about Village Africa please visit their website here:

www.villageafrica.org.uk

To read the Safaritalk interview with Village Africa founder Caroline Johnston, please click here:

www.safaritalk.net/index.php?showtopic=1051

(Before becoming involved with Village Africa) When did you first travel to Africa and for what was the reason?

In 1986 I went to Kenya on safari.

Village Africa – how did you become involved in their activities?

Through searching the internet I discovered P.O.D (Personal Overseas Development) at www.thepodsite.co.uk.

Before leaving for Tanzania, what expectations did you have?

I had a very open mind, no fixed agenda – but was conscious that the prime function was to become involved in teaching basic English in a primary school.

What were your first impressions upon arriving in East Africa and how did you go about getting from the airport to the village of Yamba. Indeed what are the logistics of spending such an extended period of time in Tanzania?

As I expected from other African countries I have visited, things are done at an African pace and on African time. Transported with meet and greet from Caroline (leader) and other volunteers at Kilimanjaro Airport to Buffalo Hotel in Moshi: the following day was a 4x4 trip to Yamba. Extended stay project transport too Kirogue, Mukenga, Jonga, Leushoto for the bus connection for the onward journey.

As one of the first volunteers to work in Yamba what were your daily activities, (and describe a day in the life of Roy Gee in Yamba) and how did your personal life experience help with doing them?

Monday to Friday teaching Standard 2 to Standard 6. The average class number was 30 pupils, who were summoned to school between 7 and 7.15 by the beating of drums, and they arrived at school by 7.30. many of the children I helped teach would walk bare footed for 2-21/2 hours over the mountains to school. All the children complete chores at school, sweeping, dusting, collecting firewood, dried palm leaves for thatching purposes before lessons began at 8am. From 8am until lunchtime there were four lessons, each of a 40 minute duration.
Lunch would be from 12.25 – 1.10pm.
Two lessons would then run through to 2.45pm when school officially finishes. But afterwards, I would carry on with reading classes, outside weather permitting, until about 3.45 – 4 pm.
Twenty minute walk to "Myema", my home, where I'd be welcomed by forty odd pre school age children and we'd spend the next hour or so playing games.
Two evenings a week I’d give lessons (night school) under a storm lantern for adults, who I’d teach English and they’d reciprocate by teaching me Ki Samba – their tribal language.
On the weekends I’d visit the homes of the local community, and attended alternate Lutheron and Roman Catholic church services.
Of course I visited all the local Yamba view points across the mountains.
My age combined with life experiences as a people communicator for all ages, and everything was as an unpaid volunteer in teaching roles.

Before your arrival, how much work had Village Africa done in Yamba and the surrounding area, and what could you see that needed to be done, both short and long term?

Yamba resembled a building site, land and properties had been purchased for new homes and refurbishments. It was important to fund building work, and carpenters to make furniture, ie beds, tables, chairs etc. To improve the health post building which is now under reconstruction (2008) Land had also been purchased to make a football and games area.

How were you accepted by the villagers, and what do you think their initial impressions were of you?

Words cannot express the greeting from all age groups of the community. Singing, dancing, drum beating, whitsles blowing. Happy smiling faces everywhere – a type of greeting I have never experienced before. Truly a memorable, humbling experience for me.
Although we were the first volunteers in Yamba, there was no hesitation, no reluctance from anyone to accept our presence.
The Village Africa project in Yamba only exists with the approval of the community, and I think as volunteers we were more concerned of what their expectations of us were. Everywhere I went I was called "Babu" by all age groups.

How easy was it for you to adapt to life in such a remote village, coming from the UK where in general most if not all lead a very materialistic lifestyle? Aside from family, what did you most miss, and on the other side of the coin, what were you most happy to leave behind in the UK?

Not very difficult, due to previous travels around the world as aged recycled back packers and voluntary work in Africa and Asia.
Accept, respect the ways of life and traditions. Travel humbly, visit people and places with reverence.
Initially the cold and altitude (4,500 feet) proved challenging.
Pleased to leave behind the speed of daily lie, of a must have, materialistic society. The woes and troubles of the world, and the media, especially the T.V.

What made you return to Tanzania and volunteer for a second time in Yamba?

Promised the community I would return in early 2008, returned for 3 ˝ weeks in late 2007.

I wanted to witness what a difference a year makes, and of course meet all of my friends, young and old alike.

In your opinion what is the most important thing that is needed in order to better the lives and living conditions in Yamba? Why? And how can people reading this help to get such items there?

“Allienate Poverty” with health care, education and the environment.
Very cold and wet, warm waterproof clothing and shoes.
Improve water quality, many people die from water borne diseases.
A malaria prevention programme and annual preventative worming scheme.
Funding a doctor and staff at the health post.
Purchase of a second 4x4 vehicle to act as an ambulance, the nearest hospital is a 2 day walk away.
Pioneering scheme to adopt an orphan child.
Monies for the health post to purchase drugs and medicine.
An idea is to purchase space in a sea container.

Tell us about Yamba’s health centre and school.

The health post first established by Father Boniti in 1995 (?) ceased to operate through lack of funding. Village Africa re established the health post, which now services a huge area – ie: sick people can walk 5-– hours one way to receive treatment and medicines. Still on the original site, the health post has partially been rebuilt and enlarged, with permanent staff – a trained health technician.
Three slide screens each cost 300 tsh, (+/- 8 pence) 1: Test for malaria. (Blood). 2: Test for worms. (Stool) 3: Test for Urinary tract infection (Urine)
Most people cannot afford the above costs so the can pay in kind, ie: bring in food for the poor and sick, collect firewood, help to extend the rough track to enable the 4x4 to reach the health post - at the present time, sick/injured have to be carried down the mountain to the 4x4 which regularly acts as an ambulance, as the hospital is a 2 day walk away.
The health post requires a full time doctor, and the main health concerns are malaria, water borne diseases and pneumonia. It’s a shame that there are limited medicines and equipment.
The school has 265 registered children, and the primary level has 4 dedicated teachers. The kindergarden classrooms are out of use, however new floors have been completed in 2 of the classrooms, the remaining 4 are in a bad state of disrepair.
It is an excellent school, children attentive, keen and enthusiastic, well disciplined through kindness. Thanks to volunteer funding the school has a 3 block toilet.
News school uniforms costs 4500 tsh (approx 2 UK pounds), and of course many families cannot afford this. Many of the children walk 2-2 1/2 hours bare footed one way to school.

In terms of Village Africa helping the people of Yamba, how does this work on the ground? (Expand on the conversation we had about not just giving handouts – people expected to pay, to provide food, to work etc) And how can a volunteer energise the people to take a pride in the village in making it better?

Villagers who work on the new road project receive a surprise gift of an article of clothing.
Health care is taught, and people are encouraged to build for their family a long drop toilet.
A new ladies knitting circle socialize and produce woolen clothing.
Concern over social habits - ie drinking of home brew sugar cane beer.
Young adults now have a football pitch on which they can play competitive soccer with other villages.
Girls play netball.
Villages are mainly farming – living on a hand to mouth daily existence from the land, growing soya beans, kasava, maize, all a staple diet, but the terrain is mountainous and infertile. There has been an increase in the pig population and other livestock, eg goats and chickens.

How does the social structure of the village work and who is “in charge”? How are matters resolved and disputes settled?

Chairman: committee elected for the following by the villagers.
1. Helath.
2. Evnvironmental.
3. School
4. Distribution of gifts.
Disputes resolved at above.
Yamba is very democratically organized. Emphasis on Sunday attendance at Lutheran and R.C churches. Choir practices.

How did you feel to be personally making a difference and please provide some feedback from those who you helped.

Difficult! Very humble, giving me a fantastic rewarding feeling. All age groups extremely appreciative of our presence and involvement within the community. Overall a most rewarding experience, no demands – a reflective love and kindness showed to all.

What advice have you for anybody wanting to follow in your footsteps, and working in East Africa as a volunteer? Talk us through the procedure that you had to go through in terms of applying to be a volunteer.

Travel humbly, accept what you see and hear, respect the customs and traditions with reverence. Do not have the opinion that you are going to change the world. Your presence is a small token to assist in the aim of Village Africa - to alleviate poverty through “Health care, education, and the environment. “It is Possible!”

Describe in general the people of Yamba and pick out a few of the characters you met / know and tell me about their lives.

Warm hearted, community spirited, kind, caring hard working people.
Families help families that fall on hard times, ie: food shortage, ill health.
All gifts are not free – they have to be earned. No materialistic influences, ie tourists. No requests, demands. Warm friendly welcoming community – always happy and smiling.

What are your favourite memories from Yamba?

Difficult, too many memories to select: in summary, the things I mentioned in answer to question 16.

Now back in the UK after a second stint of volunteering with Village Africa, what do you miss about the village and how often do you find yourself reminiscing about your time there?

Through slide and talk presentations to various organizations, and of course many times reflecting upon my experiences.

How has Village Africa changed your life?

Rather late to change my life! I can quote younger volunteers who have had a life changing experience, appreciating how happy people are who do not live in a mus have, must do world of materialistic wealth.
Volunteers like myself continue fund raising for Village Africa.

What is the future for the people in Yamba, and how can you / Village Africa build upon the successes thus far achieved?

In twelve months the Village Africa project has come a long way in its aims.
Without the dedication, conviction and presence of Village Africa co-founder Caroline Johnston this project and progress would not be possible.
Future – a greater health care through education preventative measures, alternatives to the drink (alcoholic) problem through sporting activities.
Extra income enabled families to improve their homes, purchase livestock
Future of Yamba is very good with the current leadership.
Governmental recognition in education and health care has been indentified and recognized through meetings of the work and success of the Village Africa project.
Footnote: One must not lose site of the Yamba customs and traditions, the way of life, this must remain and continue with recognised respect.

Kind regards to all Safaritalk readers, Sante-Sana,

Babu Roy.

(Photographs courtesy of Allison Shaw - Village Africa)

The views expressed therein are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Safaritalk.

[Game Warden]

Roy Gee, back row - 3rd left.

"Babu" Roy Gee has been a volunteer teacher for Village Africa, working in the remote West Usambara Mountains in the Tanga region of Tanzania. Village Africa, a registered UK charity aims to allieviate poverty through health and education. To read more about Village Africa please visit their website here:

www.villageafrica.org.uk

To read the Safaritalk interview with Village Africa founder Caroline Johnston, please click here:

www.safaritalk.net/index.php?showtopic=1051

(Before becoming involved with Village Africa) When did you first travel to Africa and for what was the reason?

In 1986 I went to Kenya on safari.

Village Africa – how did you become involved in their activities?

Through searching the internet I discovered P.O.D (Personal Overseas Development) at www.thepodsite.co.uk.

Before leaving for Tanzania, what expectations did you have?

I had a very open mind, no fixed agenda – but was conscious that the prime function was to become involved in teaching basic English in a primary school.

What were your first impressions upon arriving in East Africa and how did you go about getting from the airport to the village of Yamba. Indeed what are the logistics of spending such an extended period of time in Tanzania?

As I expected from other African countries I have visited, things are done at an African pace and on African time. Transported with meet and greet from Caroline (leader) and other volunteers at Kilimanjaro Airport to Buffalo Hotel in Moshi: the following day was a 4x4 trip to Yamba. Extended stay project transport too Kirogue, Mukenga, Jonga, Leushoto for the bus connection for the onward journey.

As one of the first volunteers to work in Yamba what were your daily activities, (and describe a day in the life of Roy Gee in Yamba) and how did your personal life experience help with doing them?

Monday to Friday teaching Standard 2 to Standard 6. The average class number was 30 pupils, who were summoned to school between 7 and 7.15 by the beating of drums, and they arrived at school by 7.30. many of the children I helped teach would walk bare footed for 2-21/2 hours over the mountains to school. All the children complete chores at school, sweeping, dusting, collecting firewood, dried palm leaves for thatching purposes before lessons began at 8am. From 8am until lunchtime there were four lessons, each of a 40 minute duration.
Lunch would be from 12.25 – 1.10pm.
Two lessons would then run through to 2.45pm when school officially finishes. But afterwards, I would carry on with reading classes, outside weather permitting, until about 3.45 – 4 pm.
Twenty minute walk to "Myema", my home, where I'd be welcomed by forty odd pre school age children and we'd spend the next hour or so playing games.
Two evenings a week I’d give lessons (night school) under a storm lantern for adults, who I’d teach English and they’d reciprocate by teaching me Ki Samba – their tribal language.
On the weekends I’d visit the homes of the local community, and attended alternate Lutheron and Roman Catholic church services.
Of course I visited all the local Yamba view points across the mountains.
My age combined with life experiences as a people communicator for all ages, and everything was as an unpaid volunteer in teaching roles.

Before your arrival, how much work had Village Africa done in Yamba and the surrounding area, and what could you see that needed to be done, both short and long term?

Yamba resembled a building site, land and properties had been purchased for new homes and refurbishments. It was important to fund building work, and carpenters to make furniture, ie beds, tables, chairs etc. To improve the health post building which is now under reconstruction (2008) Land had also been purchased to make a football and games area.

How were you accepted by the villagers, and what do you think their initial impressions were of you?

Words cannot express the greeting from all age groups of the community. Singing, dancing, drum beating, whitsles blowing. Happy smiling faces everywhere – a type of greeting I have never experienced before. Truly a memorable, humbling experience for me.
Although we were the first volunteers in Yamba, there was no hesitation, no reluctance from anyone to accept our presence.
The Village Africa project in Yamba only exists with the approval of the community, and I think as volunteers we were more concerned of what their expectations of us were. Everywhere I went I was called "Babu" by all age groups.

How easy was it for you to adapt to life in such a remote village, coming from the UK where in general most if not all lead a very materialistic lifestyle? Aside from family, what did you most miss, and on the other side of the coin, what were you most happy to leave behind in the UK?

Not very difficult, due to previous travels around the world as aged recycled back packers and voluntary work in Africa and Asia.
Accept, respect the ways of life and traditions. Travel humbly, visit people and places with reverence.
Initially the cold and altitude (4,500 feet) proved challenging.
Pleased to leave behind the speed of daily lie, of a must have, materialistic society. The woes and troubles of the world, and the media, especially the T.V.

What made you return to Tanzania and volunteer for a second time in Yamba?

Promised the community I would return in early 2008, returned for 3 ˝ weeks in late 2007.

I wanted to witness what a difference a year makes, and of course meet all of my friends, young and old alike.

In your opinion what is the most important thing that is needed in order to better the lives and living conditions in Yamba? Why? And how can people reading this help to get such items there?

“Allienate Poverty” with health care, education and the environment.
Very cold and wet, warm waterproof clothing and shoes.
Improve water quality, many people die from water borne diseases.
A malaria prevention programme and annual preventative worming scheme.
Funding a doctor and staff at the health post.
Purchase of a second 4x4 vehicle to act as an ambulance, the nearest hospital is a 2 day walk away.
Pioneering scheme to adopt an orphan child.
Monies for the health post to purchase drugs and medicine.
An idea is to purchase space in a sea container.

Tell us about Yamba’s health centre and school.

The health post first established by Father Boniti in 1995 (?) ceased to operate through lack of funding. Village Africa re established the health post, which now services a huge area – ie: sick people can walk 5-– hours one way to receive treatment and medicines. Still on the original site, the health post has partially been rebuilt and enlarged, with permanent staff – a trained health technician.
Three slide screens each cost 300 tsh, (+/- 8 pence) 1: Test for malaria. (Blood). 2: Test for worms. (Stool) 3: Test for Urinary tract infection (Urine)
Most people cannot afford the above costs so the can pay in kind, ie: bring in food for the poor and sick, collect firewood, help to extend the rough track to enable the 4x4 to reach the health post - at the present time, sick/injured have to be carried down the mountain to the 4x4 which regularly acts as an ambulance, as the hospital is a 2 day walk away.
The health post requires a full time doctor, and the main health concerns are malaria, water borne diseases and pneumonia. It’s a shame that there are limited medicines and equipment.
The school has 265 registered children, and the primary level has 4 dedicated teachers. The kindergarden classrooms are out of use, however new floors have been completed in 2 of the classrooms, the remaining 4 are in a bad state of disrepair.
It is an excellent school, children attentive, keen and enthusiastic, well disciplined through kindness. Thanks to volunteer funding the school has a 3 block toilet.
News school uniforms costs 4500 tsh (approx 2 UK pounds), and of course many families cannot afford this. Many of the children walk 2-2 1/2 hours bare footed one way to school.

In terms of Village Africa helping the people of Yamba, how does this work on the ground? (Expand on the conversation we had about not just giving handouts – people expected to pay, to provide food, to work etc) And how can a volunteer energise the people to take a pride in the village in making it better?

Villagers who work on the new road project receive a surprise gift of an article of clothing.
Health care is taught, and people are encouraged to build for their family a long drop toilet.
A new ladies knitting circle socialize and produce woolen clothing.
Concern over social habits - ie drinking of home brew sugar cane beer.
Young adults now have a football pitch on which they can play competitive soccer with other villages.
Girls play netball.
Villages are mainly farming – living on a hand to mouth daily existence from the land, growing soya beans, kasava, maize, all a staple diet, but the terrain is mountainous and infertile. There has been an increase in the pig population and other livestock, eg goats and chickens.

How does the social structure of the village work and who is “in charge”? How are matters resolved and disputes settled?

Chairman: committee elected for the following by the villagers.
1. Helath.
2. Evnvironmental.
3. School
4. Distribution of gifts.
Disputes resolved at above.
Yamba is very democratically organized. Emphasis on Sunday attendance at Lutheran and R.C churches. Choir practices.

How did you feel to be personally making a difference and please provide some feedback from those who you helped.

Difficult! Very humble, giving me a fantastic rewarding feeling. All age groups extremely appreciative of our presence and involvement within the community. Overall a most rewarding experience, no demands – a reflective love and kindness showed to all.

What advice have you for anybody wanting to follow in your footsteps, and working in East Africa as a volunteer? Talk us through the procedure that you had to go through in terms of applying to be a volunteer.

Travel humbly, accept what you see and hear, respect the customs and traditions with reverence. Do not have the opinion that you are going to change the world. Your presence is a small token to assist in the aim of Village Africa - to alleviate poverty through “Health care, education, and the environment. “It is Possible!”

Describe in general the people of Yamba and pick out a few of the characters you met / know and tell me about their lives.

Warm hearted, community spirited, kind, caring hard working people.
Families help families that fall on hard times, ie: food shortage, ill health.
All gifts are not free – they have to be earned. No materialistic influences, ie tourists. No requests, demands. Warm friendly welcoming community – always happy and smiling.

What are your favourite memories from Yamba?

Difficult, too many memories to select: in summary, the things I mentioned in answer to question 16.

Now back in the UK after a second stint of volunteering with Village Africa, what do you miss about the village and how often do you find yourself reminiscing about your time there?

Through slide and talk presentations to various organizations, and of course many times reflecting upon my experiences.

How has Village Africa changed your life?

Rather late to change my life! I can quote younger volunteers who have had a life changing experience, appreciating how happy people are who do not live in a mus have, must do world of materialistic wealth.
Volunteers like myself continue fund raising for Village Africa.

What is the future for the people in Yamba, and how can you / Village Africa build upon the successes thus far achieved?

In twelve months the Village Africa project has come a long way in its aims.
Without the dedication, conviction and presence of Village Africa co-founder Caroline Johnston this project and progress would not be possible.
Future – a greater health care through education preventative measures, alternatives to the drink (alcoholic) problem through sporting activities.
Extra income enabled families to improve their homes, purchase livestock
Future of Yamba is very good with the current leadership.
Governmental recognition in education and health care has been indentified and recognized through meetings of the work and success of the Village Africa project.
Footnote: One must not lose site of the Yamba customs and traditions, the way of life, this must remain and continue with recognised respect.

Kind regards to all Safaritalk readers, Sante-Sana,

Babu Roy.

(Photographs courtesy of Allison Shaw - Village Africa)

The views expressed therein are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Safaritalk.