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About Us

Our Mission:

SHAPE NW exists to empower youth to actively explore the world around them while instilling confidence and character in a safe and fun environment.

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Founder and CEO

Paulina's Story

In September 2021, I set off for a four month travel stint to Africa.  I am an avid traveler and Africa has always intrigued me.  I boarded the plane with a bit of trepidation as I didn’t know what to expect.  During my time in Kenya I knew Africa was where I wanted to begin a long dream to bring HS students abroad.  During those four months I had many ups and downs and have seen some of the most beautiful people, cultures and landscapes in the world. But it was Zanzibar that stole my heart. Once I arrived October 24th, 2021 I started looking at property the very next day.  I have found a peace I have never known and a love for the people here.  

 

The need in Tanzania is great as schools are lacking supplies, most homes are without running water, many kids sit on dirt floors while learning, the families are mostly impoverished but that doesn’t impede their kindness and humbleness in any way.  It’s the sweetest experience to walk around and have shoeless kids see you and yell Jambo (Hello in Swahili).  Their smiles are infectious and their charisma and charm is never ending. They have nothing but they are happy. 

 

Zanzibar was the perfect place to get our feet wet with an international trip with purpose, so we set off in the summer of 2021 on our first trip abroad with HS students.  We are expanding the project this year to include building a community center in Kahama for well-needing youth and children and in Zanzibar we will building macuti shelters in the village and working on habitat conservation projects at the turtle sanctuary.

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I believe we can make a huge impact on these people's lives and in return we will walk away from this life-changing experience with gratitude in our hearts.  

 

I hope you consider having your HS students join us this summer for a once in a lifetime experience. 

Meet The Team

Our 2025 Student Ambassadors

Coming Soon

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At SHAPE NW, we create once-in-a-lifetime, culturally immersive experiences that will change your student's life forever. We specialize in organizing immersive month-long trips to Tanzania for high school students.

 

Students have the unique opportunity to contribute by building a community center in Kahama and/or volunteering at an orphanage on the beautiful island of Zanzibar.

 

Experience volunteering like never before and apply for a trip today:

Our Mission

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