About Our Projects
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela
Section 1. How We Became Involved
Our first trip to Zimbabwe was as tourists in 1997 to see “Animals, Art, and Archeology”. Since the tour stopped near the new Methodist-related Africa University, we went over to talk about a possible few weeks of volunteering. Instead, however, in January, 1999, after much paperwork, red tape, emails, and work permit hassles, we went back to stay for 5 months so Morris could teach a semester of American History at AU. While there, Ann got involved in starting a library at Hartzell Primary School, a well-established United Methodist Mission School across the way. This led to other opportunities as a progression of needs and projects at the School and Mission Center have kept us involved ever since.
Section 2. Relevant Biographical information
Ann Taber is a retired elementary school librarian/media specialist/reading teacher. She spent 28 years teaching in the Willow Run Community Schools. Morris Taber is a retired history teacher, He taught over 28 years at Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn. We both are active members of First United Methodist Church, Ypsilanti. The church connection was a major factor in our deciding to undertake the volunteer project. We went to Zimbabwe as Individual Volunteers with the United Methodist Volunteer in Mission program.
Section 3. Zimbabwe Letters 1999 and 2000
These letters and pictures describe the two five-month periods that we lived, worked, and traveled in Mutare, Zimbabwe. To read them, click on the link below. http://www.taber.net/anm/letters.htm
Section 4. Projects We Are Actively Supporting
- Books and librarians’ salaries-Hartzell Primary School library
- School fees-Hartzell Primary
- Uniforms-Hartzell Primary
- Feeding Program-Hartzell Primary and High School
- High School scholarships
- Books and shelves-Hartzell High School library
ann@taber.net morris@taber.net