June 2011
Tanzania Outreach Brigade
Information Packet
1
Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................
Letter from Brigade Coordinator ................................................................................................ 3
Tanzania History and People .......................................................................................................... 4
Background ................................................................................................................................. 4
Map of Tanzania………………………………………………………………………………..5
Our trip ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Preparing for the trip ....................................................................................................................... 7
Medical Needs and Vaccinations ................................................................................................ 7
Passports ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Packing for trip ............................................................................................................................. 11
Luggage..................................................................................................................................... 11
What to pack ............................................................................................................................. 12
Traveling ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Airports ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Respecting the Culture .................................................................................................................. 16
The people ................................................................................................................................. 16
Additional tips on Cultural Sensitivity ..................................................................................... 17
Jet Lag/Culture Shock ................................................................................................................... 18
Anticipated Duties/Responsibilities .............................................................................................. 19
Three teams ............................................................................................................................... 19
Food and Lodging ......................................................................................................................... 20
Plan for Adventure ........................................................................................................................ 22
Sightseeing ................................................................................................................................ 22
To Do List………………………………………………………………………………………..23
Important Dates & Deadlines…………………………………………………………………….24
Addendums ................................................................................................................................... 25
Additional Passport Information……………………………………………………………...26
U.S. Immunization Schedules………………………………………………………………...27
Useful Swahili Phrases………………………………………………………………………..30
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Introduction
February 2011,
Jambo (Swahili for hello),
Just a few months to go before our exciting trip to the East African nation of Tanzania!!!
We are traveling to Tanzania to implement the mission of Village Life Outreach Project (VLOP) to
“unite communities to promote Life, Health, and Education.” While our primary goal is service, this journey is
also meant to be a learning experience for everyone, so please have fun and learn as much about the culture and
the land as possible. Breathtaking beauty awaits us around each corner, and we do plan to “take the scenic way
home.”
For those of you who have never been to Africa, this brigade will be one of the most incredible and
humbling experiences you will ever have....guaranteed! With dedication, hard work, knowledge and
compassion, we absolutely have the ability to improve conditions in the Rorya District of Tanzania and touch
peoples’ lives. Our previous brigades have been quite successful, and have allowed us to establish Village Life
as a dedicated group of people committed to helping each community we serve with their specific needs. We
are really looking forward to going back with fresh faces and fresh ideas to build upon our previous
experiences.
This first packet of information is written for the main purpose of providing details about what we need
to do, as well as what we should expect in Tanzania. As we get closer to the actual date of departure, there will
be additional information given in relation to all the specifics of the itinerary. This packet contains guidelines
which we need to follow prior to the trip as well as essential information for our stay in Tanzania. Please, make
sure you thoroughly read through the contents of the entire packet as it contains very important information!
I am looking forward to meeting each of you, and I will do my best to answer any questions you might
have concerning the trip. All updated trip information will be relayed to each of you in a timely manner. Please
feel free to email me at jeff.perry@citi.com or Village Life’s Administrative Assistant Donna Schmid at
dmschmid@fuse.net with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jeff Perry
Village Life Outreach Project, Inc.
Board of Directors, Treasurer, Brigade Coordinator
www.villagelifeoutreach.org
jeff.perry@citi.com
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Tanzania History and People
Background
Demographics
Tanzania (pronounced “Tan-zahn-knee-ah) is roughly twice the size of
California and is the largest of the East African countries. There are an
estimated 30 million residents made up of over 120 tribes throughout this rich
and diverse country.
History
The country was ruled by the Germans from 1885 until 1918, followed by the
British administration until 1961. Tanganyika united with Zanzibar on April
26, 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. It was
officially renamed The United Republic of Tanzania on October 29, 1964.
Exploration
Tanzania has always been a lure for exploration, and in 1871, Dr. Livingstone
was greeted by journalist Henry Stanley with the famous line, “Dr.
Livingstone, I presume?” It was Livingstone and Stanley who worked to help
end the slave trade market. Tanzania, especially in the Lake Maliwi area,
suffered more heavily at the hands of slave traders than any other country in
East Africa. By 1922, however, the very last remnants of the slave trade were
eradicated.
Natural
wonders
Tanzania is known as the “cradle of humankind” for its rich fossil finds of
early humanoids, and is internationally known for the spectacular lay of the
land. The Serengeti National Reserve, the Ngorongoro Crater National Park,
Mount Kilimanjaro and the splendid Lake Victoria are all in this one country!
Van travel
Driving in Kenya and Tanzania is opposite of the U.S. as they drive on the
left hand side of the road. There will be quite a bit of “off road” driving so be
prepared for a bumpy ride (especially those predisposed to motion sickness).
4
5
Our trip
Our destination
Our primary destination will be the Shirati region, located in the Rorya
District. It is situated in the northern region of Tanzania, in close proximity to
Lake Victoria.
What’s
included?
The flight, all lodgings and most meals, ground transportation, safari, visa
applications, and bottled water are included in the fee of $3,600.
Local people
The first Luo immigrants into the region came in the 15th century from Sudan
searching for pastures and a continual water source. Today, the Luo are
distinguished as skilled watermen, fishermen, and boat builders, as you will
see in the village of Burere. Some of the Luo have migrated away from Lake
Victoria into the regions of Roche and Nyambogo. It is in these three villages
where we will focus our efforts to help villagers improve the health and
education conditions in the region.
Our local
contact
Our main contact in Tanzania is Dr. Esther Kawira. Esther was born and
trained in the United States, but married a Tanzanian man named Josiah
Kawira and moved to Tanzania in the 1970’s. Esther now runs a health clinic
in Sota, a small village near Shirati. Josiah and Esther Kawira help run the
Shirati Health, Education and Development Foundation (SHED), which is
Village Life’s sister organization in Tanzania. They help with all of Village
Life’s accommodations and ongoing projects.
How can I be
contacted
during the trip?
We will have a designated person from Village Life here in the United States
who will be in contact with the group while they are traveling. This person
will be available to give concerned family members updates on how we are
doing throughout our travel, since we will have limited access to telephones,
e-mail, etc. In case of emergency, your designated contact person can contact
this Village Life representative in order to relay a message to you while
traveling. However, this should only be done in case of a true emergency that
you need to be notified of right away.
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Preparing for the trip
Medical Needs and Vaccinations
Vaccinations
Required
Yellow Fever vaccination is absolutely required by the government prior to
entry in the Sub-Sahara region of Africa. You must show proof that the
vaccination was received.
How to get
vaccinated
There are several ways to get vaccinated and obtain appropriate
documentation.
1) Your primary care physician may be able to direct you to the nearest
facility which carries the vaccine.
2) Contact your local health department for information
3) Global Health Services is a local clinic that graciously waived their office
fees and just charged for the cost of immunizations for several brigade
members last year. Their website is www.ghs-inc.com. The phone number is
(513) 777-8111, and the contact person is Beth Townsend, RN.
4) University of Cincinnati students may be able to utilize the health services
on campus to receive vaccinations.
How to obtain
appropriate
documentation
You will receive an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet, approved
by the World Health Organization, which is the proof of vaccination. This
booklet is mandatory and should be kept with your passport.
When to get
vaccinated
You must receive your vaccine 4-6 weeks prior to leaving in order for the
proper immunity level to be reached.
How long does
the vaccine
last?
Once you receive the vaccine, it is good for (10) ten years.
Want to know
more?
.
Yellow Fever: www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/yellowfever.htm
General information about travel and prevention of infections:
www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm
Continued on next page
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Medical Needs and Vaccinations, continued
Other
Immunizations
Other
Medications
For our brigade, Village Life requires that all childhood immunizations are up
to date. Also,
 Hepatitis B series of injections should be completed
 A tetanus booster within the past (10) ten years
 Hepatitis A vaccine
 Typhoid vaccine
 Polio vaccine (A one-time dose of polio vaccine is an additional
recommendation.)
 Meningococcal vaccine
These vaccinations will need to be obtained at least 4-6 weeks prior to our
departure (early May at the latest).
 Have a prescription filled for Ciprofloxacin (Cipro or the equivalent)
as a precaution against traveler’s diarrhea.
 Bring medicine for nausea and motion sickness.
 Imodium AD (or equivalent anti-diarrheal) could come in handy.
 Bring all regularly prescribed medications. They must be in the
original containers, and you should also have a written list indicating
all medications, doses, directions, and reasons for use.
 If you suffer from allergies, you will definitely need to bring medicine
to relieve your symptoms.
 Antimalarial medications are necessary for travel to Africa and very
strongly advised by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the WHO
(World Health Organization), and VLOP.
Malaria
Malaria can be a very serious disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Travelers to Tanzania are at an increased risk for contracting malaria and
should take every precaution available. There are multiple anti-malarial drugs
to choose from, and the choice is entirely up to you and your doctor. For an
in-depth description of the available anti-malarial drugs, please see:
www.cdc.gov/travel/malariadrugs.htm. Other precautions to prevent malaria
are personal protective measures including wearing an insect repellent
containing DEET 15% to 30% and wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants,
and hats.
Do I need
medical
insurance?
Village Life does purchase group travel insurance through an insurance
company which will cover medical needs for the entire group. If you are
worried about additional coverage, please consult with your health insurance
carrier to confirm what benefits, if any, you have while traveling overseas.
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Passports/Visas
Passports
Mandatory
A VALID PASSPORT AND TRAVEL VISAS ARE REQUIRED FOR
TRAVEL TO TANZANIA AND KENYA. The passport must have an
Expiration Date at least 6 months past the date of return to the U.S. If you
currently do not have a passport, you must submit one ASAP and have it
expedited in order for it to be processed and your visas to be obtained in a
timely manner.
How do I get a
passport?
For a new passport, you must apply in person at a designated facility.
Approximate costs are $55 for the passport fee, $12 for a security surcharge
and $30 for an execution fee, for a total of $97.
Required items:
 A CERTIFIED copy of your birth certificate (bearing the state seal).
Birth certificates may be obtained from the vital statistics office of the
state in which you were born. You can also go to the following
website for information:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm
 Four (4) passport photographs. This can be done at Sam’s, Kinko’s,
Walgreen’s, etc. These photographs must meet all the specifications of
a passport application.
Have more
questions?
For more detailed information about obtaining a passport and downloadable
application forms, please refer to the following website:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Is your legal
name on your
passport?
For women who are already in possession of a passport but have had a last
name change due to marriage, you must get this name change documented on
your current passport. (It is basically a stamp placed on the back of the
passport indicating the name change.) The marriage certificate is required for
this to be documented. It should be an easy procedure, but it is absolutely
necessary to have this done. For more information:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/correcting/correcting_2654.html
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Valid passport
needs
Your passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date
we obtain visas. It is also advised that you have four (4) blank pages on your
passport in order for the consulates to place their entry visa stamps. (They do
not like to put the stamp on a page which already has a visa stamped on it.)
Copies
Once you get your passport back with the approved visas, we ask that you
make two (3) photocopies of it. These copies will be in addition to your
original passport. One copy is to be kept here in the U.S. with Village Life.
A second copy will be kept with you during your travels, travel with you but
be kept in a separate, secure place from your original. The third copy will be
a backup kept by the Village Life leader during the brigade. Your original
passport MUST be kept on your person AT ALL TIMES while in Africa.
You DO NOT want to have your passport lost or stolen. These may seem like
duplicated precautions, but your passport will be one of your most valuable
possessions throughout the entire trip.
Visas
Visa
Requirements
Our travels will require us to cross both the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.
Separate visas are required at entry and exit from each country.
Visa
Applications
Visa applications will be filled out in Africa. You will get your Kenyan Visa
at the airport when landing in Nairobi and your Tanzanian Visa when
crossing the border into Tanzania. You do not need to do anything ahead of
time in regards to Visas.
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Packing for trip
Luggage
Two checked
luggage
Description: Two (2) large suitcases that should be easy to roll with
extendable handles and very sturdy.
Contents: One and a half (1 ½) of these suitcases will be STRICTLY for the
transport of our medications and supplies. The second checked suitcase will
have some space left over for your personal items.
Weight limit
Remember that the weight limit for checked baggage is 50 lbs. This is
STRICTLY enforced! You are NOT permitted to pay extra for additional
weight. Your luggage will not be allowed to travel if it exceeds 50 lbs.
What to put in
checked
luggage
Place anything sharp or questionable (eg. scissors, metal nail files, cuticle
clippers, razors, etc.) in your checked luggage. DO NOT pack any aerosol
cans such as hair spray or Lysol with ANY of your luggage. If one person
gets held up, we all get held up. You can be detained, questioned, and
actually denied the right to get on the flight.
Carry on items
Only one (1) carry-on bag is allowed along with one (1) personal item.
Please refer to new carry on guidelines posted at www.delta.com
Suggestions for carry on items:
A “gym type” duffel bag or a small carry on with wheels can really hold all
the clothes/personal items you will need for the entire trip.
Wear a backpack for your personal items. You really NEED A BACKPACK
as we will be heading out to the villages every day, and you will pack it each
morning with everything you need for an entire day in the field.
Additional
carry on
On the plane, keep with you everything that you need for travel and for two
(2) nights stay (clothes, toiletries, etc).
Depending on many factors, it could take that long before you get access to
your checked luggage once we arrive in Shirati.
Have any medications that you may need during our flights easily accessible.
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What to pack
Personal care
items
Carry items for freshening up, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, “brush-ups,”
facial cleansing cloths, baby wipes, etc.
Money belt
You may want to use a money belt to hold your passport, airline tickets,
money, and other important documents. It should be one that goes around
your waist and snaps securely shut with a clasp.
What money
should I take?
This will be discussed further during our informational meetings. There are
several meals that are not covered in the Brigade Cost and we suggest
bringing cash for tips and, primarily, for shopping in Nairobi. Most travelers
bring anywhere from $100-$500. We suggest bringing denominations of
$20.00 as that will make it easier for vendors, hotels and banks to exchange
for shillings. Smaller denominations will make it easier to exchange
currency, purchase souvenirs, or tip personnel. The local markets and
vendors will accept U.S. dollars, but will give you change in shillings.
There are opportunities to use a credit card or ATM at the shopping mall in
Nairobi. If you bring a credit card, only bring one and keep it with you at all
times in a very secure fashion.
Drive to Shirati
It is a long drive from Nairobi to Shirati. Keep snacks and rain gear handy.
Clothing
Do NOT take excessive clothing.
 a few cotton shirts
 t-shirts (no halter tops, tube tops or sleeveless tops for men or women in
public)
 a couple pairs of Khaki type pants or jeans
 shorts (only for leisure, it is not acceptable in the culture to wear shorts
while working in the community)
 scrubs (for health team personnel)
 pair of sandals
 pair of sturdy gym shoes
 undergarments
 socks
 one “nice” outfit
 lightweight rain jacket
 sweatshirt
- Consider bringing items that you won’t mind parting with, as you will have
the opportunity to donate clothing to villagers at the end of the trip.
-Laundry service is available for a small fee while staying at our motel in
Tanzania.
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What to pack, continued
Snacks
Be sure to bring snacks!
Snacks will definitely get you through the trip because you might miss eating
your usual meals. Granola bars, candy bars, raisins, nuts, dried fruit, small
bags of potato chips, gum, cookies, beef jerky, and canned/packaged chicken
and/or tuna are some suggestions to consider. Consider Gatorade and Crystal
Light packets (pre-sweetened) to add to your water. Ketchup and syrup are
different in Africa. You may consider bringing a few extra packets of these
items as well.
Other things to
pack
Several bottles of insect repellent containing 15- 30% DEET
Small flashlight (electricity is unreliable and street lamps do not exist in the
Tarime district)
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Brimmed hat
Toilet paper (about 2-4 rolls per person)
Handy/Baby Wipes
Wash cloth/towel
Soap
Detergent for hand-washing clothes, although laundry service will be
available for small fee while we are in Shirati
Adapter plugs/converters for 220 AC
Camera and PLENTY of film or memory
MP3 player/CD Player/CDs
Travel version of games (Scrabble, Uno, etc.)
Batteries (to fit various devices)
Diary/travel journal
Binoculars
Eye drops for dry eyes
Ear plugs
Ziploc baggies for open food
A couple of one-gallon plastic bags for laundry
Small calculator for money exchange
Small umbrella (if you want, usually not needed)
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Taking
photographs
Africa is a land of supreme photo opportunities. Make sure to bring plenty of
film/memory and extra camera batteries. Film is sold in Kenya and Tanzania,
but it is extremely expensive and limited. You may want to purchase a lead
lined pouch in which to put your used film upon return, but this is NOT
necessary. If you choose not to use a lead lined pouch, you can request that
the airport screeners do a “hand-check” instead of sending your film through
the x-ray machine so that your film does not become ruined by the damaging
rays of the machine.
Medical
personnel items
to bring
Medical personnel should bring stethoscopes, otoscopes/ophthalmascopes
(fully charged or battery compatible), reflex hammers, pen lights and any
additional items that can facilitate patient care.
Time
Kenya and Tanzania are seven hours (7) AHEAD of Eastern Standard Time.
Money
Currency
The unit of currency in Kenya and Tanzania is the Shilling, which is divided
into 100 cents. Kenya and Tanzania each have their own currency, and the
rates do differ. The current exchange rate for the Kenyan Shilling is
approximately 74 KShillings to one U.S. dollar. In Tanzania, the current
exchange rate is 1,250 TShillings to one U.S. dollar.
Exchanging
Money
In general, the Village Life leader will handle all money exchanges. You will
then have the opportunity to exchange your money with the Village Life
leader.
14
Traveling
Airports
NO picturetaking here
You are NOT permitted to take any pictures at airports, harbors, government
buildings, or anything considered to be of military nature in Africa. This is
illegal and considered by the African government to be suspicious behavior.
When in doubt, DO NOT take the picture.
Going through
Customs
There are customs checkpoints every time we change countries. At the
customs checkpoint upon arrival and departure from Africa, you will be asked
questions regarding the purpose and length of your stay in Africa. The group
will be briefed before reaching customs; it is essential that every member of
the group have the same answer to prevent delays in our travel.
Border
crossings
At the border crossings between Kenya and Tanzania, we will all need to get
out of the vehicles and fill out forms. You must have your passport on you,
and then we will give you instructions as to how to complete the forms.
Customs
declaration on
return flight
You will be given a customs declaration form on the plane during the return
flight. You may orally declare all souvenirs you have acquired abroad and
brought back with you “duty free” IF their total value does not exceed
$400.00.
NO joking
Do NOT joke, in any manner, with the officials.
Safety
Always try to stay with at least one other member of the group. NEVER go
anywhere alone -- especially at night while in Tanzania.
15
Respecting the Culture
The people
Please be
aware…
We will be warmly embraced in most places that we travel. However, it is
pertinent to remember that some citizens of foreign countries may not have a
friendly attitude towards citizens of the United States. For some, it will be
their first time interacting with people from the United States. Therefore, we
must always think of ourselves as ambassadors for our country with the
ability to positively OR negatively impact the perceptions of others about the
U.S.
Respect
differences
This is a priceless opportunity to engage another culture and gain valuable
knowledge from the experience. It is imperative that we be open, respectful
and non-judgmental of differences in the cultures we will encounter. (As one
example, we will visit some villages where polygamy is an accepted and
respected practice.) Try to find books and information on Tanzania before the
brigade. Consider learning at least a few Tanzanian phrases (“Jambo” –
Hello; “Tafadhali” – Please; “Asante” – Thank you; etc.) that will
demonstrate your respect for common courtesies.
Religious
beliefs
Most villagers are deeply religious. While it is acceptable to practice
polygamy in some areas, it is practically taboo to label someone as having
HIV (or “the sickness”).
It is a paternalistic society, so most major decisions are deferred to the men.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask one of the team leaders
or our translators who will be traveling with us every day.
Photographing
etiquette
If you want to photograph any of the local people, you must first ask
permission.
Handouts
Please be careful in giving anything to the villagers. While your intentions
may be sincere, certain “gifts” may cause more harm than good. There is no
sanitation system in the area we will be serving. People are used to just
discarding the trash on the ground because most of their trash is
biodegradable. Giving out lollipops, wrapped candy, etc. creates “trash” that
will lead to pollution. Also, it is not a good idea to freely hand out money.
We are not trying to supply “handouts,” but are trying to help the village
people become self-sufficient.
16
Additional tips on Cultural Sensitivity
Don’t boast
Think as big as you like but talk and act smaller. In many countries, any form
of boasting is considered rude. Talking about wealth, power or status can
create resentment.
Speak slowly
Speak lower and slower. In conversation, match your voice level and tonality
to the environment and other people. A loud voice is often perceived as
bragging. A fast talker can be seen as aggressive and threatening
Listen first
Listen at least as much as or more than you actually talk. By all means, tell
people about the United States and your life in our country. However, also
ask people you're visiting about themselves and their way of life. Listen, and
show your interest in how they compare their experiences to yours.
Acceptable
dress
Dress modestly. Try not to dress too casually when you will be in a
professional position. Women should remember not to exposes excessive
amounts of flesh (low cut and/or tight tops, short bottoms, sleeveless tops,
etc.)
17
Jet Lag/Culture Shock
Adjusting to a
new time zone
It may be difficult to make your body adjust to the time change. (Kenya and
Tanzania are 7 hours ahead of EST.) You may want to slowly adjust your
sleeping schedule about a week before we leave by waking up an hour earlier
each day. You can also try to bring items with you that will make the long
plane rides more comfortable, such as pillow rests and ear plugs.
Emotions can
run high
This experience may initially be overwhelming to some of you, and this is
completely understandable. We will be halfway around the world and weary
from jet leg, as well as the long road trip to reach the Shirati region. We will
then see some very ill patients in some dire living conditions, which may
make one feel “helpless.” YOU WILL NOT BE ALONE IF YOU ARE
INITIALLY SHOCKED OR FLOODED WITH EMOTIONS, but you can
adjust. Get your feelings out. We will all be there to support one another. If
you don’t feel like talking about it, then write about it in your journal. Once
you see and feel the love and sincere gratitude of the people we are going to
help you will remember that, “Yes, one person can make a difference in this
world.” I am confident that everyone will give their all, and the wonderful
people of the Rorya District will reap the benefits of our hard work
Journaling
Consider bringing a journal to write in each evening. Capturing the daily
events and your personal reflections by writing them down each night will be
priceless to you for the rest of your life.
18
Food and Lodging
Water is unsafe
 NEVER drink the water.
 We will purchase sealed bottle water when we arrive in Nairobi, Kenya.
 ALWAYS check to make sure that the seal is previously undisturbed prior
to you opening and drinking from a bottle of water.
 Use bottled water to brush your teeth. When bathing in regular water,
keep your mouth shut and your eyes closed to lessen the chance of the
water getting into your body.
 Only purchase bottled water from vendors if it is clearly sealed.
Our lodging
We will stay in various types of accommodations including guesthouses,
motels (Motel 2000 in Shirati) and hotels (for the safari experience).
Nairobi, Kenya
We will be staying overnight at the Mennonite Guest House in Nairobi,
Kenya for our first night as well as our last night in Africa. This guest house
is a beautiful place, full of history, as it was built and used during the British
rule from 1918-1964. It is now used mostly to house missionary groups from
around the world providing aid in Africa. The food at the Guest House is very
good (similar to food you are accustomed to eating.) Some romms have
private showers and bathrooms while others use communal facilities.
Shirati,
Tanzania
Our home base in Shirati will be the Motel 2000 and/or SHED Hostel
 There is no running water. You will be provided buckets of hot and cold
water in the shower area for “bucket baths.” You will quickly adjust to
this routine, but ask questions if you need help.
 The food is simple and lacks variety. However, it is good and served with
love and appreciation.
 To use blow dryers, electric plug-in razors, or any equipment which must
be plugged into an electrical outlet, you must have an adaptor for 220 AC.
 However, electricity is unreliable. As such, always carry a flashlight.
 No computer access is available.
Double
occupancy
Lodging in Kenya and Tanzania will be a minimum double occupancy, so
everyone gets a roommate. This will be an important part of our “bonding”
experience by giving you a chance to unwind from the day by sharing your
experiences with each other.
Continued on next page
19
Jet Lag/Culture Shock, continued
Meals
Three meals a day will be provided during a majority of the trip. Please
exercise a little caution as to what you eat until you determine what your body
can tolerate. Try not to take more food than you can eat to avoid unnecessary
waste. The same will apply for the bottled water that will be provided. We
do not want anyone to become dehydrated, but please use all the water that
you have before taking additional bottles. There will be 1-2 days when lunch
will not be provided due to the fact that we will be driving all day to reach
remote locations and roadside dinners are not readily available along on our
route. It is suggested that brigade members pack a few things to eat during
these times. A few suggestions would include tuna salad packs, beef jerky,
pre-packaged trail mix, etc.
Tipping
It is generally customary to tip any personnel whom you feel assisted you in
any way (e.g., baggage handlers and hotel personnel). Tips are usually done
as a group (we will ask you for a recommended donation amount if you are
comfortable doing so) on the last day at each location. Thus, you do not need
to worry about tipping individuals yourselves. Also, our drivers will be with
us during the entire stay, acting as translators, safari guides and all around
support systems, and we will collect a group tip for them on our last day in
Nairobi.
20
Plan for Adventure
Sightseeing
Location
After the brigade work is completed, we will have the opportunity to do some
wonderful sightseeing on the way back to Nairobi. We will depart Shirati and
head to the safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya.
Accommodations
Our last night in Africa is back at the Mennonite Guest House in Nairobi.
Crafts for
souvenirs and
gifts
The local crafts are truly beautiful and make wonderful souvenirs and gifts,
while also supporting the region’s economy. Be prepared to be bombarded
and swarmed when we visit the open air markets, as the people can be
aggressive and overwhelming while trying to get you to buy their goods.
They will occasionally barter for American items; sunglasses, clothes,
watches, shoes, umbrellas, etc. It can be quite an experience – especially if
you enjoy shopping/haggling!
NOTE: DO NOT purchase anything made with ivory or the hide of a wild
animal. It is ILLEGAL (as most of these items are the result of poaching),
and you will not be able to get through customs with such items.
Packing Crafts
Many of the items you may purchase are VERY fragile and must be packed
with EXTREME care for the return flight.
Hopefully this packet gives you the information you need to start getting ready for your Tanzania Outreach
Brigade. Again, please feel free to call or email Jeff Perry with additional questions. As they say in Tanzania,
“Asante Sana,” or thank you very much.
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To Do List
Pay Deposit & Fees
Passport
Vaccinations
Medications
Packing
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Important Dates & Deadlines
Mandatory trip meeting: To be announced
$500 deposit is due immediately
$1,500 payment due by March 31. This is critical in order to pay for your flight.
Final payment of $1,600 due by April 30. Please mail checks to:
Village Life Outreach Project
c/o Alliance Primary Care
3306 Ruther Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
Brigade Briefing / Packing session: To be announced
June 7th - Depart for Tanzania
June 21st - Arrive back home in U.S.
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Addendums
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Additional Passport Information

Photo is 2x2 inches in size, taken within the past 6 months.

Image size from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches.

Photographs may be in color or black and white.

Must be full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background.

Should be taken in normal street attire, without a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline.

Uniforms should not be worn in photographs.

If prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles are normally and consistently worn, they
should be worn when the picture is taken.

Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless required for medical
reasons. A medical certificate may be required to support the wearing of such glasses in the
photographs.

If you choose to submit digitized photos, they must meet the same requirements of all passport
photographs. In addition, digitized photographs are always produced on digital printers. Some printers
will produce a photograph in which the dots are seen. Visible dots distort the image by making it look
grainy. Acceptable photos have a continuous tone image that looks very photo-like.
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Childhood Immunization Schedule
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Adult Immunization Schedule
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Useful Swahili Phrases
ENGLISH
Welcome
Hello
Good-bye
Please
Thank you (very much)
Yes
No
How are you?
Good
Bad
Very well
Okay
Excuse me
What?
When?
Where?
Which?
Who?
Why?
Now
Not yet
Soon
I don’t know
I don’t understand
How do you say…?
How much?
(Too) expensive
I don’t want
Today
Daytime
Tonight/Night
Tomorrow
Yesterday
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Friend
No problem
Water
Hot (temperature)
SWAHILI
Karibu
Jambo
Kwaheri
Tafadhali
Asante (sana)
Ndiyo
Hapana
Habari?
Mzuri
Mbaya
Mzuri sana
Sawa sawa
Samahani
Nini?
Lini?
Wapi?
Ipi?
Nani?
Kwa nini?
Sasa
Bado
Sasa hivi
Sijui
Sielewi
Unasemaje…?
Ngapi?
Ghali (sana)
Sitaki
Leo
Mchana
Usiku
Kesho
Jana
Asubuhi
Alasiri
Jioni
Rafiki
Hakuna matata
Maji
Moto
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Hot (spicey)
Cold
I’d like a cold beer
I am thirsty
I am hungry
Food
Fish
Rice
Vegetables
Numbers:
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Leopard
Lion
Elephant
Cheetah
Monkey
Giraffe
Zebra
Kali
Baridi
Tafadhali nataka bia baridi
Nina kiu
Nina njaa
Chakula
Samaki
Wali
Mboga
Moja
Mbili
Tatu
Nne
Tano
Sita
Saba
Nane
Tisa
Kumi
Chui
Simba
Tembo
Duma
Kima
Twiga
Punda-milia
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