Hello, I’m Agata
an ordinary PE teacher from Poland. January 2022. Quite unexpectedly, I became a volunteer at a school in Buhemba, Tanzania.
It all began with a joke from friends and something I found on YouTube, posted by Fr Maciej Braun, a member of the Congregation of the Resurrection. Sometimes a single chance encounter can change so much.
My trip prompted plenty of questions and surprise from others. What I did not feel was fear or anxiety, although those closest to me did their best to remind me of them 🙂 In my heart, I felt excitement and a conviction that I should go, help and see this place for myself.
After a few emails from Fr Maciej, I knew this was what I really wanted.
I organised a fundraiser on Zrzutka.pl, bought sports equipment,
packed my bags and set off on the adventure of a lifetime — full of kindness, moving moments and encounters I will never forget.
My stay at the mission, at the Resurrection School in Buhemba, was a special experience that will stay in my heart forever. I met wonderfully warm, joyful children and their welcoming, grateful parents. Despite their difficult living conditions, they radiate tremendous strength, kindness and hope.
I had the privilege of working there as a physical education teacher. It was a time full of energy, laughter and emotion. Together, we organised fun sports competitions, games and activities that brought heartfelt smiles to the children’s faces.
The team I coached was especially close to my heart. Watching their commitment, determination and joy at every small success was beautiful and inspiring.
Every day in Buhemba brought encounters filled with kindness, simplicity and gratitude. The children’s smiles and openness, together with the beautiful sunshine, made even the daily challenges feel lighter.
At the same time, it was impossible not to notice the deep poverty and lack of basic necessities, often including food. These conditions deprive children of a carefree childhood, education and dreams of a better future. That is why I know, with all my heart, that without sponsors and people of goodwill from around the world, life for the more than 300 children at this school would be very different — much harder, with far fewer opportunities and less hope.
2025. My second visit to the school in Buhemba, after a two-year break, was full of emotion, joy and wonderful surprises. Many pupils still remembered me, which moved me deeply. Their smiles, excited shouts and warm welcomes showed me that time and distance mean nothing when hearts have connected.
I was amazed to see how the sports facilities and the whole school had developed. A new secondary school had been built, bringing even more pupils and new opportunities. It is incredible to see a place shaped by dreams and hard work flourish so beautifully.
Working with the new PE teachers, Daniel and Happy, was another wonderful experience. They were very open to working together, and we learnt from one another, especially how to organise sports activities for so many children. There was plenty of laughter, energy and great teamwork.
It was deeply moving to meet familiar faces again, and also to discover new people, stories and experiences. Every trip to Africa brings something new, opens your heart and changes the way you see the world.
Fr Maciej once told me:
Once you have been to Africa, you will keep coming back. And he was right.
2026. This year, I returned to a mission in Tanzania as a volunteer with the Africa Help Foundation — this time at a health centre for the Maasai in Ndotoi, central Tanzania. I came back enriched by new experiences and deeply moving moments. Now I am thinking once again about what more I can give to make life a little better for Africans, young and old.
My Dad’s motto is always with me: ‘Help at least one person, because you cannot save the whole world.’ And I know it always will be.
The Resurrection School gives these children something priceless — a chance. A chance to learn, grow, feel safe and think about the future. I am so happy I was able to make my own small contribution there by giving my time, work and commitment.
Once again, I thank all the sponsors and people of goodwill who help fulfil the mission’s goals, from the bottom of my heart. Without you, so much good simply would not be possible.
I hope this kindness will bear fruit one day, and that the children I have met will go on to change their world for the better.
Warm regards, Agata Witkowska
