International School Lends a Helping Hand

(Newswire.net — May 6, 2020) Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam —

 

Answering the global call to action, the International School of Tanganyika (IST) was quick to lend a helping hand. 

“It became apparent that the hospital’s need for personal protective equipment (PPE) was big,” said Megan Hardeman, the Elementary Activities Coordinator at IST. “I asked [my friend who is in touch with the local hospital] if I could do anything to help, ie… donate material, and she said jokingly…, ‘Do you sew?’”

That question sparked the idea to make re-useable masks. 

Though Megan didn’t consider herself a strong sewer, growing up her mom, a very talented seamstress, taught her everything she needed to know.

She started putting sewing supplies together and reached out to the IST community to see who else was interested in getting involved; the answers, volunteers and supplies came rushing in.

“The response was wonderful,” said Megan. “People wanting to sew, cut, iron, donate…. do anything they could to make a difference here in Dar Es Salaam.

In two weeks, the school has created and donated 300 masks. 

“You feel so helpless in a situation like this, and face masks are something that is an absolute need. I was pretty certain I could figure the patterns out, and I am now obsessed,” said Megan. 

And since the needs are for more than just masks, the group is committed to making whatever they can.

“Some of our community members are now trying to sew gowns, and much of the material donated has gone to local tailors to use in the making of gowns for doctors as well.”

As the volunteers receive more funding, they offload work to these talented tailors in need of work.

“They do an absolutely amazing job at producing this essential, very needed PPE here in Dar es Salaam,” said Megan.

IST Students Get Involved 

Witnessing her mom’s and the community’s passion to help, IST student Sydney, Megan’s daughter, eagerly volunteered to help.

According to Sydney, volunteering her time makes these stressful times a little easier.“Doing something like this is fun, and really takes your mind off of the reality of the situation.”

She’s also encouraging other students to get involved. 

“There is a really big need in Tanzania, and it feels good to do a small part to help,” said Syndey. “Tanzania is our home, and we need to help in times like these.”

Staying Connecting and Supporting the Community 

“I believe that we are always in search of purpose with our work, especially in times of crisis,” said Director of IST, Dr. Mark Hardeman. “Knowing that we can have a positive impact on those around us helps us all stay connected and support our community.” 

According to Dr. Hardeman, the school is committed to being socially responsible and therefore runs a number of programs to support the community and those in need. 

“Although we have moved our programs online, many of our community members are actively looking for ways to support the community through this crisis and to support government efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.” 

And initiatives like this one are exactly what Dr. Hardeman is referring to as beneficial to the community. 

In such an unprecedented time, people are looking for ways to not only help, but also get their minds off of everything.

“We watch the news and see what’s happening, and it just makes you want to do anything you can to help the situation here in Tanzania,” said Megan. “This is our home, and it is difficult to find meaningful ways to reach out, and this seems to be something that is in our capabilities.”

Click here for more information about this initiative and how you can help.