The Animal Welfare program is located in Northern Tanzania. It surveyed the villages in the district to enhance the current animal welfare status in the area. The aim of this survey was to provide an empirical foundation and to make strategic decisions involving the allocation of project resources and the design of the project components.
The program was established in order to address the five freedoms of the animals, of which most farmers in the area are not aware: Freedom from hunger and thirst; discomfort; pain, injury and disease; fear, distress; and to express normal behavior.
This program has an extra fee of $100 that is given directly to the center as a step contributing to the acquisition of equipment, appliances, outreach visits, developing their facilities and service provision for animals.
What to expect
Even if you are qualified and experienced, be open to new ways of doing things. Given the sensitivity of the project, it is with certainty that things will be done differently than what you are used to; adapt and be proactive. Instead of accusing something as being wrong, demonstrate a better way. Inadequate resources, less staff, and more animals are possible challenges because many of them are from streets. If you lack the knowledge, do not insist on doing things your way, as it is important to not put animals at risk.
What not to expect
“Easy does it” won’t apply to this project. Trust is to be earned; the doctors and ground team need to be assured that you are qualified and experienced enough to be involved in their work day, let alone see animals. There are hectic and slow days. You will not be alone.
Duties and task
Things you may be doing within the day can be, carrying out vaccinations, treating wounds, autopsies, check ups, or training. You also have the amazing experience of working out in the Maasai tribes treating their animals and training them on how to care for their animals.
Tanzania is very different from where we come from. The members of the community here in Tanzania do not have animals as pets, all animals are for a reason such as food, business or guarding. By helping these animals you are in turn supporting a business and or a family.
Challenges
CULTURE SHOCK - The way they will do things will be very different from home - be patient and observe with curiosity. - You may see things you might not particularly agree with, remember this is a third world country and they will do things differently due to the lack of resources and education.
Lack of resources - Need for medical supplies and vaccinations.
The local people may not have the same aspect of care as you do, for animals.
Culture differences, specifically the different approaches to life.
Different living conditions (for example: the weather, availability of basic resources such as water and electricity, consumer goods and distance to services).
Transportation (inadequate transport especially in the rural areas, bumpy rides while traveling with bodaboda and congested village buses)
Expectations. With high expectations, it is easy to be disappointed by the lags and reluctance to be involved, especially with impatience to reach perfection.
Different expertise approaches in regard to limited resources.
Positives
Learn how to sustain the needs of others with inadequate resources
Attain new skills and experiences to further your profession
Arusha is a beautiful tourist city with much to appreciate. The people are welcoming, and the landscape and scenery are magnificent.
Take the opportunity to travel and socialize on the weekends. There are many spots for leisure and fun.
THINGS TO BRING, DONATIONS.
What to bring?
If you feel like donating and sharing it will be appreciated. There are many needs due to the limited resources the centers have.
Other things to bring are those for your personal use like decent clothes, sunscreen, soap, towels, slippers etc.
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