All of your support and messages have been a massive help during my placement. The knowledge that you are all reading my blog and that you care about the work I am doing has kept me going. As this is my final blog, I really wanted to take this opportunity to show you how much I appreciate you.
Therefore, with the help of VSO, I have made a short video just for you. Watch out for Rebecca’s special guest appearance, she also wanted to let you know how important your support is. I really hope you enjoy it!
Going to miss them all so much!
A final goodbye to my brilliant team
Today, I had to say a very emotional goodbye to all the amazing people I have met here. I’m embarrassed to tell you that I couldn’t stop myself from tearing up. Though, I was relieved to see that I wasn’t the only one. It was so touching having them all there wishing me such a loving goodbye. I am definitely planning on staying in touch (though I won’t be as far away as you might think).
These last two years have changed my life; the people I have met, teachers and students, have taught me so much. And the fact that I have also been able to impact their lives too has given me so much joy.
Me teaching the students I'm going to miss
Big and little changes for the future
I can’t deny that I feel a real connection to this place, and I am just not ready to say goodbye. I know that my incredible teacher mentors will continue my work after I leave, but I believe there is still a space for me in this country.
Therefore, I am very excited to tell you that I’m staying! I have decided to continue teaching in Tanzania outside of VSO, knowing that all the support and guidance they have given me will help me face my next challenge. Wish me luck!
Introducing Andrea
As I finish my volunteer placement another VSO Volunteer is just arriving. Andrea Mari a maths teacher from Brighton, is just about to start a new placement. The work he is going to be doing looks absolutely fantastic. Andrea is going to be working with a number of different schools helping the teachers find new and innovative ways of studying maths. Currently only around 30% of Tanzanian primary school students manage to pass the exam that gets them into secondary school. A large part of this exam focuses on basic maths - so you can see how important Andrea’s work is going to be. Of course, I am really looking forward to finding out more, and I am sure you are too.
Goodbye
Finally, thank you. Without your support I would not have been able to make the difference I did. You helped me and the teachers I worked with become better. Without the knowledge that you guys were constantly there with me, I don’t know what I would have done.
Have some fish and chips for me!
Paul
Me and Rebecca making plans
