We arrived in Moshi around noon (day 1), checked into our hostel and then headed out shopping to buy groceries and give my daughter a little bit of the ‘lay of the land’. I must admit it is a bit of a culture shock on the first day so I was very interested in her reaction. Hamna shida (no problem J).
Despite the fact that we had travelled 45 hours we were raring to go. Usually Canada/Tanzania trip is between 24 and 28 hours however with air fares really being up I booked a ‘milk run’ that included a 6-hr layover in Dallas, followed by 8 hours in Doha, Qatar. The actual flying time was spread over 3 flights (6 hrs + 15 hrs + 8 hrs). Wasn’t as bad as it sounds. Qatar Airways actually paid for our Visa, return taxi and a hotel room to freshen up in Doha. Return flight is even worse but we’ll get to that in a few weeks. I should mention that I always pay my own travel and expenses when I visit Africa (as my daughter did) such that all donations to go directly to the work.
We headed out to Newlands to meet with Rahaba in advance of starting the training. Taking a taxi/transport is not hugely expensive (equivalent of $12 one way) but it can start to add up. Most economical way is to take daladala between Moshi and Newlands and Moshi (approx 30 minutes). A daladala is like a 10-passenger mini-van. It doesn’t sound bad however the vehicles are unbelievably beat up due to the rough roads. There are holes in the floors and most often the upholstering has been pulled off the seats. Although it is a 10-seater I have counted up to 23 inside at a time (not to mention 2-3 that hang off the open side-door since it will no longer shut). It gives a whole new meaning to up close and personal (especially in the heat and deodorant often a luxury J).
It was great to finally meet Rahaba face to face. She’s amazing and I know we are going to get along well. The time of our meeting worked well because it happened to coincided with the regular weekly meeting time of the women. Although we didn’t start officially, it gave me a change to meet them all again. They are all so excited to get started. I should mention it was quite a process to even been selected. As previously mentioned, I made a presentation to the women approximately a year ago to determine their interest in the program. Following that a friend/associate from Canada went to the village to take pictures and administer a survey that gathered basic information (i.e. number of children, marital status, whether r or not they already have a business etc.). I then compiled all of the information and began to feel like I already knew each woman. There are 90 women in the group. We had agreed that I would train 40 women this trip and provide training to the rest during my next trip. Co-founders Rahaba and Amanda interviewed and pre-screened the women to make the selection for the first intake (class of 2015). I know it was a hard decision. Following such a rigorous process the women that are involved are all very excited and committed. Can’t wait to dig in and get started.
Feeling excited. More to follow …..
Despite the fact that we had travelled 45 hours we were raring to go. Usually Canada/Tanzania trip is between 24 and 28 hours however with air fares really being up I booked a ‘milk run’ that included a 6-hr layover in Dallas, followed by 8 hours in Doha, Qatar. The actual flying time was spread over 3 flights (6 hrs + 15 hrs + 8 hrs). Wasn’t as bad as it sounds. Qatar Airways actually paid for our Visa, return taxi and a hotel room to freshen up in Doha. Return flight is even worse but we’ll get to that in a few weeks. I should mention that I always pay my own travel and expenses when I visit Africa (as my daughter did) such that all donations to go directly to the work.
We headed out to Newlands to meet with Rahaba in advance of starting the training. Taking a taxi/transport is not hugely expensive (equivalent of $12 one way) but it can start to add up. Most economical way is to take daladala between Moshi and Newlands and Moshi (approx 30 minutes). A daladala is like a 10-passenger mini-van. It doesn’t sound bad however the vehicles are unbelievably beat up due to the rough roads. There are holes in the floors and most often the upholstering has been pulled off the seats. Although it is a 10-seater I have counted up to 23 inside at a time (not to mention 2-3 that hang off the open side-door since it will no longer shut). It gives a whole new meaning to up close and personal (especially in the heat and deodorant often a luxury J).
It was great to finally meet Rahaba face to face. She’s amazing and I know we are going to get along well. The time of our meeting worked well because it happened to coincided with the regular weekly meeting time of the women. Although we didn’t start officially, it gave me a change to meet them all again. They are all so excited to get started. I should mention it was quite a process to even been selected. As previously mentioned, I made a presentation to the women approximately a year ago to determine their interest in the program. Following that a friend/associate from Canada went to the village to take pictures and administer a survey that gathered basic information (i.e. number of children, marital status, whether r or not they already have a business etc.). I then compiled all of the information and began to feel like I already knew each woman. There are 90 women in the group. We had agreed that I would train 40 women this trip and provide training to the rest during my next trip. Co-founders Rahaba and Amanda interviewed and pre-screened the women to make the selection for the first intake (class of 2015). I know it was a hard decision. Following such a rigorous process the women that are involved are all very excited and committed. Can’t wait to dig in and get started.
Feeling excited. More to follow …..
