Valentin Reheis accompanies charity project in Tanzania
Created: 05/16/2022, 09:00
By: Bettina Sewald
Valentin Reheis, surrounded by Tanzanian children.
The Ickinger supports an organization that gives children access to sport.
© Private
The Ickinger student Valentin Reheis spends his semester break with children in Tanzania.
He wants to give them access to sport.
Icking
– Even a torn ankle ligament, a fractured ankle bone and the crutches it required couldn't keep Valentin Reheis from Icking from spending his semester break with children in Tanzania.
The 21-year-old traveled to Mwanza on Lake Victoria before Easter through the “Sports Charity Mwanza” organization.
Here he supported the German-Tanzanian facility to give the children and young people access to sports.
In an interview with our colleague Bettina Sewald, he reveals what he experienced and what motivates him to continue supporting this project.
Mr. Reheis, you study sports science at the Technical University of Munich and spent a good three weeks in Tanzania – on crutches. How was the trip and what impressed you the most on site?
In my opinion, sport is the key to a happy society
Valentin Reheis
Reheis:
The journey on crutches was very strenuous.
But it was still worth it.
Sport is really everything for the children and young people here.
A topic that connects everyone.
Money and background no longer matter.
Everyone is happy to take the time for this, even if the conditions are often not easy due to a lack of infrastructure and equipment.
Since many of the activities on our trip were organized by the charity, we were still able to experience a lot.
We were very close to the population and were able to experience the locals up close.
Did something irritate you too?
Reheis:
Yes, the two-edged sword of society.
On the one hand, the population is so far behind when it comes to an “open minded society”.
Homosexuality is scorned, children are brought up in a very violent manner, and there is little or no equality for women.
On the other hand, I have never met such warm, friendly and authentic people in my life.
And without exceptions.
The willingness to help me as someone with disabilities – at least for a short time – was overwhelming.
You can read the latest news from Icking here.
How did you find out about the organization?
Reheis:
About our student council, which promoted the organization and the possible trip.
I am still in touch with many local people and charity officials.
I try to make friends and colleagues aware of the organization, which by the way has its roots in Germany, and its great projects.
In your opinion, what are the children and young people in Tanzania missing the most?
Reheis:
The children are very lacking in structure - and there is no federal system that allows for a systematic education system for all children.
Although there is still a very, very long way to go, Tanzania is noticeably developing in this direction.
To achieve that, you need a cohesive, contented society.
In my opinion, sport is the key to this.
Football in particular connects everything and everyone.
Whether locals or Nzungu.
That's what we whites are called there.
The charity organization has already achieved a lot: the construction and maintenance of sports and club centers, the recycling and distribution of used sports equipment and the quality assurance of local sports offers have a significant impact on the breadth and quality of everyday sports.
Without sport, everyday life would be
How likely is it that you will fly to Tanzania again?
Reheis:
I don't know if I will return to Tanzania again.
The local friends I got to meet there would be worth a return trip.
On the other hand, there are still so many corners of this world that I haven't gotten to know yet.
For my future, however, I will definitely take the warmth, the constant laughter and dancing, and the light-heartedness of my friends in Tanzania with me.
Information on the Internet: www.scmwanza.org
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