A great example of an organization that is making a difference is San Francisco-based Global Exchange. I had the privilege of working with the Reality Tour Director, Malia Everette, on their Africa programs (read the Tanzania blog entry to learn more about my experience). However, this video sums up the groundbreaking work and contributions of the organization to the global community. While most organizations focus on one or a two issues, GX addresses numerous issues afflicting societies worldwide. Peace building. Sustainable tourism. Sweat shops. Human rights. Women empowerment. Clean energy economy. And more. So watch the video, be informed and inspired to get involved with GX!

“In this era of stiff international competition we have to become productive and competitive if we are to prosper as a nation. An expanding pool of skilled labour in our country will also attract both domestic and foreign investment.

Being with you tonight is a way of reaffirming government’s commitment to education. That commitment is based on the knowledge that without human resource development, there can be no serious reconstruction and development of South Africa.

Our youth is our future. Whether our country will rise from the ashes of apartheid to become one of the world’s success stories will to a large extent depend on what we invest in educating and training our youth.” - excerpts from a speech President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela made in February 1997 at Damelin Business College, Johannesburg, South Africa (Taken from Terrawatu’s 27th issue newsletter).

No matter what country you are from, the wise words of President Mandela reverberate with truth for the entire human race. So often, we get caught up in focusing on the ‘issues’ that we fail to acknowledge all the amazing work that is being done around the world. Two organizations that provide the inspiration for this entry are Global Exchange in San Francisco, CA and Terrawatu in Arusha, Tanzania.

In July 2006, I was sent as a Global Exchange (GX) delegate on their Tanzania Reality Tour. Global Exchange is an awe-inspiring, ‘international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world’. GX Reality Tours provide visitors a way to travel the world but gain a more personal, authentic and interactive experience with the host communities they visit.

Global Exchange’s partner organization, Terrawatu, was founded on the premise of uniting indigenous knowledge with the modern technological world. Through this methodology, they have empowered Tanzanians with education and resources to maintain their culture while utilizing technological advances. Some of their numerous projects include; medicinal plants, tree planting network, sustainable tourism, and projects for children and education.

Numerous companies exist that provide cultural-based, luxury, safari, a plethora of trips to Tanzania. However, what sets GX and Terrawatu’s trip apart from the rest is HOW you get to experience the culture and wildlife. You stay at a diverse range of locally-owned establishments from large lodges to traditional-style guest houses. As a tourist, you aren’t confined to just interact with the tour group or only with locals as you barter for souvenirs. The group is taken to numerous schools, traditional healing clinics, conservation sites, safaris, and various Maasai villages. With the help of translators, cultural gaps are bridged by socializing, dancing, eating and conversing about cultural differences during village visits. You really leave the country feeling a sense of connectedness and a greater understanding about life for our Tanzanian rafiki (friends). GX and Terrawatu truly provide responsible, authentic and sustainable tours.

Of course, numerous stories and personal accounts can be shared at more depth, but to best sum it up, view the video Tanzania Reality Tour by Rosalyn Salters & Andres Acosta