In this post, Central High School teacher Donita Cox reflects on her experiences in Tanzania as well as the students’ efforts upon returning to the U.S. :
Having gone on this adventure has been a real awakening for me as well as the students. Maybe the thing I am most appreciative of is the way the students behaved while away from home. I think of myself when I was seventeen years old and I know there was no way I could have carried myself with the kind of poise and compassion these thirteen students did. From the moment we entered the first airport, there were no petty arguments, no self-centered needs. We suffered through a twenty-one hour bus trip and not one Central student complained. We used facilities that were less than acceptable by American standards yet these students were excited by the experience. They tried eating things I still have trouble trying. These are all experiences they will hopefully carry with them throughout their lives.
Central High School teacher, Donita Cox interacts with students in Tanzania
Since this trip, most of the students have been anxious to do more. They came home to convenience and ease yet didn’t embrace the comfort. We decided not to forget. We have asked all the clubs and organizations at Central High School to band together and help this school we visited. We are working as a school to get funds for books and possibly more. Ultimately, we want to get electricity to the school, training for the teachers, scholarships for the needy students. It is up to us to inspire the rest of Central to keep the project going. I think they will do so.
I feel honored to be working with these students and Shawn Askinosie. This is something I will hold close to my heart and hopefully keep me thinking of those we can help.
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