Lucie Imbeau and Micah Orr are Political Science students from Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.

As part of the University's innovative International Studies program, they are assisting two volunteer groups in the Njombe area. Their solidarity visit has been made possible by Canadian Friends of Highlands Hope, TD Meloche-Monnex, and the Political Science Department of Bishop's University.

The Kibena Women's Association supports orphans and vulnerable children, many made vulnerable by the death of parents from HIV-AIDS. The Kibena Youth Fellowship does outreach and builds awareness on HIV issues with young people and villagers around Njombe, mostly through the efforts of its very fine choir.

Lucie and Micah will be sending occasional updates and reports that will be published here from time to time, starting today:

Hi everyone

We arrived in Njombe 2 days ago and we met the people we are going to be working with for the next 7 weeks. Everyone is very nice and welcoming. We will be starting our projects during the week, with the first performances of the youth group and the visits to the orphans in the different villages.

Our visit at Hope School went very well. We spent 3 days there and had the chance to see how the school system worked. We also met with the students and everyone seemed very exited about the possible next partnership with Bishop's.

Micah and I are very happy to be here and want to thank you for giving us the opportunity.

We will try to give you updates probably every week.

Thank you

Lucie and Micah.