STU graduate’s new journey to Africa

Maiko Tanabe – The Aquinian

Rebecca Tremblay with school girls in Belize (Submitted)

Africa has been a goal since graduation for Rebecca Tremblay, and now she’s a step away from her dream coming true.

Tremblay is a former St. Thomas student who graduated last May, after majoring in cultural anthropology, Spanish and an interdisciplinary study in international development.

“I have travelled, worked, studied and volunteered in Latin America on a number of occasions and I love it there,” she said. “But I feel called to go to Africa to be in touch and work hands-on with the unfortunate situations and great need in many parts of that beautiful continent.”

Now, she is a candidate for “Reach Out with Red Rose,” a contest to win a volunteer vacation in Africa, competing against nine other semi-finalists for a spot in the top three.

She found out about this opportunity through her father, immediately sent an essay and a photo to the contest, and made it to the top 10.

She said the people in Africa are what makes her want to go there and volunteer.

“I want to help (people). I want to be a friend, a role model. I want to give hope and a chance to learn, to be independent, to succeed, to be healthy and to live a life without poverty,” she said. “I hope to give children, youth, women and men an opportunity to believe in themselves and to accomplish their dreams.”

She has never been to Africa, yet her volunteer experiences around the world (she has volunteered in Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras and Belize) made her set her sights there.

She said each experience opened her eyes to the world and helped put things into perspective.

“My experience volunteering with those in need has brought me down to earth about what real needs are. I have everything, so why not share with the less fortunate? And I don’t only mean financially. Being in the presence of the less privileged, and lending a helping hand lets them know that someone cares. It gives hope and inspires possibilities.”

She said she was shocked at the realities in the world – child soldiers, AIDS orphans, abandoned children and feels she can do more to help.

“There are so many children in need out there and we have everything to give. It’s not about saving the world. It’s about making a difference in the life of one child.”

Voting will be taking place until November 4th. For more information or to vote for Trembly, go to http://www.redrosetea.ca/reachoutwithredrose.