After 10 years in the AFL environment I am stepping out and starting a new journey.
In February 2016 I will begin a six-month volunteer position with Future Warriors Project in Tanzania.
Future Warriors supports the Maasai people and communities throughout the east African country.
The Maasai in Tanzania are traditionally farmers but their land is continually being taken from them. Pressure from the government to abandon their traditional lifestyle and limited access to education due to language barriers means daily life for many Maasai is getting more difficult. The Maasai speak a language called Maa, which differs from Swahili – the main language in Tanzania.
My time in the country will be spent in Kitenden, a Maasai village in northern Tanzania near the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. I will be teaching sport at a preschool run by Future Warriors and at the local primary school.
Why have I chosen this new path?
Playing and coaching football at the professional level has allowed me to be self sufficient. Not everyone is as fortunate.
Inspired by a friend who volunteered at an orphanage in Tanzania, and armed with a desire to make a contribution to the lives of others and to get out of my comfort zone, I decided to embark on this volunteer project.
How can you help?
Over the coming months I will be fundraising to help Future Warriors Project assist more people. I would be very grateful if you wish to assist in any way, no matter how small the amount. Here is a brief outline of the projects your money would go towards:
– $300 a year will put a child through preschool, providing them with meals and the resources required.
– Future Warriors Project run this preschool and are wanting to expand the building to include a primary school. This will cost $50,000.
– They also plan to build a preschool in another Maasai village called Kiserian at a cost of $13,500.
– Finally, a Maasai community centre will cost $60,000 to build and run for the first 2 years. This centre will be used to support Maasai people who have been forced to leave their homes, helping to connect and provide them with accommodation, education and employment.
To keep up to date with my progress, you can visitwww.facebook.com/maxintanzania2016 or find me on Instagram as @maxintanzania2016. You can also read more about Future Warriors Project at www.futurewarriorsproject.org
I look forward to making a difference with your help and sharing the progress of this journey with you!