In a nutshell: I am looking for a RPCV-Tanz to speak to or advise our board on appropriate ways in which we can provide aid and support for rural schools, hospitals, farmers, and workers in the
region around Dodoma.

In the past several years, the Northwest Ohio Synod of the Lutheran Church (ELCA) has become very active in forming partnerships with rural Tanzanian Lutheran congregations, especially in the area around Dodoma. These partnerships have been growing and at this point a fair amount of material and financial support flows from Ohio to Tanzania for a variety of projects beyond just the partner congregations. It is really a great thing to see rural Ohio churches (picture Lake Wobegon)get fired up about Africa.

I was recently asked to join the board charged with guiding these projects. By way of credentials, I was a PCV in Swaziland and did my graduate research in Uganda. I have been most places in eastern Africa EXCEPT Tanzania.

Our board would really benefit from the advice of someone who has lived in rural Tanzania. There have been quite a few exchange visits of Ohioans and Tanzanians, but these only last a few weeks. RPCVs know there is no substitute for actually living among the people and that trying to do good works in an unfamiliar culture can be a tricky business.

If you or someone you know might be interested in sharing their knowledge of Tanzania, please contact me at tbridgeman@hotmail.com

-Tom Bridgeman RPCV Swaziland 84-87