Sarah says…

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I would like to take some time recognizing some amazing volunteers and donors that have supported the libraries in Tanzania.  They have taken the time and the resources to contribute to the development of communities that are thousands of miles away.  You, amazing donors and supporters, amaze me and humble me.  Thank you…

Highland Secondary School

in Comox, BC has become famous for their annual Interact Club International Dinner.  In 2008 the Interact Club decided to sponsor the Chamazi Library for their spring dinner.  After an amazing evening of music, comedy, food, and speeches they raised $8,000 for the library!  They broke all their previous records at that dinner.  Thank you Highland students for having hearts for the world, sacrificing hours of unpaid work to make the event such a success.  Perhaps one day I can thank you by hosting you in Tanzania and having you help us at one of the libraries.  If you are a graduate from Highland Secondary in Comox and are interested in such a thing, please let me know!

Alexandra Gaskarth

from Courtenay, BC took part in The Great Walk in June 2008.  This “walk” is 63.5 kilometers long, and takes the walker along a rugged road that lies between Gold River and Tahsis.  These are two communities that lie in the north of Vancouver Island.  As Alex collected pledges from family and friends in her community, her parents agreed to match all pledges made, dollar for dollar!  Not only did Alex take time to rally financial support from the community for the libraries in Tanzania, but she also went through months of training, then a full 9 hours and 20 minutes of walking along gravel road and a successful completion of the grueling walk.  Thank you Alex.  You inspire me and you inspire so many others through this example of sacrificial love to see the fulfilment of others’ needs.

Alex has a few things to share about the experience;

Q: What are some “highs” you experienced?

A: “The journey with others and getting to know who they are, and who they are fundraising for and why…It was like a massive pilgrimage in a way, I felt apart of something BIG. What was the best high was helping each other out along the way. One woman and I met half way and finished together and without her support there’s no way I would have finished as early.”

Q: What are some challenges you faced?

A: The difficulty I encountered was mental. I needed to keep pushing, keep walking, even if my legs didn’t want to.

Q: What is some advice you would offer to anyone looking to do the Great Walk?

A: I’d say BE PREPARED!… They need to train, they need the right shoes (two pairs), the right equipment socks, moleskin, rainjackets, etc., a determined attitude, but mostly they need a cause they really want to support because that will motivate them through when they hit a wall out there…and having a support vehicle if there’s a few of you would be a GREAT idea. I’m sure there’s more to add but those are the big ones. OH and it’s SO WORTH IT!

Kathy Yeo

a librarian from Vancouver, BC has given her whole self to the libraries in Tanzania.  When she first heard about the Kwekitui library she quickly offered her expertise and support.  Over the years Kathy has fundraised donations from the community, purchased library supplies for the Kwekitui and Chamazi library, donated books, and even took time to create a manual for the libraries to use as an aid in running the library smoothly and successfully.  She has rallied other groups to get involved, including the Congregational Library Association of BC, where she and I had the opportunity to share the amazing stories of success that the Kwekitui library offered.  She has also taken time to visit McRoberts Secondary School in Richmond, BC where her and I have had the opportunity and honor to share with students about the libraries in Tanzania.  Her vision and dedication towards these projects only grows stronger with the passing time, and will finally take her on a journey to visit both the Kwekitui and Chamazi libraries in July 2009.  Over a span of two weeks Kathy and I will be running some teacher orientation sessions, perform readings in the libraries, and help the librarian with daily tasks.  She is investing her own time and money to be able to serve as a volunteer for these two weeks in Tanzania.  Again, I am amazed and humbled.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart Kathy.  My gratitude is endless towards you.

Danielle Picard 

from the Comox Valley is an amazing unsung hero of the Kwekitui Library.  Last year Danielle went to visit Tanzania, using her own resources to travel and stay at Kwekitui.  While there she spent her time working with Rogers, the librarian, and visiting in the classrooms at Kwekitui Primary School.  Her fiery spirit and heart for Primary school students helped her to engage teachers and the librarian in innovative thinking of how the library can impact their classrooms.  Her time there was short but made a lasting impact. 

When I was visiting Kwekitui last July almost every person I met with told me to pass on their love and greetings to Danielle.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart Danielle.  You did more good there than you may understand.  Perhaps one day you can come visit us again in Kwekitui.

There are many more donors and volunteers I would like to spend time thanking.  I will do so through this page progressively over the next few weeks.  Thank you to you in the meantime, you know who you all are.