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The Killorglin Tanzania Connection: A Heartfelt Journey
This summer, Killorglin locals Donal and Darragh embarked on a meaningful journey to Tanzania to support local schools. With an impressive €9,500 raised so far, they are dedicating their time and effort to make a real difference. We had the opportunity to ask them some questions about their experience, and here’s what they had to share.
Scroll to the end to see photo’s from their journey so far!
Q&A with Donal and Darragh
What motivated you to choose Tanzania for your volunteer work and how did you prepare for this trip?
This trip began with a conversation 3 years ago with a cousin of mine who is a Rosminian priest, based in Dublin. He asked if I would travel to Tanzania where they have four schools plus a vocational training centre. The purpose of the visit was to meet with the school/centre managers, school heads and deputy heads. At the time I wasn’t in a position to do it but we continued the discussions and planning over the last few years. I asked Darragh if he would like to come & he agreed. His role was to give the schools an insight into his experience as a student in Killorglin Community College, to attend classes in the schools & to interact with the students in Tanzania.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your first week in Tanzania that has left a lasting impression on you?
There have been so many it is hard to pick one. The value that all students place on education is remarkable. We have excellent young people in Ireland but the sacrifice that these young and their families in Tanzania make to get the best out of education is amazing. Outside of the schools visits the most heartwarming and memorable moment has been a visit to a Masaii compound with a local priest. The welcome that we received was as good as any Irish welcome. We were presented with a chicken for supper and traditional Masaii clothing.
How are the funds you’ve raised being utilised to support the schools in Tanzania, and what impact have you seen so far?
We have transferred the funds raised directly into the Rosminian account in Tanga, Tanzania. There are many worthy projects here but we have decided to go put terms & conditions on the donation. The major project at the moment from what we have seen is the development of a primary school in Tanga so we suspect much of the money will go here.
What challenges have you encountered during your stay, and how have you managed to overcome them?
Data!! In order to make contact with home. This has been challenging because after long days of travel & visits it’s nice to make contact with family to hear their voice and share our experiences. We take this for granted until it’s taken from you. Surprisingly, we managed to get connected to TuneIn radio last Sunday from a really remote location to listen to the all Ireland final! We were out in the middle of a yard at a bush hospital, the locals though that we were mad!
How has this experience affected your perspective on community service and what message would you like to share with those back home considering similar efforts?
Community is central here in Tanzania, very similar to what life was like in Ireland years ago. Every act, no matter how small, has a positive impact here. We are great at home in Ireland and particularly in Killorglin. This visit has reinforced how important community is, no matter what challenges you face. We have a great community at home & it’s a great reminder to always try to do something for our community, no matter how small that commitment is.
Synopsis
Donal and Darragh’s journey to Tanzania has been both inspiring and impactful. Motivated by a strong desire to help, they have prepared extensively and dived into their work with enthusiasm. Memorable moments, such as the joy on children’s faces and the eagerness of students, highlight the significance of their contributions. Despite facing challenges like cultural adjustments and language barriers, their perseverance and openness have enabled them to make meaningful progress. Their efforts have improved the learning environment, showcasing the powerful effects of community service.
The Killorglin Tanzania Connection
The spirit of giving back to Tanzania extends beyond Donal and Darragh’s efforts. Louise Quill, a teacher from Killorglin and originally from Tralee, founded the Tír na nÓg Children’s Foundation. Established in 2006, this charity aims to provide a loving, stable environment for orphaned and abandoned children in Tanzania. Through education and long-term sustainable projects, Tír na nÓg is dedicated to nurturing these children and preparing them for a brighter future. Louise’s work has been instrumental in improving the lives of many children, demonstrating the profound impact of compassion and community support.
There has even been an amazing documentary made to follow Louise’s journey which is called Kilimanjaro Mama and you can see it here:
There is also a what happened next video if you have seen this one.
How You Can Help
Join Donal, Darragh, and Louise in making a difference. Your support can help further their missions to improve education and provide a better future for children in Tanzania. Please consider donating to their GoFundMe campaign here and learning more about the Tír na nÓg Children’s Foundation here.
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