When Mohaddisa Gulamhussein travelled to Tanzania to develop her teaching skills, she discovered a whole new meaning of life

An experience of a lifetime is what it was... My volunteer journey to Tanzania opened my eyes to the dynamics of the world in which we live in, allowing me to see life from a whole new perspective.

25th July 2009 in particular was a day to remember. For me, a heart-rending experience I will never forget: A visit to the Ocean Road cancer unit in Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, we spent the morning in the kitchen where we prepared a meal for the cancer patients. Rice and lamb stew, which we distributed after being introduced to patients both adults and children. 

Due to their financial disadvantage, it would often take patients so long to save enough money for the transport to the unit that the cancers had irreversibly developed. Some had not seen family for 8-9 months. A number of patients had visible tumours on their faces and necks.  What really moved me was their bravery and courage.  I remember meeting a little girl who despite losing an eye, didn't stop smiling. It made me reflect regarding how fussing over insignificant matters was so pointless, a complete waste of time. Even worse was the fact that patients had to share beds, while others were placed on mattresses on the floor due to lack of space. It broke my heart when I was informed of a little girl at the cancer unit that had passed away a couple of weeks after we got back to London. This is the reality.

In addition to the cancer unit, we visited many external organisations such as orphanages that were situated on the outskirts of Dar e Salaam. One in particular was most eye opening. We spent the afternoon playing with the children and in the process, got to know them a little. I learnt about a little 5 year old girl who was HIV positive. I also learnt from those who ran the orphanage, that buying resources that would prevent cross-infection such as gloves or sterilising wipes simply wasn't possible. At present, there are approximately 60 orphans. Their living conditions, cramped.  Eighteen children share one 10' x 10' room. All sixty, share a bathroom. I immediately felt guilty for complaining about sharing my bathroom back home!

Our main base was at a complex that comprised of a Health centre, orphanage and established educational centre and during the three-week stay, our team of fifteen worked on various projects, depending on whichever facility attracted our interest. Some volunteers, including myself, spent most of our time teaching. We used our initiative to put together educational activities and games by introducing different teaching strategies and being creative with limited resources.

Some afternoons were spent at the orphanage on site where we played with the children. The atmosphere was full of unbelievable excitement! I especially remember my first visit to the orphanage. As I walked in, a group of eight to ten children ran in my direction with smiles and shouts of welcome. Surprised, I turned around to see if there was someone they probably knew behind me. Living in London, where everyone minds their own business, I did not think they were running towards me, eager to shake my hand!

As our trip progressed my relationship with the children at the orphanage and students at the primary school developed. I found the majority of them striving to achieve one goal - to utilize their chance of a well-deserved education that has quality to make a difference to their lives.  Education to them is a door leading to a better life, an escape from poverty.  Sadly, some students aren't able to continue their studies, as their guardians cannot afford to pay their fees. They only have enough for basic necessities to survive. It is always solemn to hear that Tanzanian students want the same things that are part of our daily life. Things we take for granted.

The journey to Tanzania has been enlightening in so many aspects. When I signed on to take part on this journey, part of me had hoped to develop my teaching skills. I thought that my close interactions with the local children in a foreign environment and practising my communication skills would make me a better teacher. However in retrospect, I uncovered a deeper level to the teaching profession as well as life in general. I hoped to touch their lives in some way, but in fact, and most importantly, it was their ambitious personalities that made an impact in my life. The experience was most definitely inspiring, particularly by those who dedicate their time and energy to run these organisations and projects.

Incidentally, I couldn't be more grateful for being part of the Muslim Shia community who run charity organizations namely Council of European Jamaat (COEJ) whose Health Improvement Board (HIB) offer such incredible opportunities for members to embark upon.

It is only when you go to places like Tanzania that one can truly connect and empathise with those who have so little. The emotions that are cultivated from awareness adverts, like those from Wateraid on TV do not compare to those that I experienced during my visit. Can you imagine yourself living that way?

Mohaddisa Gulamhussein, is a 2nd Year Primary Education (BA) student at Roehampton University, UK