Community answers call for Africa

A mountain of pens, pencils and note pads have made their way to Warnbro traveller Darcy March, after she put a call out to the community for school supplies for students living in Zanzibar, off the coast of the African country of Tanzania.

After a tourist adventure through Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania and a volunteer stint in Zanzibar earlier this year, the 21-year-old‘s eyes were opened to the disadvantage at local schools.

It was then she decided she wanted to do something to help.

Since the call for donations last month, Miss March said she had received an overwhelming amount of support.

“I have received a bundle of school supplies, which is my main focus for the time being,” she said.

“All together I have over 400 pencils, 300 pens, 50 sharpeners, 40 erasers, 60 exercise books, lots of stickers, chalk, colouring activities and still more to come.

“However, due to convenience I’ve also received money which is just as much help.”

Miss March said she was extremely grateful for all of the donations and support.

“I did have one donation in particular that was a very large amount of money. This person already gives so much back to others and is currently serving our country in Afghanistan,” she said.

“He’s only 21 years old and it was very reassuring to know that people of the same generation as myself care about such things like this.”

Miss March will journey back to Zanzibar earlier than expected with a flight booked for Friday, October 18, for a three-week trip to distribute the donations.

“I plan to visit all the schools on the island of Zanzibar, and first observe and interact with the schools to get a better feel for what is most needed where,” she said.

“The money I have will be for buying bulkier things such as calculators and books, this will also help to support the locals.”

To contribute to Miss March’s Africa cause email darcy.march@hotmail.com or for information on volunteering missions in Africa contact Art in Tanzania.