Global Service Corps: Tanzania – Fall, Spring and Summer Service-Learning Community Development Programs

Global Service Corps' (GSC) integrated HIV/AIDS and food security community development programs are built on 20 years of experience providing service-learning programs in East Africa. Since 2001, students participating in GSC's international programs qualified to earn academic credit through the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY).  GSC and SUNY-Albany are now jointly offering a 15-credit Semester Program and a 9-credit Summer Program focused on HIV/AIDS Prevention, Nutrition Education and Sustainable Agriculture.

Global Service Corps' cross-sectoral service-learning programs enable students to expand their knowledge of international development, public health, Tanzanian culture and Swahili language while at the same time helping to educate local community members in HIV/AIDS prevention and sustainable agriculture. GSC's semester and summer programs provide a unique opportunity for students to work on grant supported international development programs focused on improving the livelihoods of vulnerable Tanzanians.

The 15-credit, 15-week Fall or Spring Semester Program includes:

• 3 weeks of academic training on Tanzanian culture, public health and community development from the GSC staff of development professionals


• 9 weeks of field work in the areas of HIV/AIDS prevention, nutrition education, sustainable agriculture and food security


• 3 weeks of Capstone projects allowing students to tie together their studies and field experience
  
  

The 9-credit, 9-week Summer Program includes:

• 1 week of academic training on Tanzanian culture, public health and community development from the GSC staff of development professionals


• 2 weeks of field work assisting the GSC staff with the annual HIV/AIDS Prevention an Life Skills Day Camp


• 6 weeks of field work in the areas of HIV/AIDS prevention, nutrition education, sustainable agriculture and food security

During the field work portion of the GSC programs, students serve as staff assistants and trainers on rural and urban community development projects. The GSC staff and students work towards combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Tanzania by leading community health workshops in HIV/AIDS prevention and nutrition education.  Students and staff members also work towards alleviating hunger and malnutrition by leading sustainable agriculture workshops.  During the workshops students, staff and community members join efforts to construct keyhole gardens and rain catchment systems that help Tanzanian families establish household food security.

Students who participate in Global service Corps' Semester and Summer Service- Learning Programs have a true intercultural experience through living and working with the people of Tanzania.  By participating in established community development projects, students gain greater perspective on the issues and progress surrounding Tanzanian development while having a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.