This summer, I'm returning to Africa.  I have been there four times as a tourist, traveling in Namibia, Kenya, Lamu, rode a horse across Malawi into Zambia, and love it more each time.  But, I wanted to be able to go back and do something worthwhile.  Joseph Ko-Zerbo said that "Africa has been emptied of its substance, and what has been imported is empty, too."  There is so much need there, and when we think about it in our materialistic point of view, we envision their situation as one of extreme privation.  However, underdevelopment is not only a lack of possessing things.  True underdevelopment, rather, is the underdevelopment of human beings.

I will spend eight weeks in a town near Dodoma, Tanzania, teaching art to primary school children. There will be 159 of them!  Because the headmaster of the school doesn't have a computer and has to bike to a nearby town and go to an internet cafe, I don't have many details, like how many will be in a class.  When I feel overwhelmed, I remember he has written that they have never had any art lessons (and neither have I), they have no exposure, or supplies at all.  So, my only way is up.  Friends who have taught art, have given me good ideas, and, recommended books which I have ordered. 

This began as  self-funded, but the costs started to really chew up my budget, so am going to have an Art Show at a local church, St. Mary Magdalene's,  to raise funds for art supplies for the children (click here to read a related newspaper story). My Bishop, has also offered some money to help.  One of the other exciting things about the trip is that I will get a chance to do some management consulting with the Bishop in Tanzania and his managers thus combining two of my favorite careers.  Aubrey Daniels International, the company I used to work for,has given me the latest training materials to take over to work with.

We have come to the end of separate destinies, we are all aware that our problems are global.  Thankfully there is much energy in this view, much help.  If, in my own small way, I can help in showing how we care, aid in children's expression...well, can't think of a better way to spend the summer!  Oh, look for some of the children's art come September on this website.

bye for now, Jessie Mackay