Parliamentarians visit New Zealand VSA volunteers in Tanzania

13 October 2009.

New Zealand Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) volunteers received a visit from a Parliamentary delegation attending the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Arusha, Tanzania, last week.

Delegation leader, Shane Ardern MP, who attended the conference along with Sue Kedgley MP and Carmel Sepuloni MP, said the kiwi volunteers were pleased to be able to demonstrate the work they are doing.

“We visited the Tanganyika Farmers’ Association and learned first hand the benefits of the work being undertaken there,” he said.

Under the guidance of Alan Schofield of Whakatane, who is the volunteer business development advisor to the farmers’ association, significant progress had been made in completing work, which had been expected to take more than a decade, in two years.

Tanganyika Farmers Association Managing Director, Francis Wangaju, told the delegation that Alan’s input had resulted in building the capacity of staff and the implementation of strategic and business plans.

Eleven VSA volunteers are based in the Arusha region, involved in several different sectors including economic development, social development, education and health.

Shane Ardern said the delegation was extremely proud of the impact made by the New Zealand VSA volunteers who are working with the local people to develop skills and provide support for a long term sustainable future.

“The work is an example of New Zealanders sharing their skills and knowledge to create positive change in international communities.”

A report on participation at the 55th CPA conference and meetings held in Arusha will be tabled in the House later in the year.