If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer with Unite, this is a story for you.
“This experience was a 10/10!
I literally could not have asked for a better trip!”
~Drew’s text to his family on his last day in Tanzania.
MEET DREW WARREN
Drew Warren, 22, traveled to Tanzania this summer for a three-week-long volunteer posting at Unite Food Program (UFP) headquarters in Dar es Salaam. His focus with UFP was working with Ibra Kawa, Unite’s photographer and videographer, and Richard Munisi, Unite’s animator, to create a short film about Unite Food Program to help Unite grow our USA-based donor base and secure a larger market across East Africa. Drew brings to Unite a unique perspective having worked an intern with the renowned STX Entertainment Film Studio in Los Angeles where he worked on trailers and films.
Drew (above left) with his fellow Unite filmmakers Richie Munisi and Ibra Kawa at Unite Food Program Headquarters in Dar es Salaam in July 2021.
“The Unite team is composed of some of the most incredible people I have ever come across. Unite has inspired me in so many ways, and I hold this experience close to my heart. My time with Unite is far from over, and I hope to remain closely involved with the Unite Food Program and the organization as a whole. Unite is creating meaningful change in Tanzania, and I am proud of the work that the team has completed. Thank you all for the unconditional support. Thank you specifically to my parents for opening my eyes to how other people live their lives.”
~Drew Warren
”Drew is highly adaptable, encouraging, and supportive. He is knowledgeable, articulate, leads by example, and has great insights about videography. I trusted him and looked forward to his guidance and advice.”
~Unite Photographer and Videographer Ibra Kawa
Click HERE to see a clip of UFP Environmental Scientist Clara Wilson Ngowi welcoming Drew and introducing him to the team.
Drew at work
During his three weeks with Unite in Tanzania, in addition to his movie-making escapades with Ibra and Richie, Drew helped with the production and processing of our UFP organic maize flour. He learned to work the mill machine, carried and arranged 100-kilo bags, transported the products to retail and wholesale locations, participated in direct sales of UFP products, and much more.
Click HERE to see a video clip of Drew and UFP teammates overseeing
the delivery and unloading of a shipment of organic maize from the Lake Rukwa district.
Click HERE to see a clip of Drew hauling maize.
Click HERE to see a video clip of Drew operating the UFP maize mill.
(Left) Drew with Unite Food Program teammate Stanley Arthur arranging bags of organic maize flour. (Right) Drew with UFP teammates Lazaro Mahulo and Salvius Nchimbi driving our three-wheeler to deliver UFP organic food products to buyers across Dar es Salaam.
Drew’s Blessings
In keeping with Unite’s mission to serve and care for those in need, Drew was able to “bless” a woman the team encountered while she was struggling to walk alongside the road with UFP organic grains. Drew also blessed Unite teammate Richie, who was next in line for our Unite garden banana harvest. Giving is SO good!
Click HERE to see a video clip of Drew blessing a handicapped woman with organize maize and beans from Unite Food Program.
Drew at play
At Unite we work hard — very hard — and then we take time to relax, connect, enjoy, and celebrate our achievements.
(Left) Drew with Unite teammates Lazaro, Azamela, Rhoda, Richie, Stanley, and Ibra (out of frame) visiting Budya Island for fun and adventures. (Right) Drew showing the team his moves during one of his many Unite dance parties.
Some thoughts about Drew
“I was just blown away by Drew’s character and how he got along with everyone. His personality, respect, work ethic, empathy, generous heart, and love for others made everyone just adore him. He is a fine young man, and the entire Unite team in Tanzania is looking forward to seeing him back again hopefully one day soon.”
~Anty Marche, Unite Program Director
“Drew Warren is a hard working, fast learner who is flexible and able to cope with a challenging environment. He works well in a team and has excellent communication skills. He is a good and caring person.”
~UFP teammate, Lazaro Mahulo (above left)
“Having Drew in the team makes a huge difference. He always finds a way to get it done and brings to the team lots of encouragement and fantastic ideas.”
~UFP teammate, Stanley Arthur (above right)
Reflections from Drew’s parents: Andy & Tracy Warren
“Drew is a lucky human being. He’s had so many blessings in his life, and we think his experience in Africa is among the most wonderful. We have been so proud to view pictures of Drew with a true and effervescent smile on his face. The glean he gets from helping others is unmistakable. Drew’s Unite experience will forever broaden his view on humanity and our vastly diverse world. He truly adores the Tanzanian people and the joy they find in everyday life. The mission of Unite will be in his heart always.
Drew has experienced first-hand the tremendous difference that Unite is making in the lives of Tanzanian people. Unite’s mission is held in the highest regard for all those involved. Along with their hard work, there is a genuine joy and pride in what is being accomplished.”
To learn more about volunteering with Unite,
email anne@uniteafricafoundation.org.
Note:
All volunteer candidates must go through a careful review and evaluation process to determine eligibility for placement with our Unite team in Tanzania.
We match talent to need.
An awesome work ethic, an open heart, and a mind eager to learn are the most important qualities we seek in Unite volunteers.