A few weeks ago, I discovered something about Darren Rowse, the Australian guy (guru) behind ProBlogger I didn’t know. Apart from his expert advice on blogging, he wanted to share another facet of himself by conducting a bold experiment called: the Tanzania Blog Project. He decided to take us into the lives of ordinary Tanzanians, especially women and children with medical issues, and share the wonderful work conducted by CBM: an Australian non-profit..
Darren wanted us to see and feel like we’re with him, without leaving our comfortable armchair. Through his daily interviews on video, we’re able to follow the lives of Tanzanian kids like Athman, the ten-year-old boy who is constantly picked on because of his disability. Darren’s video shows us what CBM in conjunction with CCBRT (a Tanzanian non-governmental organization) are doing to help at their disability hospital in Dar es Salaam. Darren states that Athman’s biggest problem isn’t his physical disability, but his “social isolation.” He managed to capture Athman getting mobile on this video.
We get to hear about another common problem in Tanzania, women with fistulas. This is a problem that can be treated, but many women live in “shame” and are also “socially isolated” or badly treated by others. Darren interviews two women, Hadija, who is older, and who has suffered 30 years with her fistula problem. She did not realize it could be treated until a younger woman, Niguala (who’s had a fistula for two months) heard about the hospital from a neighbor.
Some of the harsh realities of Tanzanian life are:
- 35 women die a day from maternal health issues.
- 120 babies die within 24 hours of being born every day.
- Fistulas are a common problem in women in Tanzania, many caused by child birth.
Darren says in his final video, “Instead of thinking about the depressing aspects, we need to focus on the fact that there are people out there helping.” Disability is more about not being able to participate, because kids and adults are secluded by others. “It’s our attitudes that stop disabled people from reaching their potential.”
I agree with Darren that getting involved with project like the Tanzania Project, reminds us of some of the things happening in other parts of the world. I think it’s uplifting to see volunteers helping. I know I benefited tremendously from my ten days of volunteering with a group of U.S. nurses in a Mayan school in Belize.
It’s difficult for many to travel to far away places like Tanzania, however, I appreciate the way Darren captured the “stories” of many women and children, and opened our eyes to what’s being done, and how we can help.
Well, Sonia, you volunteer of course:)
I've been volunteering for various groups since I was a teen, usually I make a difference. To others and for myself.
Too many barriers are imposed by society and the ignorant.
I've had two kids go to Tanzania for a month in the summer. The climbed Mt. Kilmanjaro and then they built a school in an isolated community.
They were fortunate to be able to travel to Africa but I wanted them to see the stark difference in the lives of those people and theirs.
It was an amazing experience.
What an inspiration Darren is! Going to check out some of his stories…
@Antares
Where have you volunteered? Perhaps you've posted about it and I haven't checked it out?
@Lynn
What an experience for them. I'm sure it changed them. Did it?
@ladyfi
I thought you'd be interested in The Tanzania Project.
Darren is doing amazing work. Helping people and telling their stories. Great stuff.
I think Darren's success is directly related to all that he gives back. Truly an inspiration. I had not seen the videos so thanks for the heads up on that.
b
No posts yet. New to blogging and still trying to find the balance between privacy and what I divulge publicly.
@Rob-bear
Thanks for coming over. Yes he is.
@Barbara
I discovered his trip when he mentioned this on ProBlogger one day, and then continued with his regular blogging articles.
@Antares
Keep going and you'll figure it out. I'm still figuring tons of stuff out.
What a great thing for him to do to bring this to our attention. I can't imagine the lives that women in so many countries are forced to live.
Darren provides great advice on his blog. Although I'm not real tech savvy and can't use some of what he suggests, I have learned a lot from him. The work he's doing in Tanzania is wonderful. He's making a real difference.
Thank you. About blogging or life in general? 😉