Location: East Africa
Population: 31,367,972
Median age: 15.0 years
Population Growth Rate: 3.603%
Life expectancy: 52.34 years
GDP per capita: $900
% living in poverty: 35%
Location: Eastern Africa
Population: 40,213,162
Median age: 17.8 years
Population Growth Rate: 2.072%
Life expectancy: 51.45 years
GDP per capita: $1,300
% living in poverty: 36%
On June 26, Abid Virani left Canada for a sevent week trip to Africa, where he visited Uganda and Tanzania. In Uganda, Abid visited his parents' schools and homes. While in Tanzania, Abid taught English at primary schools as well as worked at IMUMA, a vulnerable children and orphan centre. Below, you can find blogs that he wrote during his trip.
Blogs
As I Listen To Singing Voicesposted by Abid Virani @ 10:38 AM EDT, Thursday July 10, 2008 SR's Abid Virani in Tanzania I am sitting in an internet cafe in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. This morning was typical, I woke up and got ready for yet another incredible day. There was no disappointment, if anything, it was one of the best. I went to Mlingutini Primary School quite far away from Bagamoyo and walked into an eager classroom. As us volunteers organized ourselves, a young three year old stumbled into the room and sat next to a young girl, who was easy assumed as an older sibling. When we started the class, the girl, Wa, had her younger brother go outside. I didn't think much of it until recess. |
"... And People Need Help."posted by Abid Virani @ 10:50 AM EDT, Sunday June 29, 2008 SR's Abid Virani in Uganda While touring through Kampala today, I found myself at the top of a mosque tower. From there, three young girls were waving to me. I waved back and gave a huge smile, it was an exciting moment. Then, the girls started running towards the mosque. I looked at Kaserra and asked, can we go meet them? He said of course and we spiraled our way back down the stairs. We met the girls and, fortunately, one of them spoke quite good English. |
Bright Futureposted by Abid Virani @ 12:48 PM EDT, Saturday June 28, 2008 SR's Abid Virani in Uganda Wow. So, I am in Africa. The journey here was long, tiring, but exciting. It wasn't until half way through my flight to Dubai that I thought to myself, "I'm a world away from home." I travelled in peace though, knowing that I was only a phone call away from home. Although I am on my own during this trip, more now then ever do I realize that this is an experience for my friends and family as well. |
Understanding Worryposted by Abid Virani @ 1:45 PM EDT, Wednesday June 18, 2008 This was written on December 19th, 2007: |
