The Impact of a School Expedition
Millburn Academy student, Kiera Black travelled to Tanzania in 2025...
“In the summer last year, my classmates and I were lucky enough to spend two weeks in Moshi, Tanzania, where we worked alongside the amazing local builders, met incredible people from TAWREF, Vine Trust, and the wider community. We also took part in a range of cultural and environmental excursions. It was truly an unforgettable experience and has left a lasting impact on me. Prior to going into the trip, I was unsure what to expect. It felt like such a huge undertaking; planning and fundraising were difficult at times, and I even questioned whether I had taken on something too big. So, I was all the more grateful for the help and reassurance from the Vine Trust in preparation for the trip. Their support carried us all through, and looking back, those initial worries pale in comparison to how unbelievably worthwhile the trip turned out to be.
What stayed with me most about the trip was the time spent working alongside the local builders at the site of Mama Florah and her family’s new home. Hearing what she and her kids had been through, and how grateful she was for the support, was deeply moving. I also loved meeting the local children, who came to the site each day to dance, play, and help out. The trip broadened my perspectives, taught me many invaluable life lessons, and left me with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. It also showed me what meaningful community development should look like: collaborative, respectful, and humble rather than performative or ill-informed.
Next year, I will begin my degree in International Relations. This experience has played a massive role in shaping that path. Though this was my first time in Tanzania, it certainly will not be my last, and I hope the Vine Trust will see much more of me in the future.”