Not Bored with Bordeaux

Given the emotional intensity of the past two days of work, coupled with the fact that electricity has been non-existent all week, we were very much in need of an easy going day. Although this morning began with a frigid, non-electricity shower, it turned into exactly what we needed: an opportunity to catch up on life while also enjoying some relaxation. (Wine.)

We began our day with a meeting at Pathfinder International, a very well known NGO specializing in reproductive health and family planning. Jeremy and I were very excited to meet with this group, as we believe family planning is one of the most critical needs for St. Lucia's patients and the entire country of Tanzania / region of East Africa.

At our meeting, we learned about Pathfinder's successes establishing village community banks throughout Arusha. The concept of saving and planning for the future is not a part of the culture in Tanzania. (Apparently, it is not a typical custom in many developing countries.) Village community banks, commonly referred to as VICOBA projects, teach local people how to save while also providing much needed lines of credit for business initiatives and income generation.

As we have previously explained, the people of Tanzania work extremely hard when they have the opportunity to do so. VICOBA projects give local people financial opportunity while also providing much needed financial planning education... Or so we have heard! Time to do some research (best completed with a glass of wine) and figure out if and how a project of this nature will benefit St. Lucia and it's patients throughout the Arusha community.

I will probably need one more glass of wine to make a sound recommendation! Haha!


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Location:Arusha,Tanzania