A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey: My Year 12 Service-Learning Trip to Tanzania

Ever since I started at BISC, I knew that I would be going to Tanzania for my Year 12 service-learning trip. Having attended many Fall Festivals and other fundraisers throughout primary and middle school, the Tanzania trip was something I had always looked forward. It has now become one of the most meaningful parts of my IB journey.
The Tanzania service-learning trip is such a unique opportunity for students and really shows how our school is invested in supporting students to become globally-minded people. It’s absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but it’s also a chance to understand how we fit into the world and how our actions have lasting effects on the people and communities we interact with.

In just the first two days, we created countless memories that I will never forget. The trip began with safari, and no photo or video could truly capture the experience. From the moment we climbed the ladder into the enormous safari bus to the last time we stepped down, every second felt surreal. The beauty of Serengeti National Park was breathtaking, and seeing animals in their natural habitats was extraordinary. Our guide even taught us the names of the animals we saw in Swahili -- from twigas (giraffes) to pumbas (warthogs) and even simbas (lions) -- which made the experience even more memorable.

We also had the opportunity to learn from a Maasai warrior, who taught us about his culture and showed us their traditional jump dance. On the way back from the national park, we stopped at Shanga, a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to create handmade jewelry, glassware, and homewares using recycled materials.

After safari, we began the service portion of the trip. I was excited to learn from others and participate in making powerful community change. We worked at Ngongongare Secondary School, where we helped build a girl’s dormitory. During this process, we learned how to mix cement and lay bricks, eventually adding new layers to the dormitory walls. It was incredibly rewarding to see the progress we made together and know that the space will provide a safe place for girls to live during the school year. 

Additionally, we visited the primary school, where we spent time with the students during their break. We played a soccer match with them, and they taught us songs and dances. The joy on the children’s faces was uplifting for all of us.

What struck me most was the level of real impact Seeway Tanzania, the organization we partnered with during our trip, has on the local community. During our time there, we heard from Seeway’s founders, Wendy and Rebecca. They shared powerful stories about the challenges that many children in the community face and how Seeway supports them. One moment that really stuck with me was when Rebecca showed us a video of a nursery student who, through physiotherapy provided by Seeway, is now able to walk independently after having no mobility in her foot. Seeing this very real example of their work in action made me feel grateful to have played even a small role in supporting their organization.

On the final day of the trip, we helped a man named William and his family by building a goat shed and a smokeless stove and installing electricity in their home. Throughout the day, I bonded with my classmates while learning new, practical skills. Seeing William’s smile when the work was finished was unforgettable. Knowing that these improvements will help provide his family with steady income, allow them to cook more safely, and give their home light is an incredible feeling.

Throughout the trip, we were also able to become friends with other Nord Anglia students who had traveled from schools around the world. Working together on the service projects and sharing experiences, such as safari, made it easy to connect. It was a gift to create so many memories with other Nord Anglia students, and I look forward to keeping in touch with them!

The Tanzania trip meant so much to me. It allowed me to connect with my peers in a new way, learn from a different culture, and contribute to meaningful projects within the community. I will carry the lessons and memories from Tanzania with me for the rest of my life.