About

 

I am pleased to be the individual that was elected to be the representative from the SEPA Synod to SEKUCo during the 2007 – 2008 academic year. My name is Amanda Grant and I am a member of the St. Johns Lutheran Church in Mayfair.

St. Johns has supported me, helping to prepare me spiritually for my year in Tanzania. Prior to leaving for SEKUCo, the congregation “commissioned” and sent me on my way.

In addition, I spent many years preparing professionally for this experience. I have a BS in Special Education from the University of Arizona. After graduation I taught for two years in the Tucson school district. Teaching helped me realize that the best part of my job was advocating for children and assisting families through difficult times. With a clearer grasp of my passion I continued the academic journey at the University of Pennsylvania where I graduated in May with a Master of Social Work.

The days since graduation have been very busy. The SEKUCo team, both in Philadelphia and Tanzania worked to prepare for the upcoming school year, SEKUCo’s inaugural year. We developed the curriculum and prepared lesson plans. We gathered pounds of supplies for the year.

In addition to preparing for a year with the community in Tanzania, the last few days were spend visiting with friends and family. My parents live in Boston and my sister, brother-in-law and four month old niece are in Washington DC. Our family is very close and saying goodbye was very difficult.

As the year begins, there is a mix of feelings. I will miss my friends and family. And, at the same time, there is much to be accomplished this year at SEKUCo. The community gathering in Magamba to teach during the school’s first year is super. Our Synod is playing an essential role in the start of something very important. It IS exciting to be part of a new academic community! 

Please stop by this blog often. I look forward to keeping members of the SEPA community up-to-date with developments from SEKUCo. And we who are teaching and administering in Magamba, people drawn from all around the world and just around the corner here in Tanzania, look forward to your insights, comments and, as always, support.