It was not quite what you would be used to in the States! Students lined the windows of the classroom that had been converted into a blood donor station. The standard interview and questionnaire about your health was present and the dreaded finger prick.
Differences?
The questionnaire did not have the usual questions about your sexual activities. Instead, you are informed that your blood will be tested for five different diseases, including HIV. The iodine cleansing was not present. In place of that was a swipe of something. Whatever it was, it did not really have a strong odor of alcohol. The blood bag is placed in your lap or on the desk top, if you were not fortunate enough to lie down on the cot.
Soda and biscuits are your reward, in addition to the knowledge that healthy blood is a very rare and precious commodity in Africa. We were blessed to hear some students echo our thoughts, "Jesus gave his blood to give life, so I will do it in this way."
Many students and teachers did not donate. Their reasons were interesting, apart from the legitimate one that you must be 17, were: "Our diet does not allow for healthy blood or the replenishment of blood to our bodies." Or, "I don't have enough blood to spare." (I guess they haven't had that topic in biology class yet).
But, the reason some students donated was more telling: "I want to receive the report if I have HIV positive or other disease in my blood."
Your Hands & Feet in Tanzania,
Gary & Joanne
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