We travelled out to meet with Rehema and her husband Abaham today to coordinate the details of the train the trainer sessions. We had already been working on some of the details prior to my arrival and agreed we would hold three day-long sessions in various rural areas outside of Moshi where Rehema and Abraham had formed the groups. By coincidence an associate/friend from Canada was already here and drove us out. He (Dr. Nelson) was the person responsible for me coming to Tanzania. He continues to visit once or twice a year to help where he can. My translator was not available to come with me so we muddled through on our own as best as we could. Dr. Nelson knows a bit of Swahili (as do I) and Abraham knows a bit of English. Fortunately Rehema’s sister was there and also knows some English. The collective ‘bits of translation’ allowed us to get everything sorted out. It was wonderful to see Rehema again. Although we only see each other once a year and we don’t speak the same language, it always feels like I am reconnecting with a very close friend. She knows one or two English words and periodically will just hold my hand and say “I love you Mama Suzanne” – “I miss you” and then pull my hand to her heart. She was also very thankful for the phone I had arranged to have purchased for her this past year. She wanted it to take pictures and record the various group activities and share new business ideas between groups.
OneLove is paying for the space rental, a transportation subsidy for each participant and a hot lunch. I should mention that transportation is one of the biggest obstacles in Africa – particularly for those that live outside the developed areas. They typically will start by walking several miles to a developed area where they can hop on the back of a motorbike (also known as piki piki) which then takes them to a spot where they can catch a daladala which ultimately brings them close to their destination. This often takes 2 hours +. In addition, we paid for notebooks, pens and the participant handbook (which included translation and photocopying I had done while still in Canada). All costs included it worked out to $25 per person!!! A very good investment for the impact it will have. These people will then be able to go back to their villages and train others. Unfortunately OneLove does not have the funds to provide the participant handbook to all 3,000 people this trip but this is next up on the fundraising goals. J I am going to meet with a printer here in Moshi so that once I raise more $ I can arrange to have the handbooks printed perhaps for a few groups at a time.
We also had the chance to travel to a different village area and meet with one of the groups who was having their weekly meeting. As always there welcome into the village is heartwarming. Tanzanians are extremely warm and friendly people.
Feeling grateful for old friends, loved and excited about the impact we can have. More to follow ……
OneLove is paying for the space rental, a transportation subsidy for each participant and a hot lunch. I should mention that transportation is one of the biggest obstacles in Africa – particularly for those that live outside the developed areas. They typically will start by walking several miles to a developed area where they can hop on the back of a motorbike (also known as piki piki) which then takes them to a spot where they can catch a daladala which ultimately brings them close to their destination. This often takes 2 hours +. In addition, we paid for notebooks, pens and the participant handbook (which included translation and photocopying I had done while still in Canada). All costs included it worked out to $25 per person!!! A very good investment for the impact it will have. These people will then be able to go back to their villages and train others. Unfortunately OneLove does not have the funds to provide the participant handbook to all 3,000 people this trip but this is next up on the fundraising goals. J I am going to meet with a printer here in Moshi so that once I raise more $ I can arrange to have the handbooks printed perhaps for a few groups at a time.
We also had the chance to travel to a different village area and meet with one of the groups who was having their weekly meeting. As always there welcome into the village is heartwarming. Tanzanians are extremely warm and friendly people.
Feeling grateful for old friends, loved and excited about the impact we can have. More to follow ……
