There are people who feel destined to do great things. The man I’m going to talk about has felt that calling. His name is Adam Gottschalk, a 2014 Elk Mound High School graduate and a current student at UWM (University of Madison). He’s currently studying Biology and Global Health, and due to Global Health he’s going on a trip to Tanzania, and if that isn’t enough, he’s donating clothes for children's ages birth-1 year. He’s also willing to accept donations from us students and by doing so helps him, as he’ll also be visiting hospitals, orphanages, and etc.

Now something to know about Tanzania is as I’ve mentioned, it’s that a country on the eastern side of Africa. Adam will be visiting various towns on his trip like Dar es Salaam, Moshi, and Zanzibar. This country also has a low per capita income rate, but also has many resources like oil, minerals, etc. It can be a popular tourist spot because the capital borders the Indian Ocean.

Here's my interview with Adam.

1. What inspired you to bring clothes to babies in Tanzania?

Until attending my study abroad orientation meeting, I was not aware of the shortage of baby clothes that many families face as families begin to expand. I remember feeling appalled when I heard that many newborns in Tanzania go home unclothed. Collaborating with my group leaders and fellow Badgers, we decided it would be a great idea to donate baby clothes to families when we visit hospitals throughout the duration of our trip. I am really looking forward to seeing the impact that everyone’s generous donations have on the people we will be working with.

2. Are there other places you’ve donated clothes to? If not, then why start in Tanzania?

Just as many families are in need of clothes in Tanzania, there are families in need of clothes close to our own hometowns. Growing up, I have donated some of my clothes to the local Goodwill and St. Vincent of De Paul. However, donating clothes in Tanzania will be the largest single donation that I have ever made.

3. Are you planning to send clothes to other places?

Currently, we plan to distribute all of the clothing donations that we receive to the hospitals that we visit in Tanzania. However, future students who have the opportunity to go on this study abroad experience may decide to donate to other places who are in need.

4. Where or how did you come to learn about the plight in Tanzania?

Along with a major in Biology, I am pursuing a certificate in Global Health. Through the required global health courses that I have taken, I have been exposed to many of the challenges that developing countries face, such as access to health care, emergence of infectious diseases, and the gap in sanitation practices. However, I did not learn about the plight in Tanzania until I began preparing for my study abroad experience. By attending meetings, reading primary sources, and learning the course curriculum, I have gained a greater understanding of some of the issues that many people in Tanzania face.

5. Why baby clothes or are you willing to accept small children's clothes?

We are collecting clothes for newborns to 1 year olds because that is the primary age range of children that we will see in the hospitals we are visiting. Also, it is known that this age group is in a greater need of clothes compared to some of the older children that we will be seeing. It would be great if we were able to bring more clothes for older children who are in need. Unfortunately, we do not have the space to bring clothes for everyone in need.

6. Is there anything you’d like to say to people thinking about donating?

I greatly appreciate all of the donations that I have received. Everyone’s generosity and willingness to donate to a great cause will help the lives of many. A few donations from a number of people can really go a long way. I am very surprised by the quantity of clothes that were donated, and receiving more donations can only positively affect those in need.

7. What are some of the experiences you think you’ll have while you’re there?

I am entering this study abroad experience with an open mind, but I am very excited for this opportunity because it will challenge me culturally, personally, and academically. In Tanzania, I will visit hospitals, orphanages, schools, and programs serving street children to assist in the teaching of classes on reproductive health to HIV-positive adolescents. There is a lot of preparation that goes into an experience like this, but I think it will be very rewarding for everyone involved.

8. What do you think you’ll be learning there?

Through this study abroad experience, I am hoping to gain a better understanding of the Tanzanian culture, health care facilities, and health care infrastructure. I think this experience will allow me to integrate what I have learned in a classroom setting to real world problems and situations. I am very interested to learn more about the challenges facing emerging countries, specifically related to health care, as I have developed a keen interest in this subject through my years at UW-Madison. Lastly, I believe I will develop a greater cultural competence and learn more about myself through the service of others.

9. Are you planning to go to more of the remote areas to send the clothes?

We will be traveling to three cities in Tanzania: Dar es Salaam, Moshi, and Zanzibar. Many of the hospitals that we will be visiting will be in the impoverished areas of Tanzania where there is a much greater need for baby clothes. We are hoping that donating in these areas will have the most benefit.