Tanzania: Rick Harvey on supporting girls and building futures

In Shinyanga, Tanzania, Rick Harvey volunteered with Cuso international as an Information Communication Technology (ICT) advisor. His mission was to support two local partners: Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), a government organization for small industry development, and AKOS (AGAPE Knowledge Open School), a sanctuary for girls escaping gender-based violence (GBV), forced marriage, and child pregnancy.

Despite initial hesitations, Rick embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. From marketing assistance to database setups, Rick helped wherever he could.

“I came here for the first year and it just was wonderful,” Rick said.

The community of Shinyanga struggled with financial constraints and ingrained societal norms, but Rick found resilience and determination. The girls at AKOS embodied this spirit with their thirst for knowledge and eagerness to learn.

“They are so open to wanting to learn new skills and to increase their knowledge and the contractors I’ve been working with, they’re learning new ways to do metal and woodwork,” Rick said.

Through Rick’s efforts, tangible progress emerged. Girls ventured into universities, defying the odds stacked against them, and pursued diverse career paths. Rick witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education, instilling a sense of pride and possibility in the hearts of those he worked with.

“We’ve got seven girls right now that are going to university, or that have graduated. They graduated because the teachers that we have from Cuso International were able to push them along and get them through to pass their exams,” Rick said

Looking towards the future, Rick’s passion for service remains undiminished. He is poised to continue his journey, both within Tanzania and beyond.

Rick is a volunteer with Cuso International’s Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE) program. Initiated in 2020 and funded by Global Affairs Canada, the project helps improve the economic and/or social well-being of marginalized and vulnerable people.