One of Iowa Resource for International Service's (IRIS) more active alumni, James Chungu, constantly has a community service project in the works. James, a 2012/2013 alumni who stayed in Grundy Center, Iowa during his exchange, specializes in video and graphic design work. He uses that skill set to help those in need in his home country of Tanzania. In the past he has dedicated efforts to fighting pollution, promoting volunteerism and combating teen pregnancy. More recently his scope has been focused on fighting an illness that plagues Tanzania-malaria.

With the assistance of a Peace Corp volunteer, Chungu used his established youth volunteer program (Wake Up Teenage) to spread awareness. They began to distribute insecticide treated nets to the community and educate the population on how to use them. They also spread awareness about the importance of cleanliness in keeping away mosquitos that carry malaria.

More recently, the group held a soccer tournament to spread awareness. While soccer matches attracted the locals, they offered free malaria testing during matches to accomplish their mission. They tested over 50 individuals, and found approximately one in five were carrying malaria. Because of this program, they gained the resources for treatment. Without these tests, those individuals could have potentially gone untreated.

Additionally, James has been able to use his skills in graphic design and social media to educate people through online media. He even recorded an informative jingle to spread awareness.

In the next year, James and his group plan on expanding their hunt for funding. The funds raised will go towards testing and treating even more individuals. James' work is truly saving lives and making a difference in the world.