Del with the Northview Middle School students

If you want to get the attention of a group of Iowa middle school students just before lunchtime, mention you’ve eaten fried termites and you’re sure to get a unanimous “Ewww!” from the audience.

IRIS Executive Director, Del Christensen spent two days presenting “Sub-Saharan Africa” to more than 600 students of Northview Middle School in Ankeny last November. The discussion ranged from foods like fried termites to farming, transportation, infrastructure, health and much more.

Christensen was invited by his nephew, Jared Sacket, as well as one of the world cultures teachers Mr. Cody Cooper. The world cultures classes had been learning about Africa over the past two months and this was an opportunity to hear from someone who had traveled to this continent on many occasions.

Del spoke about his travels to Sierra Leone, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. More importantly, he discussed the many challenges facing countries in Africa as they work to build the infrastructure needed to survive in today’s world.

He talked about the issue of growing populations in countries such as Nigeria and how to keep up with basic public needs such as water, electricity, sanitation and waste management.

Nigeria has a total land size equal to approximately the five Midwestern states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska, yet it’s population of 167 million people equals half that of the entire United States. Providing adequate infrastructure is critical to survival, especially in a country where most people survive on less than $2 per day.

Christensen also spoke about various tribes in African countries and their strong sense of family. He pointed out the high maternal and infant mortality rates in many sub-Saharan African countries and how fortunate we are to have such good health care available in America. Photos were shown He showed displaying different modes of transportation available and the challenges facing students as they try to get the best education they can in schools with limited resources.

At the end of the presentation, a few students had a chance to dress up in traditional African clothing and “represent” different tribes. Del reminded students that they don’t have to travel to learn about other cultures. Hosting an exchange student from another country or just getting to know an exchange student in their school is a great way to learn about other cultures right in their own backyard. Click to view slideshow.

KL-YES alumni Farida Seif and Nasra Seif at the event

KL-YES alumni Farida Seif and Nasra Seif served as officers at a program launching ceremony dedicated to empowering others and strengthening partnership between the people of the United States and Tanzania.

The Zanzibar Association of the U.S. State Alumni (ZAUSSA) was launched in Zanzibar on Oct. 22, 2011 in order to encourage alumni to “seek opportunities to use the knowledge gained through your exchanges to the benefit of your community and other Zanzibaris,” said Public Affairs officer Ms. Dana L. Banks.

The program included elections for leadership positions, a presentation on alumni programs, discussions on upcoming programs and activities and dancing performances. The group is not only planning volunteer service activities of their own, but also looking at how they might serve as advocates for community improvement programs by other organizations throughout Zanzibar.

KL-YES alumni from throughout Zanzibar are now attending the regular ZAUSSA meetings.In December, IRIS staff members Del Christensen and Christelle Enega attended one of their regular meetings.

Alumni members

Christensen said, “I am impressed by how the youth and adult alumni of these different U.S. State Department programs have come together as one for the common good of Zanzibar.  They are truly the future of the country and I am certain we will see great things from them in the future.”

According to the Embassy of the United States Dar Es Salaam- Tanzania website, Mr. Abbas Muhunzi said, “ We thank the American people for their support, because through these educational and cultural exchanges we have established progress in many sectors.”

ZAUSSA’s sister organization, Tanzania- U.S. State Alumni Association (TUSSA), was represented at the launch by their president, secretary, treasurer, legal adviser, U.S. Embassy Alumni Coordinator Ms. Rehema Kalinga and more than 60 alumni members from Unguja and Pemba.

All participants agreed to support one another in alumni programs and activities. More information can be found here.

Joseph and Justin helping out at the dispensary, an activity they chose as part of the alumni program.

“Our projects are rocking,” said KL-YES alumni Joseph Rutakangwa. Rutakangwa and Justin Mfuime are just two of IRIS and KL-YES program’s alumni conducting activities around the world.

In early December, Kigonsera High School’s United Nations Club commemorated International AIDS Day through several volunteer acts.  Along with Rutakangwa and Mfuime, the 18 other members of the club arranged speakers to present on topics such as AIDS awareness during a morning assembly.

The morning activities were enough to influence the rest of the school to join them in the next project of the day- volunteering at Kigonsera Health Center. Students spent two hours cleaning the dispensary and assisting in nursing. Rutakangwa said, “The dispensary’s superintendent appreciated our work and she asked for more of our services.”

The Health Centre, owned by a Catholic church, provides basic healthcare services to approximately 4,000 people throughout the village.

After spending part of the afternoon at the Health Centre, the UN Club lead students back to school where they teamed up with FEMA Club. The two groups performed poems, skits, both audio and written testimonials and arranged games. By the end of the day, Rutakangwa said, “We had their brains on fire, and two hours weren’t enough for the event.”

Members of the UN Club posing after helping out at the dispensary

Rutakangwa and Mfuime picked the UN Club to help with their KL-YES Program alumni activities. UN Clubs are designed to engage educational institutions and to enhance student’s awareness of the work of the United Nations. The clubs have been established throughout Tanzania and are open to students between the ages of 12 and 18.

KL-YES alumni decide on and conduct their own alumni-activities, which are designed to promote international understanding, diversity and peace.

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”

With an uncountable number of religions, traditions and holidays celebrated around the globe, it is important to learn about the different cultures transforming our world. To continue promoting international understanding, development and peace, we have compiled a few celebrations taking place this holiday season.

Christmas and New Year’s

Christmas Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on Dec. 25. Christmas is a Christian holiday marking the birth of the Jesus Christ. Decorating houses and yards with lights, exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, and sending greeting cards have become holiday traditions for many non-Christians around the world.

KL-YES student Saminu Umar celebrating Christmas 2009 with his host family in Cedar Rapids.

Following Christmas is New Year’s Day, which is celebrated the night before on Dec. 31. Americans and many other nations gather to celebrate a prosperous coming year and make new year’s resolutions.

New Year’s Eve is the biggest night-out of the year in England. Along with an extravagant parade, people of the United Kingdom attend theme parties, concerts, and celebrate with lavish meals, dancing, champagne and fireworks.

 Ramadan

One of the world’s fastest-growing religions is Islam. Practiced in Indonesia, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, the ancient religion also flourishes farther south in Sub-Saharan Africa. While nearly 35 percent of the Tanzanian and Nigerian public practice Christianity, there is also a very large Muslim community. Nearly half of Nigerians and a large portion of Tanzanians are also Muslim and practice Islamic traditions such as Ramadan.

Egyptians praying in the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo during Ramadan

During the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast for 29 or 30 days, refraining from eating, drinking or smoking during daylight hours. It teaches them about patience, spirituality and a sense of submissiveness to Allah. Each year Ramadan is moved backwards by eleven days; thus, a person will have fasted every day within 34 years’ time. Along with praying more frequently, charity work is also done throughout the country. Ramadan will begin at sunset on July 20, 2012 and end at sunset on Aug. 20, 2012.

Spring Festival

China’s most celebrated holiday takes place on the first day of the first lunar month, lasting for two weeks. Spring Festival, more commonly known as Chinese New Year, can be compared to Christmas in many countries. It is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar.

This year, the Chinese will celebrate the Year of the Dragon.

Families gather for a reunion dinner, and celebrate good behavior and what they believe in most. Customs consist of presents, decorations, and cleaning the house to rid of any bad fortunes for the upcoming year. After a dinner, families end the night with firecrackers. Children receive money in red envelopes and wish their parents a healthy and happy new year.

Chinese New Year is also celebrated in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries where a significant Chinese population exists. This year the holiday will begin on Jan. 23, 2012.

 The Day of Goodwill

The day after Christmas may not always seen as a day to celebrate, but South Africans and people of the United Kingdom continue their celebration onto Dec. 26, The Day of Goodwill. While it is called Boxing Day in England, and many other westernized nations, South Africa kept the historic tradition of charity alive. Traditionally they spend the day at beaches, shopping or relaxing with family, but the holiday is dedicated to giving gifts to the less fortunate.

 Hanukkah

This year Hanukkah began at sunset on Dec. 20, 2011 and will end at sunset on Dec. 28, 2011. The holiday dates range from late November to late December, depending on the Hebrew calendar. Also known as the Festival of Lights, this Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 2^nd century BCE.

A family playing a traditional dreidel game next to a nine-branched Menorah.

The eight-day festival is observed by lighting one candle on a candelabrum each night. Families spin a traditional dreidel, give out gold coins and eat dried food to celebrate the miracle of oil. Also, the concept of giving gifts is becoming a new tradition amongst Jewish families.

While each country has it’s own traditions, customs, holidays and celebrations, we all share many of the same values. Here are some additional upcoming holidays to keep in mind:

January 2012- 

• Jan. 1- Global Family Day
• Jan. 4- World Braille Day
• Jan. 8- World Literary Day
• Jan. 11- International Thank-You Day
• Jan. 12- Zanzibar Revolution Day
• Jan. 17- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Jan. 16 Religious Freedom Day

Eshpa Mollel spending time with children at an orphanage for her "Book Basket Library" project

When a KL-YES Student returns to their home country after spending a year in the United States, their time with the program is just halfway over.

Once a student turns into a program Alumni, the second component of the KL-YES Program begins. This next step involves participating in and conducting alumni projects such as charity work, donations, environmental sustainability activities and assisting in education. IRIS strives to support our students not only while they’re in the Unites States, but also once they’ve returned home.

While in the program, students are encouraged to identify community based needs in their home community and start thinking of ways they can meet those needs. Having students determine their project themselves has been very beneficial because they often choose something they are passionate about, and therefore, are more likely to follow through with it. They are left mostly to use their own devices, experience and knowledge gained during their year in the United States.

This quarter, from July to September, Alumni in Zanzibar, Tanzania have engaged in a number of individual and group projects.

Group Projects

• 

  Alumni pausing for a photo after the sea shore cleaning project

  Donated three sets of internet-accessible computers to Lumumba Secondary School to accomplish their Lumumba Library Improvement Project. Funding provided by the United States Ambassador’s Self Help Fund.

• Helped develop the Lumumba School library database.
• Joined students, teachers and the Mazizini community in participating in the seashore cleaning activity, prepared by the Kiembesamaki Environmental Club at Mazizini Beach.
• Continued to provide tutoring in Progressive Learning Charitable Institution (PLCI), which was established to help disabled students, orphans and girls interested in science, math, English and computer basics.
  

  Muna El Hadhramy teaching math to youth in her community

Individual Projects 

• Eshpa Mollel- “Book Basket Library,” which consists of lending books for children to check out at an orphanage, and several schools throughout her community. She is able to read children stories, play games and even raised money for Christmas celebrations in December at the orphanage. Eshpa also volunteers teaching math, English and personal hygiene to children in her community.
• Yassir Mbarouk- Assisted in designing and developing the Lumumba School (a high school inn Unguja) website.
• Shughaib Abdi Yussuf- Participated in the Interim Committee, which worked with the establishment of the Zanzibar U.S. Alumni Association. The association was inaugurated mid-October at a ceremony at Zanzibar Beach Resort, which several Zanzibar KL-YES Alumni were able to attend.
• Aisha Haji- Continues to work with children, teaching at a nursery near her home.
• Muna El Hadhramy- Volunteers teaching English and math to small children in her community.

In a poem Elia wrote, he described his loving host family as, “a perfect fit for me.” As a matter of fact, Elia fit right in everywhere he went. While many knew him for being quiet, his life was anything but. Elia made the most of his days in America by participating in basketball, cross-country and soccer. He volunteered regularly in his host community by educating others about Tanzania and the Maasai culture, working at the Fall Children’s Fair in DeWitt, packaging Thanksgiving meals for the less fortunate and visiting the local nursing home.

Elia and his teammates before a Central Lincoln Sabers basketball game

When Elia wasn’t volunteering and helping others around the community, he spent much of his time at his host family’s church where he was very popular with the youth group. Elia was also an excellent student, making the honor roll several times. His host mother, Marsha, said, “We are amazed at how much time he can spend poring over a physics textbook just for fun.” Elia even attended a few classes when it was no longer required. In his free time he enjoyed shooting baskets, helping around the house, and got the opportunity to attend school dances, a University of Iowa football game and boat on the Mississippi River.

Host parents, Marsha and Mark, celebrating Elia's graduation

We offer our sincere condolences to Elia’s family and many friends for the tragic loss of such a young and promising life. YES alumni students in Tanzania have traveled to offer their personal condolences to the family and messages from Central Clinton High School students and others are pouring in to Elia’s Facebook page. Elia Homange’s dedication to the community, desire to learn and compassion for others sets an example for not just KL-YES students, but the world. In his short time with us, Elia proved the importance of living each day like it’s your last.Click to view slideshow.

Dr. Yogesh Shah has been involved welcoming participants with IRIS for a number of years, and joined the board of directors in 2010. Known for his expertise in medical care and geriatrics, Dr. Shah brings to Des Moines University and IRIS a passion for improving the health of people around the world. Dr. Shah is appointed temporary advisor to WHO for maternal health and a member of WHO lead group PREBIC (Preterm Birth International Collaborative) Dr. Shah also led the creation of the Heartland Global Health Consortium, a collaborative of eight Iowa educational institutions that seeks to foster international learning opportunities for students. Triple-board-certified in family medicine, geriatrics and hospice and palliative care, Dr. Shah was named in 2006 DMU’s associate dean for global health, a new position created to establish and increase international rotation opportunities, medical service sites and other global health experiences that DMU students increasingly seek. He’s done just that: Since 2007, more than 300 DMU students in all academic programs have participated in global health service trips,  providing care for under-served people in 26 countries.

Last year, Dr. Shah, who was born in Mumbai, India, received the Passport to Prosperity Award, which honors individuals who immigrated to Iowa and have contributed significantly to the community.

Tell us a little about your background. 

I grew up in Mumbai, India where I went to medical school. I came to Iowa in 1994, and have been the Associate Dean of Global Health since 2006.

How did you become involved with international programs? 

Once I arrived in Iowa, I was asked to travel with Iowa Sister States group to explore countries such as Japan and China. I have also developed Des Moines University’s global health department, which gives students an opportunity to study medicine internationally.  Students have the option of traveling to countries such as Guatemala, Honduras and several countries in Africa and Asia to complete clinical rotations.

What has been your most enriching travel experience, personally or professionally? 

I would say my one night spent in a Tanzanian Village was my most enriching travel experience. I went with a group to develop end-of-life courses for doctors and nurses. We taught them how to take care of terminally ill patients suffering from diseases such as HIV and AIDS, but I also spent much of my time alone observing the village. It was eye-opening for me to see how people live in conditions without water or electricity, but still remain so happy and content.

Dr. Shah and his family in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India

How many countries/continents have you visited?

I’ve been to five different continents, and about 25 different countries. I have visited many countries in Central America, as well as Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Tell us a little about what prompted you to become engaged with IRIS.

I like the work done by IRIS, especially the fact that they involve youth from so many developing countries. It is exciting for me to see this. If there are any future significant changes globally, they will come from our youth. If the world is going to be headed in a new direction, it will be lead by our children. It’s important to engage them and give them opportunities to visit other countries and experience other cultures. I think IRIS supports that, and gives them an opportunity for change. That is one among many things that I like about IRIS.

What is an international issue that is particularly important to you? 

Maternal and newborn health is important to me. A lot of women die giving birth simply because they are not taken care of. This is something that we work on at Des Moines University.

Why do you feel that it is important to “connect Iowans to communities worldwide,” as IRIS’s mission states? 

If we go about other cultures in a positive way, it will make up better individuals. Global villages and small towns in Iowa all need to meet people from all over the world. The better we go about other people culturally, the less fear there will be of the unkown.

Moshi children with their new clothing, food and other donated items all delivered as part of the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl project

Founder, Gerry Hingst, put her passion and talents to work over the summer by teaming up with IRIS to donate dresses, shorts, and quilts to Tanzanian youth during the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl.

“My passion, outside of my church and family, has been sewing and quilting,” said Hingst. For many years, she has been involved in several groups of women who are very generous with their time and talents. Hingst started Patches for Peace because she said, “It was natural to start a ministry where our skills could benefit others.” When she gets word of those in need, Hingst calls her friends, and together they work to sew whatever is needed. “Everything we sew and all the fabrics are of course donated, or sometimes bought if we are unable to sew,” she said.

Before her quilting ministry took off, Hingst worked with Drake University’s football program for 22 years. “I was one of the fortunate people who loved my job and the people I worked with,” she says. After retirement, Coach Creighton and his staff informed Hingst of the Kilibowl trip to Tanzania (more information below). This opportunity provided her with the chance to put her talents to use, and stay connected with her beloved Bulldogs.

Drake football players with children of Moshi

While in Moshi, The Drake football players packed Patches for Peace’s handcrafted children’s outfits alongside their football gear during the three days of volunteering on IRIS projects. They distributed these clothing items to the children of the orphanages throughout the community where they volunteered. “The children who received the donated clothing treasured, what for many of them, was the first time in their lives they had ever received a new outfit to wear,” said IRIS Executive Director, Del Christensen.

Mama Mary Minja, IRIS regional coordinator for Moshi, Tanzania helps orphans in Moshi display new clothes they received through Patches for Peace and the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl project

Today, Hingst feels what she calls “a strong calling to get out and use my time and skills to help others.” She spends much of her time volunteering at the Iowa State Fair sewing children’s quilts, at libraries with children’s sewing programs, and will soon help at Mitchellville Women’s prison. With sewing programs she also serves on the Des Moines Area Quilt Guild board as their Treasurer. The guild supports many local charities such as ConKer Cancer, New Direction Shelter, Broadlawns Pediatrics, Lutheran Hospital Children Unit, House of Mercy, St. Joseph’s Family Shelter, Meals on Wheels, Ronald McDonald House and several others. They recently held an auction and raised $13,000 for American Heart, Breast Cancer and Women’s Cancer Research programs.

Along with helping with the Quilts of Valor for veterans, Hingst attends and supports various programs at St. Cate’s and is on the St. Catherine’s of Siena Foundation Board in Des Moines, Iowa. The board supports Drake student’s outreach studies and projects.

Between her time with Drake University and many charity organizations, Hingst said, “I feel I am blessed to be a part of these great programs and am always inspired by the wonderful people I work with. I hope I can continue for many years.”

Drake players spent much of their time with the youth of Moshi during their stay

Global Kilimanjaro Bowl- In May 2011, IRIS partnered with Drake University, CONADEIP and Global Football for an international endeavor. The two teams traveled to Tanzania to play the first collegiate American football game on African soil. The game was held in Arusha, Tanzania, but that was only one small part of the project. During the trip, the teams also conducted youth sports clinics, volunteered in rural villages and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. Along with distributing Patches for Peace donations, the teams spent three days doing service projects. At the end of the three days of volunteering, the more than 150 athletes and coaches had built two new classrooms, one orphanage dormitory, repaired and painted classrooms in four schools, built four different recreational facilities and planted more than 500 trees. Nearly thirty alumni and selected YES students traveled from around the country to participate in the volunteer project component of the Kili Bowl.

Born and raised in Baghdad, Niyazee received her MS in Veterinary Surgery and Medicine from Baghdad University. She is currently working for the Iraq Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Health Department in the Zoonotic Disease Sector in Baghdad.

 While working in Baghdad, Niyazee applied to visit America through the Iraq Science Fellowship Program. CRDF Global implemented the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of State in an effort to enhance reconstruction in Iraq by improving the quality of science and engineering education in it’s universities. The fellowship specifically gives Iraqi scientists the opportunity to work alongside their colleagues at host institutions in the United States. Once Niyazee was accepted, World Learning partnered with IRIS to coordinate her cultural activities during her stay in Ames, Iowa. (More information on the program can be read below.)

Niyazee considers herself very fortunate to have learned so much over the past six months. Since April 15, Niyazee has undergone training in the Molecular Biology Department learning scientific practices such as how to diagnose infections in animals. The difference between her work in America versus Iraq, is that her practice in Ames has been hands-on. “Everything at home, I have read in a book,” she said.

According to Niyazee, Iraq is over a century behind when it comes to science, and she hopes to change that when she returns to Baghdad. Although she has high hopes for her return home, she did not feel the same anticipation when leaving for America six months ago. When asked about how Iraq prepared her for America, she said, “They made me frightened of here.” In fact, Niyazee was shocked that she felt so welcomed after arriving in Iowa. She said, “Ames is a nice city. It is green! There is not a crowd like Baghdad and it is easy to communicate with people. I choose not to speak to any strangers on the street in Iraq. It is too dangerous.” Niyazee claims that her short time in America has “changed everything” for her.

Perhaps some of the activities IRIS included her in were key in altering her opinion on America. “I have benefitted so much from IRIS,” said Niyazee. Over the summer, IRIS included her in several cultural activities around Iowa, one being the 97^thAnnual Meskwaki Powwow in Tama, Iowa.  Along with IRIS Executive Director Del Christensen and his spouse, Dr. Debora Christensen, Aman joined Stephanie Snow and other Meskwaki natives to learn about Meskwaki heritage at an annual Powwow. Niyazee also visited the historical Jordan House in West Des Moines where she learned about freedom and the “Underground Railroad.” Of course, no trip to Iowa would be complete without a visit to the Iowa State Fair. Although she didn’t have the courage to try fried butter on a stick, Niyazee enjoyed what she called “a very nice day” at the fair.

Del and Aman learning about the "Underground Railroad" at the Jordan House

What may seem like a hot day at the Iowa State Fair for Iowans, is minor to Niyazee’s life in Iraq without electricity. During the month of August, Iraq’s average temperature often surpasses 100 degrees. Niyazee says that the dry heat and lack of electricity makes fasting “very difficult” for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.  This year Iraq declared it’s first national “heat day” keeping most home from work and school.

Although Niyazee is able to skip out on the harsh weather, she will return to the same world in which she left. She said that the War in Iraq “affects all people. It destroyed our infrastructure completely.” Many of her friends left Iraq for Eastern Europe, America, and neighboring countries such as Jordan during the Gulf War over 20 years ago. “Now there is nothing you can enjoy. I just hope to be safe leaving my home,” said Niyazee.

She hopes that Iraq will soon be more organized and learn to accept people of all different nations and backgrounds.  After speaking of how welcomed she feels in America, Niyazee said, “In Iraq, people should be more kind and help foreigners. I want to learn more and more here in America, but I know in Iraq they will be eager to learn from me.”

Enjoying a taste of home visiting the camels at the fair

Niyazee will leave Ames for Baghdad Oct. 15, but would like to make a public thank you to IRIS, especially to Del and his wife for their hospitality. “I wish that 100 percent of the worlds population would be like them.” Her hopes for the future are to change Iraq by setting an example. After her time in America learning new science practices and about American culture, she advises everyone around the world to “try to be good all the time. To yourself and other people.”

More information- The Iraq Science Fellowship Program is a public-private partnership funded by the US Department of State. This fellowship program gives Iraqi scientists, technicians, and engineers the opportunity to study, research, and work alongside their colleagues at host institutions in the United States in order to increase Iraqi professional and technical capacity while promoting infrastructure and workforce development in the fields of science and engineering. CRDF Global Implements the program on behalf of the Department of State in partnership with World Learning. IRIS is coordinating cultural activities during Niyazee’s stay in Iowa. Participants are diverse in age and gender and come from all over Iraq. Applicants undergo a rigorously competitive selection process, and the selected fellows represent government ministries, university faculty, and small business. The fellowships serve to enhance reconstruction efforts, contribute to Iraq’s economic development and improve the quality of science and engineering education in Iraq’s universities. Click to view slideshow.

Rachel (front) with YES Students

“Being an Alumni Instructor was the best thing that I have ever done in my life,” said former YES student, Rachel Kazungu. The 19-year-old played a major role in teaching at the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program, during orientation in Washington D.C.

After a year in America as a KL-YES student, it only seemed natural to put her leadership skills to use at orientation for newly arriving YES students. Kazungu applied to be an Alumni Instructor because she “thought that it was a good opportunity for me to work with people from different nations.”

Kazungu’s five-week stay, which lasted from July 25 through Aug. 28, began with a week of training. She said, ”At first I was so nervous seeing all the American Councils staff members.” After working with them and contributing her own ideas, Kazungu began to settle in. Eventually, she learned the logistics and acquired all the tools necessary to run orientation and make sure that the arrival and departure of students ran smoothly. Throughout the remaining four weeks, groups of 120 students from thirty-nine different countries cycled through her site.

Rachel with her YES Students for the week

“The job taught me how to work as a team, especially when I had to team-teach during orientation,” said Kazungu. Being an Alumni Instructor also taught her how to work with a group as if they were one big family. Looking back at her experience, Kazungu said, “We were cooperating hand in hand, not thinking about where we came from, but by thinking of who we are.” The American Councils staff members worked with Kazungu and helped her engage with many people of different ages.

Throughout her stay in Washington D.C., her experience as an Alumni Instructor aided Kazungu in understanding the importance of knowing people from different places and positions, as well as taught her how to be more organized and set up systems that works for everyone. Being a leader was extremely motivating for Kazungu. She taught the students that they needed to teach, interact, explore, share, and gain ties with others during their stay in the United States. Post-orientation, Kazungu said, “I feel that I am strong and can empower others to do positive things.”

Rachel with current YES Students

Although Kazunga was taught about group work and responsibility during her five-week stay, this was not her first role as a leader; she overtook the role of class leader at school in her hometown of Musoma, Tanzania. At her secondary school, Kazungu says that she “was a peer educator in a life skills class where I motivated a group on dealing with positive movements such as women empowerment, HIV/AIDS, and Malaria.” This program is called, “TUSEME!” meaning, “Speak up!”

Kazungu often expresses her appreciation for IRIS and the KL-YES Program for all of her opportunities in America. Dancing and music are two of her passions, which help her get to know people. She said, “I made a lot of friends here because of dance. The beat is in my blood. People were surprised! I love meeting new people and making friends, especially from different countries.” While listening to her speak about her experiences in different countries, it is clear that Kazungu has caught the travel bug. She said, “I have been traveling since I was 15, and since then I wish to travel everywhere.”

Rachel with YES Students from across the globe

For now, Kazungu is happy staying with her original host family in Fort Madison, Ia. She spends her time volunteering at Richardson Elementary School, attending Rotary International Club meetings, helping the youth of the First United Methodist Church, and speaking at events for the Kiwanis and Lions Club. In less than a month, she will return to Tanzania to figure out her financing for school. With help from the Rotary Club, she would like to raise enough money to attend Southeastern Iowa Community College in West Burlington, Ia. and study international relations.

Kazungu’s time with IRIS and her experience as a KL-YES student has inspired her dream in returning to East African countries, such as Uganda, to help those in need. She said, “I do feel there’s a lot of countries in Africa with people who need experience and skills for higher education. I feel they need someone to encourage education, especially in women.” Kazungu believes that this person can be her. She says, “I want to share my life with other people. I want kids to see themselves in me.” While hoping that young Africans will walk in her footsteps, Kazungu concludes her time in America with a few words of wisdom: “In life, we all depend on one another.”

Click to view slideshow.

About the YES Program:

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program is a scholarship program created in 2002 by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

By bringing Tanzanian and Nigerian youth to America, IRIS and the ECA has developed a way to help young Africans understand that Christians and Muslims can live in peace, respect one another’s religion, and develop common goals for community improvement in their home countries. The program focuses on countries with significant Muslim populations, to provide an opportunity to stimulate interactions between East and West Africa.

Since becoming affiliated with the KL-YES Program in 2003, IRIS has made it possible for more than 230 African students to live with a host family and study in Iowa for a year. During their time in Iowa, students engage in volunteer service and participate in activities to learn about American society, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their country and culture.

For more information on the KL-YES Program, click here .