Nick Robinson, Katrina Sauter and Clinton Boutelle
It is not often that a college class has the unique opportunity to help others. The cross-cultural communication class at the University of Wyoming is helping to build a school in Tanzania. The class members are not doing it alone, though. They are partnered with Women’s Education and Economic Centre.
WEECE, a non-profit organization that supports marginalized women and their families in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, is teaming up with the cross cultural communication students to raise money for Tanzania.
Many children in Tanzania cannot afford education. Funds raised by UW and the Laramie community will go toward expanding a girl’s school. Contributions will help purchase necessary educational materials such as books, paper and writing utensils, allowing for the future education of Tanzanian women and children.
The class is hosting a reception with Wyoming African Students Association, said Sierra Johnson, a student in the class. Mama Valeria, the director of WEECE, will be giving a speech, Johnson said.
The banquet is planned for 7-10 p.m. tonight at the Train Depot on First Street.
Planned portions of the banquet include talks from UW Professors, Mama Valeria’s speech, a performance by the Belly Dance Club and traditional drumming from WASA, Johnson said.
The class split into four groups to raise money for WEECE, Johnson said. The groups tackled various parts of the project, including grant and budget work, advertising, public relations and community contact. Each group did its part to contribute, Johnson said.
“The goal of the project is to learn cross cultural communication hands on by actually communicating across cultures,” Dr. Tracey Patton said about the project.
“We are trying to bring together a community here in Wyoming to help bring a community together in Tanzania,” Johnson said.
Sweet Melissa’s, Coal Creek Coffee and other local eateries are slated to provide appetizers for the event.
