CSS and sabbaticals: Marianne's transformative time in Tanzania
Long-serving employees of CSS have the opportunity to take time out for personal projects. Like Marianne Wiedemeier, who worked with pre-school children during her two-month sabbatical in Tanzania. Spending time with children from poor backgrounds was demanding. But also moving – and it has given her a whole new outlook on life.
A life-changing sabbatical
After 17 years with CSS, Marianne used her break from work to help out in Arusha. She helped look after two classes of 40 children from poor backgrounds. The Flowers Children’s Centre prepares the two- to six-year-olds for school by giving them lessons in reading and arithmetic, thus taking some of the strain off their families.
Thrown into a lively school environment
On her very first day there, Marianne was greeted by children who flung their arms around her neck and bombarded her with questions in English. The fact that she speaks some Swahili made things a little easier for her: She helped out, served food, created learning materials and drew pictures on the blackboard to illustrate words.
My strongest memories are of the children's happy faces and their joy.
Challenges as an opportunity for growth
Simple means, power cuts and surprisingly cramped conditions were features of everyday life there. «I often found myself outside my comfort zone. But it made me stronger.»
Marianne also came into contact with many people outside of work – while eating together, on the street or when travelling. Friendships arose and she even began sponsoring a young girl named Melissa, who wants to be a doctor when she grows up.
A friendship that connects across continents.
She attends classes in Tanzania with joy and learns something new every day.
Learning, laughing, and dreaming together – Melissa's class in Tanzania.
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Back home with fresh perspectives
Marianne found it difficult to say goodbye and it proved to be a deeply moving experience. It was only when she got back to Switzerland that Marianne realised how life-changing her sabbatical had been: «It has given me a whole new outlook on life and made me more content and relaxed.»
Freedom to realise personal projects
CSS offers long-time employees the chance to take a sabbatical – to travel, continue their professional development or volunteer. Marianne's example shows how having the freedom to realise your personal dreams can also create valuable impetus for your future career path.
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