Mambo Vipi! We are currently enjoying one of our most productive weeks since we started which is more so a consequence of things falling into place rather than an increase in work ethic (party line: because we are always working hard). There is a saying we have here – This is Africa (TIA) – which broadly explains how things just work differently (often slower and less efficient) here than we are used to. So arranging meetings, for example, can sometimes take weeks to establish stalling us on the respective frontiers of our work. BUT, this week we have been busy between seeing different schools, meeting community and business leaders.
The two schools that we visited – St. Francis and Westlands Prep – are by definition private schools in Tabora Town and are equally impressive in their facilities and curriculum. The reason for visiting schools in the area is to get a full understanding of the computer education, or lack thereof, that is being provided. At St Francis, we were excited to find them developing their first computer lab with the hopes that classes would be provided in the extremely near future. It was interesting to see that their lab had some of the most sophisticated forms of security that we’ve encountered here in Tabora. Our experience at Westlands explained why this was needed. Westlands provided computer classes a few years ago but their ‘lab’ was broken into, their guard severely beaten and the computers were all stolen. The unfortunate incident has left the school fearful of buying new computers thus bringing another interesting facet to the computer dilemma here. Hopefully we can help both schools with their respective situations by bringing or expanding the computer education being offered. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Another example of all the progress that we’re having is our recent meeting with the Chief of Tanesco for the Tabora region. Tanesco is the sole energy provider for all of Tanzania so we were interested in learning about the levels of accessibly of energy as this directly relates to the question of how and if we can get people using different forms of technology. More importantly, access to electricity is a large standard of life indicator so we were curious to see if there were ways that we can possibly help with the accessibility. Truthfully, we were blown away with the initiatives and ambition of the company and the government (Tanesco is owned by the Tanzanian government) to get electricity in the hands of every Tanzanian. In other words, they don’t seem to need our help on this front that much! But this is a good thing as we can stay focused on identifying electricity usage levels for varying technologies to help determine the feasibility of their implementation. It would be futile, after all, tirelessly working to deliver computers to communities who are unable to power them.
Beyond work, life is great in Tabora. With extra space in our volunteer house we thought it would be a good idea to open our doors to other volunteers seeking space. This came at a convenient time as Tabora is experiencing an increase in its vo
lunteer population primarily because of the Millennium project. Consequently, Emily and Nik, both students from Columbia University have joined our ever increasing family making for all round good times. It really seems between our Millennium and HAPO friends, our evening dinners (a daily activity) are getting bigger and more fun. Best of all, similar to our experience in Dar (Blog 2), there is a wonderful sense of purpose and dialogue that exists among us that ultimately broadens each of our individual experiences. Of course, I can’t help but mention that our nightly rendezvous with the canceled-but-still-hilarious-sitcom Arrested Development ensures that every night is a good night.
All right, we’re off to another batch of meetings now. First we’re meeting with TTCL, the primary internet provider in the area and then with Celtel who is one of the two big mobile phone providers in the country. I’m sure we’ll be updating you soon on how the two go.
Salama, Adil.
p.s.Yesterday we all thought it would be good to get tested for malaria and I’m happy to report that Holly, Lauren (a volunteer from another organization who came with us) and I were all parasite free. Just in case you were worried…
