Community Service/Civic Engagement - Level C - Global

Global-Service Learning with Amizade: A Non-Traditional Study Abroad Experience in Rural Tanzania

Speaker: Anthony Scaletta, Undergraduate/Amizade Volunteer

Speaker Bio:   I'm a 29 year old senior at UPJ studying Geography and also working toward a International Studies Certificate with a Global South Focus. I was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. I am a veteran of the US military, having spent 5 years as a Naval Special Warfare Combatant Crewman. I severely injured my back while serving in the military and as a result had to undergo a major back operation. I have lived with chronic low back and leg pain for over 6 years now and have discovered the value in using service to cope with my pain. When I serve others, I am able to move beyond my pain and step outside of myself as I foster my connection with humanity. A little personal mantra that I have adopted is "We're all in this together," and I just can't swallow the fact that one sixth of humanity is living in extreme poverty. This fact combined with my global-service learning experiences in Tanzania have compelled me to dedicate my life's work to working toward making our world a better place for the 1.1 billion people that are caught in fight for their survival. I just want to do my part, however small that may be. I am currently working as a volunteer for Amizade by promoting global-service learning and raising awareness about the situation in Africa. I am also working on raising funds to support Amizade's Rainwater Harvesting Project in Tanzania. I have raised over $1,000 thus far and have high hopes to raise much more as I have recently partnered with the Richland Rotary Club of Johnstown on a long-term project to raise additional funds for this cause. Upon graduating after this spring semester, I intend to secure a job working at the grassroots level of development work, perhaps with the Peace Corps.