Tanzania is a country whose name evokes adventure, as well as a touch of Hollywood. Think Bing and Hope on the road to...or Errol Flynn leaping around the jungle in tights. It's a lovely image, but in fact Tanzania, even with its dramatic vistas, is one of the poorest nations in the world.
Heading to this mystical region is Zoe Stroebel-Haft, a 2005 graduate of Wood River High School, who is currently living in Germany while working as an au pair. This September, she heads for Tanzania to volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions, a non-profit organization that places volunteers and interns in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Peru, Russia, Tanzania, and Thailand. She will be in Tanzania for three months. Each participant is asked to cover her volunteer fees, which include in-country transportation, lodging, meals, medical insurance and administrative costs. She is hoping to raise $4,000 through tax-deductible contributions.
"There are so many worthwhile causes to contribute to, but I hope people might consider this one of them," she said.
"The organization has no religious or political affiliation, which was important to me," she said. "I will be working with children in orphanages five days a week, as well as being fully immersed in the culture. I think it is important to experience as many different situations and cultures as I possibly can. This is a way for me to experience something totally different than I have ever known, and at the same time lend a helping hand for children in need."
The largest of the East African nations, Tanzania is bordered on the south by Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia; on the west by Zaire, Burundi, and Rwanda; on the north by Uganda and Kenya; and on the east by the Indian Ocean. In the mountain region of the northeast lie Mt. Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa. To the west of these peaks is Serengeti National Park with the greatest concentration of migratory game animals in the world.
Stroebel-Haft, who was born and raised in the valley, said her upbringing prepared her for adventures.
"I was blessed to have a beautiful family, live in a nice house, receive a good education, and be surrounded by wonderful people in a gorgeous valley. I hope to use the knowledge and the skills I have acquired, not only to learn about a new culture, but also let those in Africa see how caring Americans can be. It's no secret that Americans are not always looked well upon by other nations (I have experienced this many times living in Germany the last year) and I hope to help change that perspective and stereotypes through compassion (as I have attempted to do here)."
Her mother, Hailey resident Lori Stroebel, said, "She's really an amazing young lady. I am so proud of her consciousness and independence and desire to see the world."
To contribute to Stroebel-Haft's volunteer adventure, visit www.crossculuturalsolutions.com, click on Contact Us, then click on Make Payment, and then click Make On-line Payment. Once there enter zstroebelhaft@hotmail.com. By mail send a donation to Cross-Cultural Solutions, 2 Clinton Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Write her name in the memo line. All contributions are 100 percent tax deductible.
Zoe Stroebel-Haft with one of her German charges, Benni. She graduated a trimester from WRHS early and moved to Hamburg to be an au pair for Benni and his brother.
