Futurebuilding with Reed in Tanzania

In late February, recruitment specialists Reed took part in a Futurebuilding programme in Tanzania, where they ran a workshop introducing the job brokerage/recruitment concept to interested parties including the government body in Moshi responsible for vocational training.

Simon Ryan, who beat over 1000 other applicants to get the chance to take part in Reed's Childreach Team Challenge 2011, spoke to us about his experiences in Tanzania.

Childreach International: How much did you fundraise for the trip?

Simon: £2,153 - 108% of the target - that was my competitive edge coming out as the minimum was £2000

Childreach International: How did you feel during the build up to your trip?

Simon: During the trip I had a surreal feeling as I couldn't believe I was in Tanzania - the landscape was absolutely beautiful! I felt nervous and excited all at the same time, but I used these feelings to concentrate on the task at hand.

Childreach International: What was the purpose of your visit?

Simon: Well I went up against over 1000 other applicants and was given a great opportunity to take part in a very fulfilling challenge. We took part in Reed's 'Childreach Team Challenge 2011', where the first step was to develop a workshop introducing the job brokerage and recruitment concept to interested parties in Tanzania, and in particular, Moshi and the government body responsible for vocational training.

Childreach International: How did you achieve the objective of the visit?

Simon: Our group from Reed organised and planned really thoroughly before the trip, and we had an extremely strong bond and therefore followed an agenda with everyone assigned an area of responsibility. We achieved the objective.

Childreach International: What were the outcomes? What's next and how will your work benefit the children in the Vocational Training Centres?

Simon: We highlighted that there is a gap between students graduating from VTC's and going into relevant employment. There's a huge potential for Reed and Childreach International to set up an advice and advocacy centre where links between the VTC's and local businesses can be built and encouraged. I think it would be a win-win situation.

Childreach International: What was the most rewarding part of the trip?

Simon: The trip was incredible and spectacular, but the most rewarding part was when we met a particular student from a secondary school next to the VCT and I think, without a doubt, he is going to be the next Prime Minister - he was such a talented guy! After we finished our main workshop for the students he thanked us all in perfect English and brought a tear to everyone's eyes. He was such a talented individual and clearly very passionate about his country.

Childreach International: Did you like Tanzania and its people, food, culture etc?

Simon: Absolutely! Hakuna Matata! I loved learning Swahili and can now say basic things such as 'My name is', 'Thank you', 'Your welcome.', and I can also order a Kilimanjaro beer! The people are out of this world - very friendly and welcoming.

Childreach International: What were the children like at the VTC?

Simon: The children at the VTC's are as hard working and inspiring as the children in private schools - they all have dreams and aspirations, and I just hope they have the opportunities to achieve them as they are such great, fantastic and enthusiastic people.

Childreach International: And finally, what was your favourite moment during the trip?

Simon: I really couldn't pick my favourite as there were so many great moments, but one that stands out in particular is when we got to play football at the Mahida VTC, It was girls against boys and there were at least 30 on each side.