A professor in Cambrian’s Electrical Techniques/Technology program, Robert Jones was excited to offer his expertise to the Vocational Educational Training Authority (VETA) in Tanzania, Africa, in July of this year.
He was looking for a challenge, and a change of scenery. Jones was thrilled that his wife had decided that she and their eight-year-old daughter would take a vacation to join him on the African adventure.
Like many others, the professor understood that developing countries face challenges, but what he didn’t realize was the depth of his own ignorance.
“I had seen television shows about the conditions that some people were living in,” Jones said. “I have to admit that I said to myself, ‘can it really be that bad?’ Despite what I had read and seen on TV, I know now that when I left Canada, I had my eyes wide shut.”
When he arrived in Mwanza, Jones worked with VETA professors and industry partners to develop education and training programs in the skilled trades.
Recent discoveries of rich gold reserves, diamonds and gemstones mean Tanzania’s mining industry is poised for rapid growth.
“In any country, access to skilled labour is essential for economic growth,” Jones said. “A qualified local work force can entice industry to develop and process natural resources, construct buildings, and create jobs and wealth. We’re helping VETA train people who will help build their economy, so it’s important work.”
With funding from the Canadian International Development Agency, Cambrian has forged a strong partnership with VETA. Still, Jones noticed that the programs he was working on needed more than just curriculum development; students and professors also needed basic tools.
After spending a few weeks working with VETA, Jones decided to tour the area with his family. He and his wife, Sylvie Gareau-Jones, an elementary school teacher with the Rainbow District School Board, wanted to understand the social issues facing people in Mwanza.
Jones had learned about some of the challenges from VETA professor, Charles Mpambwe, when he visited Cambrian in May.
“Sylvie and I packed some toys, geometry sets, crayons and other supplies to give to children at a local elementary school,” Jones explained. “We also brought Frisbees, throwing toys, balls and some maple candy for children living at the local orphanage.”
In Mwanza, the Jones family saw children playing soccer with “balls” made of rolled-up plastic bags, so he knew the toys would be appreciated. However, as rewarding as it was to bring gifts to the children he met, the greatest reward was an unexpected one; and it came from his own daughter.
Visiting the orphanage, Jones’ family was met with open arms, and his daughter made many new friends.
“We were sharing stories with the orphans, and one of them asked about my daughter, saying she didn’t look like me or my wife,” said Jones. “Sylvie and I shared our story about how we had adopted her, and the director told the children that they should not lose hope — that someday they might be as lucky as this little girl.”
However, sadly, Jones knew that many African children, orphaned by the AIDS epidemic, may never be adopted, even though they are free of the disease.
Jones’ family also visited a group home for eight children under 10, run by a man and his wife, with help from three university students from the UK.
“Everywhere we went, we were met by people who were so friendly and open,” remarked Jones. “They were amazing, and so was the scenery. Yet, driving from the hotel to VETA, we also saw people surviving in probably the worst conditions I have ever seen.”
Meeting so many people, and seeing the struggles that they endure had a significant impact on Jones’ daughter.
“Near the end of our trip, I was alone with (my daughter) in the hotel, and she finally opened up about the things she had experienced,” he said. “We talked about the school, the orphanage, and the group home, and then she turned to me and said, ‘Dad, am I ever lucky.’ I was shocked and speechless. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing from my eight-year-old. All I could do was hug her, and tell her I loved her with all of my heart.”
As much as it felt so good to bring expertise and supplies to people in Tanzania, Jones said he is most grateful for the soulful experience the trip brought to his adopted daughter.
Since then, the Jones family has continued to support the people they met in Mwanza. When he arrived home, Robert purchased nearly two-dozen soccer balls and arranged for a $2,200 donation of electrical and hand tools from Dixon Electric and Green Lee tools to be sent to VETA for distribution by Mpambwe.
Cambrian’s vice-president of Academic was able to bring the soccer balls with her when she visited the project partners.
In his technical peport on his work in Mwanza, Jones goes beyond explaining the project objectives, rationale, activities, and future plans. Although the project supports the growth of Tanzania’s economy by creating a skilled labour force, it also fosters a spirit of understanding and giving.
“Before leaving, I had heard others say that ‘Africa changes you,’” Jones writes. “Well, it does; and I can now say that my eyes are wide open.”
Cambrian’s partnership with the Vocational Education Institutes and the Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology is part of the federal Education for Employment program, which is supported by the Canadian International Development Agency and administered by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges.
This article was prepared by Lynn Bulloch, communications officer at Cambrian College.
Posted by Mark Gentili
