exotic island of Zanzibar, the arid plains of Dodoma and the lush hills ofthe Southern Highlands. Demographically, there are over 32 million people, more than 120 tribes and local languages and two main religions (Christianity and Islam), living together in also probably one of the most peaceful countries in Africa.

SPW started work in Tanzania in 1992 and it is now their largest African programme with over 100 volunteers each year.

The main SPW office where most of the six members of staff are based is perched 2,000 metres above sea level in Iringa, surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Highlands.

Tanzania suffers from a wide variety of environmental problems, including infertility and erosion, the overuse of agrochemicals, desertification, deforestation, water shortages and impurity, which exacerbates hygiene and sanitation problems. Both education and environment volunteers work on areas which address some of these problems.

Tanzania is the world's fifth poorest country, with a GDP per head of US$250.

Life expectancy is just over 50 years and ten percent of the population is estimated to be HIV-positve.

Only five percent of the population reach secondary education and many students, even if they complete secondary school, are unlikely to find a job in the formal sector immediately -- which is why the work done by SPW volunteers on life skills and awarness-raising is of immediate importance and relevance to young people throughout Tanzania.

For more information on the Students Partnership Worldwide, visit their website www.spw.org.

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