The Giving Gift: Service Learning, Sports, and STEAM for my 10-year-old American Daughter in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
At age ten, Nayeli could be considered a frequent flyer. Traveling “back home” to the American South and Midwest several times a year since before she could talk, she’s generated more frequent flyer miles than most adults. It’s been important to our family that she and her 9 cousins grow up together, despite living in 4 different cities across the country. As her mother, I understand that Nayeli’s biracial heritage means that being exposed to (and loved on by) her Black family members helps to develop her understanding of family, culture, and what it means to be a Black girl.
When the opportunity arose to volunteer at Camp NexGen™ in Tanzania, I knew immediately that I wanted to go and that I wanted to take Nayeli with me.
It would be her first international trip. But along Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast, in East Africa’s largest city, Dar es Salaam is where our trip went from once-in-a lifetime, to life-changing.
First, the accommodations provided by LGRRG for staff and volunteers were no less than breathtaking! We arrived at Julius Nyerere International Airport and were met by our friendly driver who took us through the city to a stunning modern compound.
LGRRG Founder, Idara Otu, assembled a wonderful group of staff and volunteers, and we spent our first two days getting to know each other, swimming at the house and at Sunrise Beach, and filling backpacks with t-shirts, sneakers, and school supplies for the campers. Volunteers from a local organization joined us for dinner the night before camp began, and we all received training on drone engineering and operation so that we could support instruction during camp. We were a trained unit and ready to meet the kids!
The following morning, our small group arrived at the host school, where we welcomed the first group of 50 children to Camp NexGen™. We presented the campers with the same backpacks we prepared the night before and we all enjoyed a delicious and hearty traditional breakfast alongside the campers. It was then that I watched the children engage and embrace my child – the only American youth in attendance – and obliterate the language and cultural differences between them.
Once outside, the kids received coaching in soccer and basketball and spent the rest of the morning running, laughing and playing with our small group of volunteer coaches and staff. While I got several of the girls interested in soccer, Nayeli became very good at netball, a local version of basketball, minus the backboard. A tap on my shoulder after lunch revealed that a group of boys wanted me to play in their 4-on-4 pick-up soccer game. I obliged them with a few rounds, scored a few goals, and passed out high fives, calculating that I (and my knees…) had to be older than many of their grandmothers.
After a hearty and delicious local lunch, the children received a clinic on drone engineering and enjoyed building and operating drones, themselves. Their excitement was palpable, making it easy to identify the type of exhilaration and that can linger to influence years to come.
By the end of Camp, the kids were all bubbling with excitement, holding hands, and offering hugs. As we reflected on her experience, I asked Nayeli, “What about the Tanzanian children made the biggest impression on you?” Her answer let me know that I made the right decision to afford her this experience.
“That they all treated each other like family.”
“Do you feel like they embraced you in that way?” I asked.
Without hesitation, a resounding, “Yes!” let me know that her perspective, on the world and on herself – were forever changed.
I can’t say enough to express my appreciation to LGRRG and the team of volunteers that shared this incredible experience with my family. If you are interested in supporting an experience like this for a child, or participating as a volunteer, contact info@campnexgen.org. I hope to see you there next year!