So, how did this begin?

After completing her bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture and Design, Bettina decided to take some time off from work.

She then decided that she wanted to use this time to further explore her passions and give back a bit of what she had learned through her professional and educational experience.

“My current journey began when I discovered, through the Workaway website, a community in Arusha, Tanzania that needed assistance in purchasing a plot of land on which to build a new school.”

“The building they are currently using is being repossessed and sold. Resonating with this cause, I contacted the director of Satino daycare and preschool and shortly after, I began fundraising. This was just the beginning,” she explained.

What’s it been like so far?

“I have not stopped smiling since I got here! From the moment I arrived everybody has been truly helpful and welcoming. The unconditional generosity is overwhelming.”

Bettina is currently staying with Wesa, who is the person who started Satino daycare, together with his family, who have kindly offered to host her during her time in Tanzania.

“On my first day at the school, all the children welcomed me in and were very excited to show me what they were learning. Their excitement was tangible and their joy was contagious.”

“From the moment I arrived I haven’t stopped being embraced by kindness, love and respect. It is already proving to be a profoundly rewarding experience.”

Why is this important?

“This is important because a proper education should be available for all children, in all corners of the world. I think that using and sharing the skills that we have been so fortunate to acquire to help others is of the utmost importance,” she said.

Bettina expressed her belief in the new generation and said that when working together, a door to a more holistic society and the international community can be opened. The added bonuses are how one takes home new skills, knowledge and practical experience.

“I believe that we are the new generation. We need to share our time, love, our compassion with those who may be less fortunate. We need to be the generation who contributes in our small way to make a big difference.”

“Volunteering abroad allows you to immerse yourself deeper into the cultures, traditions, and values and helps portray the true essence of the place you’re visiting. This, in a way, allows me to give back more because rather than giving what I think might be needed, I get to develop genuine insight into the communities and the people I am working with.”

“This means that I will be more effective in providing what is actually needed. In this way, the small roles we play within these communities can go further than surface level.”

Bettina’s way of helping is choosing to aid in the construction of a school and teaching English, but she expressed how there are many other valuable ways to do so.

For the future, Bettina expressed that she would love to take sabbaticals as often as possible and encourage others to do the same. 

“I am very humbled by the opportunity and with the potential of making even the smallest impact in other’s people’s lives. I will be back. And I would love to get involved in other challenging projects,” she said.

If you’d like to help in supporting Bettina’s journey, donate here.

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