March Update

…and the rains came
March is the beginning of rainy season and it arrived in full force on the 1st, raining all night long. This first week it rained all night every night. I turned off my fan because I love the sound of rain on the metal roofs. Of course, the roads are flooded and have turned into a series of small ponds that make driving even more insane than ever.
I have spent a lot of time at Minnesota Academy this month and have walked a few times but after a week of rains, walking to or from the school is pretty impossible. One day I tried to walk and reached an impassable area (knee high boots would have been helpful!). Fortunately, our School Van was returning and the driver flagged down another car and they took me to the school. We did not know the people. I felt completely safe (It helped that one of the passengers was female.) but learned later that Nie was a bit nervous when she found out what I did! On another trip to the school in the School Van, we got stuck in the mud and all the kids had to jump puddles to get to their classes. It does not take too many trips for the drivers to know exactly how to maneuver through the water and deep potholes.
The rain continues but there are still very hot, sunny afternoons. Even with all the rain, the dust never seems to settle.

5K Fun Run
I participated in the 5K portion of the Kili Marathon on Sunday, March 4th. Jovis, Jonas’ son, and one of the teachers ran the Half Marathon. Our plan was for the 3 of us to meet at 5:45am and take the daladala to town and then walk to the start of the race. Their race started at 6:30 and mine was at 7am. It had rained all night and the walk to the daladala was difficult and slippery, with only narrow strips of dirt above water. I had my phone flashlight as it was pitch black out. There were no daladalas available because of the roads. Plan B turned out to be taking a bodaboda (motorcycle). I dislike these with a passion and was asking if there were any other alternatives, knowing full well the bodaboda was the only answer. We found two drivers and I felt a little safer riding between my driver and the teacher. I kept my eyes closed during most of the ride, choking the driver with my grip on his shoulders. Our drivers made a wrong turn in town and we had to backtrack. Because nothing starts on time here we all got to our starting spots with plenty of time. The run was good and we all met up with Nie and Jonas after the race. And, of course, the Kenyans swept all the top spots as they do every year!

Batik and Other Projects
A cabinet was purchased so we could organize teacher resources for the primary school. I am feeling “crunch time” to get everything organized and labeled but I do see a light at the end of the tunnel!
It is always fun for the Tailoring women to learn Batik. Since the women are all new students they had not seen the process. We bought the material and waited for a good weather day. It is a fun process involving the folding of the material in different ways to get different patterns, then dipping the folded material in various dyes for the color effects. The look on the girls faces when the finished products were unfolded was priceless.
We celebrated International Women’s day by having a fried plantain lunch with pilipili (HOT) sauce.
Every year, the preschool students have a lesson called, Healthy Smiles. Toothbrushes and toothpaste are provided and they learn about dental care and proper brushing techniques.

Water and Solar Project
Because of your amazing generosity, the primary kids will return to school after break and have clean, safe drinking water. Fortunately, we had a dry spell of about 5 days so the government could get in to lay the initial line and the stand could be delivered. The line extensions are being put in and the last step is getting the tanks up on the stand and installing the taps. We were so close to our goal that we went ahead with the solar. Eventually more panels will be installed but for now several rooms have lights and outside lights are providing much needed security. The night watchman is thrilled.

Update on Safina
We found a potty chair for Safina, plus bought material for the tailoring women to make her school uniform. She continues to progress in school. She is happy and engaging. The plan is to move her to the older preschool class for the 2nd term which starts mid-April and then to Minnesota Academy for the next school year. Her meds and Physical Therapy are making a difference. Her legs are getting stronger. Initially, her posture was somewhat hunched but now she can stand up straight (with help). She has also been fitted for special shoes. Safina needs 4 more months of meds and Physical therapy before her next full evaluation. (Because of the high cost of her medical care we are still looking for donations or several sponsors. Contact me if interested.)

Special Friends
It is so easy to get caught up in the “busyness” that time flies and I realize I haven’t reconnected with friends I last saw two years ago. I had a wonderful lunch and visit with Magembe. I have known him since 2010. He lived in the same volunteer house I stayed in during my visits in 2010 and 12. He was at University studying accounting and is now looking at starting a coffee business. Our visits are always enjoyable. We did a lot of brainstorming about his business, as well as reminiscing and laughing over stories of all the entertaining and amusing escapades we had together and with other volunteers.
Schools are on break for two weeks (last day 3/23). On the 24th we traveled to Arusha to pick up Jovin (Nie & Jonas’ son) from school. I stayed in Arusha to meet up with Neema. She was my cook and “sister” when I was here in 2014. Probably one of the best and most creative cooks, our friendship was instant and we shared some very special times together. She is working as a cook in one of the hotels in Arusha and has an adorable 2-year-old daughter.
Wrapping up my day in Arusha, I had also arranged a visit with Deb & Lizzie. They are from the US and Canada, respectively.  Both have lived in Tanzania over 6 years. Lizzie works in Moshi at a Family Preservation organization she and a Tanzanian friend founded. Deb is with an orphanage/school just outside Arusha. I enjoy talking with them because they truly understand life here as a volunteer/white person. Their issues and frustrations are the same; their bond to the people and the country goes deep.
One of the reasons I love Facebook is that it allows me to stay in touch and grow these friendships from the other side of the world.

I am heading into my last week here. No doubt, knowing me, it will be hectic and a flurry of activity. Nie and Jonas and family are traveling to Dar es Salaam on Friday. This worked out perfectly for me. I will go with them and we will stay 2 nights in Dar (celebrating my birthday!!!) before they return to Moshi and I continue on to Zanzibar for a few days of R&R. I will then fly to DC to see my daughter for a few days and then back to Ohio on the 9th!
As always this has been an incredible experience that I will forever cherish. I am so grateful and blessed!

Feb 19 Pics - Making Progress

   

Here is the Metal Cabinet Ready to be Transported and Transformed
into an Orderly, Organized Teacher Resource Cabinet

P-2 Class at Minnesota Academy

Every Day Buckets of Water are Hauled to Minnesota Academy.
The buckets in this picture are filled and used for the kids' drinking water.
Thanks for the donations and keep 'em coming!!!

Katherine, the Tailoring Instructor, working with her students
who are sewing up to 200 Reusable Sanitary Pads daily!

Safina using her new ramp with the help of her teacher, Mr Ezekiel.

Visiting Jovin
(Front LtoR-Happy, Joan, Nie, Jonas, Jovin
Back Row-Nie's Uncle & wife, their son, David)

Jovin & Me

My Pet Lizard!! These cute little things are everywhere. 

Feb 19-28 Never A Dull Moment!!!

Monday, February 19 

In my efforts at organizing and educating the teachers on the use of the resource materials, it is necessary for them to have a cabinet. Cabinet space is limited and as a result, things are crammed, cardboard boxes are used for storage, and, ultimately, things are scattered and/or lost. I agreed when I first arrived that I would purchase a metal locked cabinet. It will be housed in the office of the Academic Teacher at Minnesota Academy. However, I learned, there is only a cut out for a window and no glass in the door of this room. So, getting this done has moved up on the To-Do list.

In the past TAFCOM has typically purchased wood shelving and cabinets. Wood has become very expensive, due in part to efforts to stop deforestation. Nie is involved with the Green Garden Women’s Group. They receive funds from the UN Development Program to provide special stoves for schools in the areas surrounding Mt Kilimanjaro. The goal is to reduce the deforestation that is taking place because of the use of firewood/charcoal for cooking. Anything that helps the environment makes my heart happy. I realize that selling firewood and charcoal provide needed income for many here. However, the government has initiated policies requiring a license to cut in certain areas plus designated some areas as preserves where cutting is illegal.

Nie dropped off funds to Chausiku so she could pick up her medications tomorrow. She has started her business selling vegetables and is very grateful for the income and TAFCOM’s help for her and her granddaughter.

Tuesday, February 20

I began my day riding the school bus to Minnesota Academy to observe grades 1 & 2 and to continue cataloging books and supplies. There is always a gathering outside before classes start for announcements. I noticed that Amina was not there. (She is the student I sponsor.) When I inquired about her I was told she was in her classroom crying because of foot pain. When Amina was very young (under 1 year old) she was involved in a house fire. Her lower leg and foot were seriously burned. The pigment is gone and the foot is tender and causes her pain. I went to see her and asked that she stop by the house after school. Ibrahim, the Head Teacher (principal), was to call her mother about having her see a doctor. Amina lives mostly with her aunt as her mother’s work is in Arusha.

After school, Amina stopped by and Nie and I checked her leg and foot. We had her wash her foot and put some Neosporin on it. I gave her a pair of clean socks. There seems to be some almost-raw spots on her leg as well as cracking of the skin on her foot. We asked her to follow a regular washing routine, using the Neosporin and always wearing socks. 

Wednesday, February 21

Clinic day at KCMC hospital was yesterday. Amina got some oral medication for her foot pain and will also continue with the Neosporin.

Chausiku received her meds and TAFCOM is looking for a sponsor to help with her ongoing medical needs.

Rukia came to the office as scheduled to discuss enrolling Safina. I want to repeat for emphasis that 5 other schools rejected this child and she will be 8 in June!  Because Safina has had no schooling nor understands any English, she will start in the younger pre-school which is half-day and move up as she is assessed and progresses in English and subject comprehension.

According to her mom, Safina can use her wheel chair or sit on floor. She crawls at home and can sit for up to 3 hours. For the bathroom she uses a potty chair. Rukia will have Safina in Pampers for school. Mom has been teaching her at home and she knows her ABC’s. Safina will ride the school bus and start school on Monday, 2/26.

Both Nie and Jonas spent time with Rukia. Before leaving she shared that no one had ever given her encouragement like this! 

Safina has her meds for the next month and will participate daily in Physical Therapy. We need to find several sponsors for Rafina as her needs are extensive. (Reply if you want to know how to help.) We have received donations to cover most of her school fees for this year, plus this month’s medication, and a few weeks of Physical Therapy. Additional donations are being used to pay for the ramp, and to purchase diapers and a potty chair for the school.

As if Rukia doesn’t have enough going on in her life, Nie learned that she also has a 9-year-old son. Because of the personal and financial hardships of the family, he has been living with his grandparents in their village since 2016. TAFCOM is hoping that Rukia might be able to start a small business while Safina is in school and then expand when her 3-year-old starts pre-school next year.

Another interesting aspect of all this – when a person or family member has a serious medical issue, they can go to the local government office with verification from the hospital. The government issues an official letter which legitimizes the condition and the letter is then used to “beg” for money. (Let that one sink in!)

Thursday, February 22

Work started on Safina’s ramp today. We went to town for several things and I found socks for Amina and some Nivea Lotion. She has been stopping by after school and is following her cleaning regimen 2-3 times per day. I enjoy visiting with Amina. She is a very sweet girl and is one of the top in her class.

Friday, February 23

My plate is full – and not just with the delicious food here! I continue to work on cataloging and labeling, plus lots of smaller projects that add a lot of variety to my days. Fundraising is an ongoing endeavor and the Clean Water Project has begun. Funds raised will be used to install water lines and tanks for clean, safe drinking water (Donations of any size are appreciated.). I enjoy not doing the same thing every day and nothing ever feels routine. I continue my morning runs and am even making time for some crochet.

Saturday, February 24  

Nie and Jonas’ son, Jovin, now attends Tengeru boys school in Arusha. (He is the equivalent of a high school freshman.) 600 students attend this all boys Catholic boarding school. He left for school in early January and today is the first day the families are allowed to visit. I know this has been very hard on Nie. She did manage two phone calls to one of the teachers to make sure Jovin was ok and to see what we could bring for him. The drive to Arusha is about an hour and a half. Jovin was all smiles as he greeted us. He is almost as tall as his dad now. He is doing well; the adjustment was not difficult for him; and he loves his school and classes. Joan was too sweet. She was attached like Velcro to Jovin the whole visit and cried when we left.

Sunday, February 25

Chill day – but not in terms of weather. It is still mid-80’s every day! Rainy season should be here soon. I spent a lot of the day reading about how to set up a library. A real cliff hanger that kept me on the edge of my seat…Not!

Monday, February 26

Safina’s first day of school was a success! At the end of the day I asked if her if she had a good day. The sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face brought tears of joy!! I am so grateful to TAFCOM for not turning her away.

Tuesday, February 27

While in Rwanda we found these really cute heart-shaped zippered pouches that unfold into a tote bag. Katherine, the tailoring teacher is confident she can duplicate them so it was off to town to buy fabric. This is very dangerous because I could easily blow my budget in any one of the fabric stores. I love the patterns and the color combinations. I was able to stop at 7 pieces! (I can still take orders for heart-shaped or square-shaped.)

Wednesday, February 28

We have not been able to find a larger size potty chair for Safina. It was not until today that she needed to use the bathroom. Asha carried her over to my room to use the toilet. It was a bit awkward but will work as a temporary solution. I have been checking with her teachers each day and they report that Safina is doing very well, she participates, catches on quickly, and is doing very well with the other students. She seems genuinely happy to be here.

It is not helpful losing 2 days because February only has 28 days. I cannot keep up with the work here, let alone this blog! It is a good problem because boredom has never been part of my vocabulary. I apologize if this seems a bit rushed because it was!!!

Tailoring to Teasers

Katherine, Tailoring Teacher, Modeling Dashiki Skirt

Maulida, Tailoring Teacher, Modeling Dashiki Shirt

Katherine with Tote Bag

 

Patchwork Purse

Jasmine with Beaded Scarf

View of Lake Manyara in Distance

 

Near Uncle's House - Coffee Trees on Left

Field Ready for Planting - All Done By Hand



 

Part of the Scenic Drive to Karatu

 

 Nie, Her Grandmother, Jonas & Aunt (in back)

 

Teaser - Invitation to Wedding

 

Teaser- Wedding Car

Teaser - Traditional Dance....Stay Tuned for more!!

 

Reaching New Heights

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1
The volunteers polled their house and the 13^th looks like the best day for our Traditional Dance fundraiser. Jonas is comparing the fees of a couple local dance groups. Selam & Jasmine are focusing their efforts on reviewing the pre-school curriculum and resources. They will be teaching and helping in the pre-school classes which keep adding kids weekly and can use some helping hands.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

I spent almost 4 hours walking around Moshi and Soweto this afternoon. I love walking everywhere. It forces me to slow down and appreciate my surroundings. Mussa and I met at his shop to discuss my Kili climb and set a date for the 18th. This will put me at the summit around the full moon which was what I was hoping for. I also met Joseph who will be a part of the climbing team.  I invited Mussa to lunch on Thursday so he can check my clothing and equipment for the climb.

I mentioned the Traditional Dance fundraiser and asked him if he knew anyone proficient in African Traditional dances. Jonas had contacted a few but their fees were over our budget. Joseph mentioned a man he knows and said they would contact him for me.

While in Soweto I visited Debra and then headed back to Moshi to finish several errands. One item I am trying to find is the Pre-School Syllabus. The Ministry of Education sets the school curriculum and this book was issued in 2005. The new president is discussing some welcome changes in the education system and will hopefully have a revised edition available within the next 2 years. Needless to say TAFCOM’s copy is very worn.

I had been to 3 stores with no luck. Each one referring me to the next. A customer at the 3^rd store spoke up and said he knew another bookstore. I have had people help me in this manner before. Sometimes they are genuinely helpful; other times they have something to sell. We must have looked in 3-4 additional stores. I told him it was too late and I must return home. He then pulled out the bracelets he makes and sells, telling me what a good price he was giving me. Except for the fact that he was so persistently helpful I would have brushed him off. The bracelets were Tanzania colors so I bought one and decided to give it to Amina. Nie and I were planning to visit her home today so I could meet her mom.

I returned home around 5pm. Amina and Nie were waiting for me so we headed directly to Amina’s home. After Nie made introductions I shared that I would be helping with Amina’s school expenses. Rachel (Amina’s mom) was very touched and appreciative. Rachel and her 2 children live in one room attached to Nie’s mother’s home. We agreed that Amina would get off the school bus at TAFCOM on Monday so we could spend time together and then I would walk her to her aunt’s where she stays until her mom returns from work.

I was also looking forward to seeing Nie’s mother as I had not yet visited her this trip. Nie’s grandmother and niece are also staying with Nie’s mom. Grandma, age 87, is recovering from a leg amputation at the knee caused by poor circulation. The niece is caring for her.

Nie’s mom has one of the greatest smiles. Although her English is minimal; she is one of those people who speaks through her eyes and her smile – so heartwarming and expressive.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

The Tailoring teachers and students are ready sew products for the African Dance fundraiser. There have been product requests from other volunteers at Hostel Hof so there is much work to be done in the next 10 days.

Later in the afternoon, Mussa and Joseph arrived with Kida, the dance instructor, to discuss the fundraiser. Nie worked out all the details and Kida will perform several Traditional dances and then teach some basic African dance moves. We scheduled the event from 10-12 on Saturday the 13th. Kida currently teaches at an area golf course twice a week. We talked about how he gets the word out about his classes. Since he is giving us a very good price it was agreed that the volunteers and I would make copies of his class flyer and distribute them around Moshi. He seemed very pleased with this arrangement.

Joseph is quite the character. His English is very good. At one point in our conversation he said he would do something and then grabbed my little finger for a “Pinky Swear”. I had no idea people here knew about that! He shared a picture of his 13 year old daughter, Sophia. When I commented on how beautiful she was he informed me that he is planning to get a leopard from one of the parks. He explained that unlike a lion or dog who goes to sleep after eating his prey, the leopard stays alert and goes out for more. He felt this would be the best animal to keep the boys away!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Nie brought over a wedding invitation and asked if I would like to go with her and Jonas. A Tanzanian wedding is an event I have always wanted to experience. We will be attending the reception on Saturday evening.

We finished working with the tailoring teachers and are excited to see how everything turns out.  Katherine & Maulida have been the tailoring teachers for as long as I can remember. I commented to Nie how much they have improved not only in their own skills but in the transferring of their knowledge to the students.

Elizabeth finished working on the TAFCOM Facebook page and scheduled several postings. (Please Like our page.) Selam and Jasmine have spent several days observing in the classroom and playing with the pre-schoolers. They will start teaching next week and have found many useful resources. Updating the Tailoring Items Price List and developing a Power Point of sample products has been my priority. There are also a few revisions being made to the Volunteer Orientation Manual. When I can, I pop into a classroom and have been able to help the teachers with a few lessons.

Mussa arrived for lunch and we talked about the climb. I was pleased and relieved that I have everything I need. Mussa is providing the sleeping bag, mat and large pack that the porter will carry. I will have a small backpack and was advised to make sure it does not way more than 10 pounds. I am very comfortable with this weight amount as I was expecting to carry closer to 20 pounds. I have no doubt that Mussa will take very good care of me.

I noticed that the top and bottom of my sandals were separating. Ellie and I walked to the fundi who repairs shoes. A fundi is the term used to describe anyone who does manual labor. When he looked at the shoes he showed me how they were also coming apart on the sides. We were advised to return in 2 hours. I was assuming they would be glued but to my surprise he very sturdily stitched the entire shoe. My bill was $.75. I can’t imagine what I would have paid at home. New shoes might have been cheaper.

Tonight was the Send Off for the couple getting married on Saturday.  This event includes the parading through the streets of an open ended truck with a band of various horn players playing music, followed by a car for the bride and groom that is decorated with large ribbons and flowers. The first stop is the home of the groom’s parents before trumpeting to a dinner in town. The groom’s parents live about 4 houses down the road so we were able to watch the parade and hear the music.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5

I joined the family on a ride to Karatu. Knowing we would be on the road that leads to Ngorongoro Crater and passing Lake Manyara was not something I would miss. The drive brought back memories of when Lee Ann and I went on safari in 2009. Jonas stopped at an overlook for a view of Lake Manyara.

Nie’s grandmother and niece were the reason for the trip as they were returning to Nie’s uncle’s house. He is a doctor and his wife a nurse.

For some time now I have wanted to translate some children’s books into Swahili. It saddens me that children are not read to like they are in the US. One of the donated books, The Little Engine That Could, has always been a favorite. It has such a positive, inspiring message.  I brought my Swahili guide plus the book, hoping to work on it during the drive which was several hours each way. I was able to translate a few pages before the scenery became too beautiful to continue.

On the return trip we stopped at Snake Park but it was already closed. Maybe the 3^rd try will be the charm! We then ventured over to the Maasai market which is not for those who have large “space bubbles”. It consists of many narrow aisles with small shops all butting up next to each other. The vendors are assertive trying to sell their wares, mostly hand-made items. There is a specific vendor who makes beaded scarves that are selling very well by a group in Florida. We purchased a number of them for the African Dance fundraiser.

It was a long yet very enjoyable day.

 

Minnesota Academy Pics & More

Lynn with the Kids



The 2nd Building at Minnesota Academy



Jonas, Lynn & Nie

TAFCOM Staff

 Tailoring Students

 

TAFCOM Children Singing About Tanzanian Flag

 Click on link to hear the kids' song about the Tanzania Flag.

"Green is Vegetation, Yellow is Minerals, Black is People. Blue is Ocean."

 

 The Blackboard at Minnesota Academy

 

 Lynn and Group with their Guide, Eric (who is Jonas' Nephew)

 

 Marketplace - inside area

 

The Road I Run On



An Off-Road Trail that is a loop I run

Another part of the Off-Road Loop

 The Stone I Use for My Stair-Stepping Exercise

I need strong quads for the Kili climb!

 

 A Hearty Healthy Breakfast

 

 

 

Diving In

MONDAY, JANUARY 11

There was a flurry of activity today getting ready for Lynn and her group. Although a smaller group this time, TAFCOM always rolls out the red carpet. Early afternoon their van arrived. I was the Emcee for the Welcoming Celebration. After all the introductions, Jonas gave a poignant, eloquent presentation on the history and programs of TACOM. I talked about my volunteer experiences and, as always, got choked up. My passion runs deep. The children were adorable as expected and did a great job with songs, chants and even a skit.

After a short break, we headed out to Minnesota Academy to see the progress on the 2^nd building. When completed, the Minnesota Academy, which sits on approximately 5 acres of land, will educate primary students in grades 1-7. In addition, there will be a library and dormitory. It is not uncommon for private schools to provide housing for students. Jonas envisions this housing for those who may have some special needs or need an environment that is safe and nurturing as well as for those who live farther away.

We all met up for dinner at Indo-Italiano which caters to tourists and has very good food. I enjoyed my first beer this trip. Tanzania beer is pretty decent, the Kilimanjaro brand being one of my favorites.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12

Today is the public holiday known as Zanzibar Revolution, commemorating Zanzibar’s independence in 1964. There was no school and although most stores remain open, government offices and banks do close. Nie and I went through 2 duffle bags of donations brought by Lynn. I am thrilled about the Hooked on Phonics material which will be so stimulating and exciting for the kids. Lynn has some connection to a Healthy Smiles continuing grant that provides toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss for the school children.

From healthy teeth to healthy bodies…One of my friends wanted to contribute to improve nutrition for the children. I bought some very large bags of raisins and jars of cinnamon at Costco before I left. We are adding them to the children's daily porridge and they love it, especially the raisins which they do not have here. They do have grapes, however. I will be getting some local honey since I had to watch my weight limits on the luggage and I did not relish the thought of a jar breaking in the suitcase! It is encouraging to know that the kids are grateful, love the great taste, and are receiving a dose of good nutrients.

Nie, Jonas and I had a good discussion about program and administration priorities. Nie and I then planned out the projects I would work on, setting a flexible timetable with weekly reviews. I typically am involved in a lot of organizational tasks along with e few larger projects. Elizabeth and I will be categorizing and labeling all the resource material for the teachers. Observing in the classroom is always beneficial and the teachers are eager for ideas. I am impressed with the teaching staff which is about 50/50 male and female. Updating the profiles for home-based, tailoring and the children is something I do whenever I come. As sad as the stories are, learning about the families and students keeps things in perspective and reinforces the importance and impact of TAFCOM.

Because TAFCOM is dependent on its donors, fundraising always plays a role for me. I am grateful to all those who have contributed thus far. I will offer opportunities for specific needs throughout my time here and hope that others will be moved to help out. It is amazing how far a small amount can go to make a difference.

I am convinced that Micro Loans are a powerful tool for alleviating poverty. Each time I visit we plan a program for at least 10 recipients. The Micro Loan program was started in 2010 by another volunteer. The Micro Loan allows a family to start or expand an existing business. The loans are typically $100 USD and include a Business Management workshop. Many of the parents TAFCOM works with did not attend Secondary School (HS) and desire a good education for their children. I have seen the sacrifices made by these families. Public school is “free”, according to the government, but each school charges fees and there are expenses for supplies and uniforms. These loans, although not lifting people out of poverty, do provide hope for a better future for the children. I highly recommend the book, Creating A World Without Poverty by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus who developed the concept of the Micro Loan.

The afternoon was spent in Moshi with Ellie, visiting the open market to buy fruits and vegetables and picking up supplies for Minnesota Academy. Ellie is a very good cook and graduated first in her class at Hospitality Management School. I enjoy her company and we occasionally take afternoon walks together. She pushes me to speak Swahili which I also appreciate.

We rode the daladala home. This is the “Bus” system. The daladala resembles a very old, dilapidated VW bus, similar to the ones from the 60’s and possibly as old. The doors rarely work and the money collector often hangs on the outside so they can cram even more people inside. There is no limit; people stand, sit and take many awkward positions. This mode of transportation is not for the claustrophobic as a typical ride will present the opportunity of intimate contact with 20+ people for only $.20.

 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13

It feels good to be getting into a routine. I am not typically a very structured person nor an early riser. However, that is all different here. I am usually awake by 5:30am. I start my day with some meditation & exercises, and then go for a 30-40 minute run. Breakfast is brought to my room. (I know – how spoiled is that??) I cannot sit for a leisurely breakfast so I get ready and eat at the same time. Tea, fresh fruit, juice and an egg or biscuit with peanut butter is my usual fare. Once I am ready for the day I walk out my door, take about 5 steps and I am in the TAFCOM office!

Elizabeth and I are diving into the resource bookshelf. The books were somewhat organized from my last visit so dividing them by subject topic was the easy part. The next step is entering everything into a database and labeling. It is noteworthy that the teacher training in this country is far behind the western world. Resources are not commonly available and most classrooms may have only one textbook per subject.

We are becoming very familiar with what is available which will make it easier to help the teachers. This project is going to take several days. We will then meet with the head teacher and do an orientation with all the teachers. Not only will time be spent showing them what resources are available but also demonstrating how to creatively use the material. There are also many reading books for all levels. These will be incorporated into the curriculum and also saved for a future library.

I am feeling very grateful for so many things…the life I have that allows me these amazing opportunities and experiences, and the people I am surrounded by whose hearts are so full of love, appreciation and generosity.