By Mimi Muir, July 30
While last summer in Tanzania was unforgettable and provided memories I will cherish forever, returning to Tanzania this summer has opened my eyes to how special this country truly is. The open arms, gentleness, and affection of the people amaze: this year I am most appreciative for their simple nature guided by love.
Our beloved hosts, Jane and John, surround us with a comforting home away from home. Last year, we were in awe of their constant hospitality. We resided in the main house and ate meals in the small round kitchen table. This year, an entire guest house (under construction last summer) was built to accommodate our larger group. Like UhuruPads' growth, instead of being able to seat our group at one table, our bigger group eats at several tables inside and outside. Last year we had six members, this year we have an incredible 16. Hopefully the exponential growth will continue and next year there will be four vans of UhuruPad Champions (the name of those who go out into the field) rather than the two vans we have this year and one last year! Laura is truly amazing and I am in in constant awe of her. While her drive and dedication to support girls and women in Tanzania began as a grass-roots project, it now supports thousands of girls (hopefully one day, millions!!)!
We began today with a fresh Tanzanian breakfast: delicious mango, pineapple, watermelon, gigantic avocados spread on fresh bread, freshly cooked pancakes, farm eggs, chipati (a kind of flat bread: Mama Jane, our host, has offered to lead us in a cooking class so that we can bring this special treat and other recipes back to the US!), and brewed coffee/ tea. It is beautiful to wake up to the incredible sunrise and hear various animals chirping or barking. Jane and John expressed to the younger girls that “we are lovely daughters” and shamelessly displayed photos of their youngest son who now resides in America, in hopes that one of us may marry him and join their family!
After breakfast we packed into two vans (with the Uhuru Dudes - the guys participating in a parallel project - filled a third!) and set out for our long and exciting day ahead. Another van of pads and underwear followed us; and still another van included our Tanzanian translators (all women employed and included as part of the Uhuru team).
George is the driver for the younger Champions (women in high school/college/and recent graduates). George was our driver last year and greeted the team veterans at the airport with bouquets of roses (so sweet)!! Needless to say, we share a mutual respect with these remarkable people who selflessly provide their time to support the health of the girls we are serving. I admire their determination and kindness. We all enjoy window watching and observing the people, transportation, animals, and nature. These lengthy drives from school to school provide an opportunity to ask George more about the Tanzanian culture and exchange comments and stories.
A recent Vanderbilt graduate on our team, Meredith, was awarded a grant to travel the world this year and explore different female education systems. She shared her former experience of living with a family in Africa that spoke no English and had very limited resources, before accompanying our UhuruPads team. Her insights and wisdom inspire me to consider circumstances in other countries, and reminds me of my many gifts and opportunities.
After an hour navigating dusty roads with many bumps and malfunctions, we arrived at our first school of the day (and #4 on our list on this trip): it is called Ngyeku Secondary School and 450 girls attend it. George has a ripped notebook page with scribbled landmarks on the way to each school so he knows where to go; This is pretty unbelievable to us passengers who rely heavily on Waze back home! At Ngyeku, surrounded by an open sunflower field, we split into five groups, each with two UhuruPads US team members and a Tanzanian translator. We introduced ourselves to seated students who were extremely attentive. We use books, displaying simple diagrams/ pictures, and on the back there is information for us to provide the key details aligned to a larger picture the girls are seeing. The US team members take turns reading and explaining each page and then the translator repeats the message in Kiswahili to ensure it is well understood.
I am paired with another Veteran - Paige, soon to be a sophomore at Virginia Tech - and our translator is Winnie. Winnie is incredibly interactive and the girls all are amused and attentive. I am so thankful for her! At this point we all have the presentation down to a science and for the most part, memorized! The presentation ranges from female anatomy, to basic feminine hygiene, to self defense, to empowering messages, and so on. Part of the presentation includes asking for volunteers to answer a few true/ false questions and earn candy if they respond. I brought a few five pound bags of gummy bears: the girls all love them!
We also encourage questions and I am always amazed by the girls' willingness to share. I have received a wide variety of questions ranging from my personal experiences, “is xyz normal," to tougher questions about prostitution and rape. The girls are curious and observant. Sometimes teachers or the headmaster join our presentations. For example this school had two teachers standing in the back; immediately when the teachers approached, two students got up from their seated position, lifted their chairs, and offered a seat to both of the teachers. The girls value responsibility and respectfulness for elders (quite admirable and not something one sees at this level in the US!).
After the presentation is finished, Paige and I demonstrate how to place a pad on underwear and the girls always belly laugh, but still are intrigued and grateful. We then distribute a tracking card (marked off with month one; which will continue to be marked off each month until the girls have received a full year's supply of pads), a packet of 100% biodegrradable sanitary pads, and a pair of underwear to each girl. They tuck their new items under their sweaters and respond with: “Thank you,” or “Thank you, I love you!” Afterwards, the girls ask us to dance or sing for them and soon thereafter we are all in a circle laughing and dancing.
They are all so affectionate and love to hug me and run their hands down my long, light colored hair. I am constantly surrounded by bright smiles expressing thankfulness and love.
Laura always says “TIA: This is Africa!” In other words, you never know what to expect. On the way to the second school, our van got stuck in a ditch and we all had to get out and push it out. Malfunctions occur, but we always make the best of them. The second and third schools were similar to the first: apprehension, curiosity,, relief, excitement, and love. The girls greet us with open arms and appreciate our presentation and products. A highlight at the second school, was a conga line with a few hundred girls, singing and dancing. At the third school we blasted “Waka Waka” by Shakira and danced with the girls. Even with some language barriers, we could join together and bond over singing and dancing. We concluded the visits by constructing a tippy-tap, a simple hand washing station made by hanging a bar of soap with a string and buckets of water held together by poles.
Today, we supported a total of 1,310 girls. I am humbled and thankful to have this opportunity to support other them. I am looking forward to the rest of the week.
If you're wondering what the Uhuru Dudes were doing during all this, Jack and Will (two high school students) and Jeff (Will's dad, who is the author of the Wimpy Kid series: who has more than tolerated us all sharing our favorite moments from his books!) visited a primary day school. They taught English lessons and interviewed students about their access to water. With what they learn and Jeff's great following of kids and teachers around the world, they hope to allow kids who have water to learn more about what it is like for those who live without it. By sparking understanding and compassion, they may also be able to increase understanding about water conservation among those who have it. I hope that when I grow up I can continue to give back like Jeff. As a very successful author, he has chosen to use his success for the good of others.
We returned home and shared our stories for hours. From receiving challenging questions to hearing about dangerous daily walks to school, to joyful moments, and laughs, we appreciate reflecting on the day. Once again, after a tiring day, we walked into the aroma of Tanzanian spiced chicken, rice, beans, and squash soup, and of course, some chipatis!
It feels rewarding to be here in an effort to empower girls. I continue to learn more about myself and others. I feel a unique sense of purpose, happiness and fulfillment here. People without the basic necessities have the biggest smiles and warmest hearts. I find myself often having to hold back tears when interacting with these girls. Today I was in a classroom with about 50 girls and all of the sudden they all surrounded me, tightly wrapped their arms around my waist, and tried to shower me with kisses. This unconditional love is remarkable. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the week holds.
While last summer in Tanzania was unforgettable and provided memories I will cherish forever, returning to Tanzania this summer has opened my eyes to how special this country truly is. The open arms, gentleness, and affection of the people amaze: this year I am most appreciative for their simple nature guided by love.
Our beloved hosts, Jane and John, surround us with a comforting home away from home. Last year, we were in awe of their constant hospitality. We resided in the main house and ate meals in the small round kitchen table. This year, an entire guest house (under construction last summer) was built to accommodate our larger group. Like UhuruPads' growth, instead of being able to seat our group at one table, our bigger group eats at several tables inside and outside. Last year we had six members, this year we have an incredible 16. Hopefully the exponential growth will continue and next year there will be four vans of UhuruPad Champions (the name of those who go out into the field) rather than the two vans we have this year and one last year! Laura is truly amazing and I am in in constant awe of her. While her drive and dedication to support girls and women in Tanzania began as a grass-roots project, it now supports thousands of girls (hopefully one day, millions!!)!
We began today with a fresh Tanzanian breakfast: delicious mango, pineapple, watermelon, gigantic avocados spread on fresh bread, freshly cooked pancakes, farm eggs, chipati (a kind of flat bread: Mama Jane, our host, has offered to lead us in a cooking class so that we can bring this special treat and other recipes back to the US!), and brewed coffee/ tea. It is beautiful to wake up to the incredible sunrise and hear various animals chirping or barking. Jane and John expressed to the younger girls that “we are lovely daughters” and shamelessly displayed photos of their youngest son who now resides in America, in hopes that one of us may marry him and join their family!
After breakfast we packed into two vans (with the Uhuru Dudes - the guys participating in a parallel project - filled a third!) and set out for our long and exciting day ahead. Another van of pads and underwear followed us; and still another van included our Tanzanian translators (all women employed and included as part of the Uhuru team).
George is the driver for the younger Champions (women in high school/college/and recent graduates). George was our driver last year and greeted the team veterans at the airport with bouquets of roses (so sweet)!! Needless to say, we share a mutual respect with these remarkable people who selflessly provide their time to support the health of the girls we are serving. I admire their determination and kindness. We all enjoy window watching and observing the people, transportation, animals, and nature. These lengthy drives from school to school provide an opportunity to ask George more about the Tanzanian culture and exchange comments and stories.
A recent Vanderbilt graduate on our team, Meredith, was awarded a grant to travel the world this year and explore different female education systems. She shared her former experience of living with a family in Africa that spoke no English and had very limited resources, before accompanying our UhuruPads team. Her insights and wisdom inspire me to consider circumstances in other countries, and reminds me of my many gifts and opportunities.
After an hour navigating dusty roads with many bumps and malfunctions, we arrived at our first school of the day (and #4 on our list on this trip): it is called Ngyeku Secondary School and 450 girls attend it. George has a ripped notebook page with scribbled landmarks on the way to each school so he knows where to go; This is pretty unbelievable to us passengers who rely heavily on Waze back home! At Ngyeku, surrounded by an open sunflower field, we split into five groups, each with two UhuruPads US team members and a Tanzanian translator. We introduced ourselves to seated students who were extremely attentive. We use books, displaying simple diagrams/ pictures, and on the back there is information for us to provide the key details aligned to a larger picture the girls are seeing. The US team members take turns reading and explaining each page and then the translator repeats the message in Kiswahili to ensure it is well understood.
I am paired with another Veteran - Paige, soon to be a sophomore at Virginia Tech - and our translator is Winnie. Winnie is incredibly interactive and the girls all are amused and attentive. I am so thankful for her! At this point we all have the presentation down to a science and for the most part, memorized! The presentation ranges from female anatomy, to basic feminine hygiene, to self defense, to empowering messages, and so on. Part of the presentation includes asking for volunteers to answer a few true/ false questions and earn candy if they respond. I brought a few five pound bags of gummy bears: the girls all love them!
We also encourage questions and I am always amazed by the girls' willingness to share. I have received a wide variety of questions ranging from my personal experiences, “is xyz normal," to tougher questions about prostitution and rape. The girls are curious and observant. Sometimes teachers or the headmaster join our presentations. For example this school had two teachers standing in the back; immediately when the teachers approached, two students got up from their seated position, lifted their chairs, and offered a seat to both of the teachers. The girls value responsibility and respectfulness for elders (quite admirable and not something one sees at this level in the US!).
After the presentation is finished, Paige and I demonstrate how to place a pad on underwear and the girls always belly laugh, but still are intrigued and grateful. We then distribute a tracking card (marked off with month one; which will continue to be marked off each month until the girls have received a full year's supply of pads), a packet of 100% biodegrradable sanitary pads, and a pair of underwear to each girl. They tuck their new items under their sweaters and respond with: “Thank you,” or “Thank you, I love you!” Afterwards, the girls ask us to dance or sing for them and soon thereafter we are all in a circle laughing and dancing.
They are all so affectionate and love to hug me and run their hands down my long, light colored hair. I am constantly surrounded by bright smiles expressing thankfulness and love.
Laura always says “TIA: This is Africa!” In other words, you never know what to expect. On the way to the second school, our van got stuck in a ditch and we all had to get out and push it out. Malfunctions occur, but we always make the best of them. The second and third schools were similar to the first: apprehension, curiosity,, relief, excitement, and love. The girls greet us with open arms and appreciate our presentation and products. A highlight at the second school, was a conga line with a few hundred girls, singing and dancing. At the third school we blasted “Waka Waka” by Shakira and danced with the girls. Even with some language barriers, we could join together and bond over singing and dancing. We concluded the visits by constructing a tippy-tap, a simple hand washing station made by hanging a bar of soap with a string and buckets of water held together by poles.
Today, we supported a total of 1,310 girls. I am humbled and thankful to have this opportunity to support other them. I am looking forward to the rest of the week.
If you're wondering what the Uhuru Dudes were doing during all this, Jack and Will (two high school students) and Jeff (Will's dad, who is the author of the Wimpy Kid series: who has more than tolerated us all sharing our favorite moments from his books!) visited a primary day school. They taught English lessons and interviewed students about their access to water. With what they learn and Jeff's great following of kids and teachers around the world, they hope to allow kids who have water to learn more about what it is like for those who live without it. By sparking understanding and compassion, they may also be able to increase understanding about water conservation among those who have it. I hope that when I grow up I can continue to give back like Jeff. As a very successful author, he has chosen to use his success for the good of others.
We returned home and shared our stories for hours. From receiving challenging questions to hearing about dangerous daily walks to school, to joyful moments, and laughs, we appreciate reflecting on the day. Once again, after a tiring day, we walked into the aroma of Tanzanian spiced chicken, rice, beans, and squash soup, and of course, some chipatis!
It feels rewarding to be here in an effort to empower girls. I continue to learn more about myself and others. I feel a unique sense of purpose, happiness and fulfillment here. People without the basic necessities have the biggest smiles and warmest hearts. I find myself often having to hold back tears when interacting with these girls. Today I was in a classroom with about 50 girls and all of the sudden they all surrounded me, tightly wrapped their arms around my waist, and tried to shower me with kisses. This unconditional love is remarkable. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the week holds.