AIDSTanzania

General

AIDSTanzania is a non-profit organization founded in 2005 at the College of William and Mary. The student-led organization was founded as an International Service Trip in 2005 through the Office of Student Volunteer Services [http://web.wm.edu/osvs/isttanzania.php] . AIDSTanzania's purpose is to provide HIV/AIDS education and outreach in the rural areas of northern Tanzania outside of Arusha city. The organization believes in putting HIV/AIDS education in the context of community development and creating a sustainable relationship with its partners in Tanzania. AIDSTanzania's main partner in Tanzania is the United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC), where most of the educational events and testing is held.

History

The organization began in 2005 and took a trip to Tanzania over spring break in 2006, which was conducted mainly to learn about the area. Then, the group traveled to Tanzania over winter break 2006/2007 and had a successful first full trip doing HIV testing and education. The group matured a lot over that trip and developed a formal structure of President, VP Logistics, VP Programming, and VP Finance. The organization's latest trip over winter break 2007/2008 was the biggest and most successful to date, with over 500 people tested for HIV and the development of a "train the trainer" program which involved working closely with local Tanzanian students to create a packet of HIV information.

AIDSTanzania is made up of approximately 15 college students and is entirely student-led and directed. More information regarding the organization can be found on its website [http://aidstanzania.wordpress.com]

The organization has been recognized by other NGO sites [http://orgs.takingitglobal.org/29933] AIDSTanzania also participated in the Clinton Global Initiative in 2007. [http://mycommit.clintonglobalinitiative.org/node/2087/cgiu] The organization has a partnership with the UAACC. http://www.uaacc.habari.co.tz/]