Being A Humanitarian

It has been said that the world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers. We here at

Tabibu Africa could not agree more with those words. For some of our volunteers, traveling

abroad to help those in need is a new-found passion; and, for others it’s simply become a

way of life. Young or wise, experienced or not, one thing bonds us together: our faithful

service to others without expectation.

 Each of our volunteers have memories that stick in their mind as vivid as the morning sun.

Memories that have changed them shaped them and inspired them. Most can still recall

their first expeditions as though they just stepped off the plane and back on US soil. Most

can remember the first hand they shook, the first child they held and the first mother they

helped. These are the life-changing experiences that give us insatiable desire to do more.

And more after that.  And to continue helping and aiding and encouraging. Why? Because

it fuels us and it fulfills the basic needs of another human being. Is there really anything

more worthwhile that that?

These are the stories of our volunteers. The stories of why they choose, in a day and age

where there never seems to be enough hours in the day, to serve others. The stories that

have changed lives.  If you are seeking a life change experience and your own story,

Tabibu Africa encourages you to volunteer.

Being humanitarian volunteer has changed my life--it has given me a purpose; it has given

me a life's work; and it has given me peace.  Giving a piece of myself to others has allowed

me to become a more compassionate and empathetic human being, and given me the

opportunity to learn the true meaning of service. ~ Emily Meidell


My journey began in 2006 on my first humanitarian experience now I been to East Africa more

times than I can count and continue to learn and grow from each expedition. I firmly believe that

providing love, compassion, education, and basic health care is true humanitarian work. Doing

this work is what ties us together and we can all do a little something. ~Jody Tabibu Naretisho

Mattena


 The people of Kenya touched every bit of my soul. Each experience I have encountered,

whether it is a child reaching up to me, an old woman saying , “God bless you,” even on her

death bed, or a new mother bringing her sick child to the clinic, it humbled me. They taught me

that poverty and harshness still exists in this world, but happiness is a frame of mind. ~ Kay

Mattena

         

Being a volunteer for Tabibu was life changing for me.  I wanted to travel to Africa since being a

teenager and I was finally able to make that dream come true with Tabibu Africa.  There is

nothing like serving others; the thing about providing service, about stepping out of our comfort

zone to help another human being is that our cup always run.  Even when we feel tired,

overwhelmed and empty, it’s the service that fills our cup.  I am truly blessed for the experiences

Tabibu Africa gave me and taught me. ~ Sara Avery


The desire and eagerness of the Kenyan people to learn what they can do to improve

their living conditions and lives made a tremendous impact on me.  They were not

looking for us to come in, fix things and leave but rather, teach them how so they can

put it into practice and also teach others. ~Elaine Greaves

Taking A Bite Out of Malaria

If you asked most Americans what they know about malaria, you'd most likely hear two things: 1) It is spread by mosquitoes, and 2) It happens "over there somewhere." After all, Americans usually don't have to learn much or worry about malaria, as it is not a common occurrence in the United States.

But for many parts of the world, including East Africa, malaria has been and continues to be a very real scourge on the lives of those living there as people living in the poorest countries are the most vulnerable.  Every year, 3.4 billion people are at risk of malaria. This leads to about 207 million malaria cases and an estimated 627 000 malaria deaths.  It is estimated that a child dies from malaria every 60 seconds somewhere in Africa.   In 2012, 90% of the world’s malaria deaths occurred in Africa and about 460 000 African children died before their fifth birthdays.  (WHO)

Most also don’t know that malaria can be treated, and it can be prevented through some very basic steps like mosquito nets and repellents are easy and effective defenses against contracting malaria, and that adults can be treated with over-the-counter medication.

While preventing contraction through nets and repellents is extremely effective, treatments for those infected are still being developed; many strains of malaria have become resistant to the treatments. In addition, local "antimalarial" trees, which are used in the research and production of effective vaccines, have become threatened with extinction in many areas of East Africa, and urban sprawl has led to an increase of standing and stagnant water, which are high-breeding areas for mosquitoes.

Tabibu Africa encourages you to find out more about malaria and how you can get involved in providing simple, effective support to those in Kenya who wage a continual battle against this disease. With practical solutions and effective preventative measures, such as mosquito nets and repellants you truly can make a difference to help those most vulnerable.  Malaria is preventable, treatable and beatable.

 

 

 

 

Food For Thought

 

We all know that education, shelter and a well-balanced, nutritious diet are critical to the health and well-being of children. Imagine sending your child to school with no breakfast and a slim hope that there will be something to eat for dinner when they return. Harsh thought, right?

Sadly, that’s the plight of many of our students. At our Little Giants School, we have often heard our Director speak about children who would literally starve to death if it weren’t for the 1 meal they are served each day during the school hours. Because we want to ensure our children have the proper nutrition that will help them with physical growth and cognitive and intellectual growth, we are excited to announce that we will be building a vertical vegetable garden at the Little Giants School! Students will help participate in the building of the garden and will learn how to grow tomatoes, carrots, peppers, onions, beans and more.  Imagine how proud they will be to pick and eat carrots they have grown themselves!

In addition to the vertical vegetable garden, we are hopeful to plant a few papaya and fig trees. Again, such a good learning experience as students will learn how to start a garden in a smaller space and how to ensure good crop growth.

The future is definitely bright at the Little Giants School! With these new projects, not only will be able to give our kids more nutritious meals, but we are excited to see boost in their self-esteem. There really is nothing quite like watching a child learn how to build something and reap the benefits of hard work—especially if it’s a juicy, red tomato!

We would love to have your help building our garden! Every dollar donated is used to help our humanitarian efforts—we do not use donated funds for administrative costs.  We’re volunteers—and proud ones at that!

Tabibu Africa—Little Hands Making a Big Difference!

 

Tabibu Africa Inc is taking their dedication to new heights!

Come May 2015 Tabibu Africa Inc's board of directors is going to take their dedication to new heights! 

Next year, Tabibu Africa, Inc’s Board of Directors is going to climb for a cause! Each board member will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for a specific team; whether that’s medical, education, or construction. Each team figuratively racing up the mountain, and literally ascending together, to raise funds for Tabibu Africa Inc.’s mission of improving lives of the impoverished in Eastern Africa. Our goal is to raise $19,341! One dollar for every foot to help Tabibu Africa Inc. with their mission of improving the lives of those living in Eastern Africa. Every donor will be honored with their name on a t-shirt that the members will be wearing during their ascent. So, we will be carrying all of you, with your love and support, with us on our journey upward.

 Help us put our best foot forward knowing that 100% of donations received go towards Tabibu Africa Inc's mission.  One way to donate is to become a Rafiki Sponsor! There are 3 different sponsoring levels. 

 Shira (12,999ft) - $200 

Mawenzi (16, 893ft) - $350 

Kibo (19,341ft) - $700 

 -Or- 

Donate a self-specified amount to a climbing team of your choice: Each board member will be climbing for a specific team, donate to the team of your choice as they "battle it to the top" for the good of their cause! The teams competing against each other are Medical, Education and Empowerment Training, and Construction.