Mengi: Commitment essential component in entrepreneurship
2008-03-18 09:42:39
By Judica Tarimo
IPP Executive Chairman Reginald Mengi said yesterday that commitment was an essential component to progressive and successful development of entrepreneurship sector in the country in particular and Africa in general.
Mengi said this during an audience with 15 US students pursing Masters Degree in Business Management from New York`s Pace University.
The students had paid him a courtesy call at the IPP headquarters in Dar es Salaam to get first-hand information and techniques regarding the secrets behind his success in business.
``Commitment and competence are crucial elements to observe in the course of selecting employees in your business, but commitment should be the first criteria...selection needs to be conducted in that order,`` said Mengi.
``It`s possible to improve work efficiency to the required standards of employees who are committed.
Academically competent people, who are not committed, have some problems. Sometimes they might cheat you,`` he added.
He urged the students to be risk-takers and shun fear, insisting that successful entrepreneurs should always be ready to take risks.
Mengi described fear as the biggest enemy that had slowed down anticipated growth and development of aggressive entrepreneurs in the country and other parts of the continent.
``You should be ready to abandon that enemy (fear)…try to be aggressive and embark on business ventures without fear. Many people have failed to join the entrepreneurship sector because of fear. Go to the business…start a small project and gradually you will grow and become large-scale entrepreneurs,`` he advised.
The Executive Chairman advised the students to treat business problems as challenges, noting that problems always lay on one`s shoulder and put him or her down.
``But challenges cannot stay on your shoulders…if you look at problems as challenges and part of business life, obviously you could easily face and find appropriate means to overcome them. Ups and downs are always there, but treat them as challenges,`` said Mengi.
Mengi, who is also Chairman of the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), said personal confidence and knowing destinations were important features in any successful business operations.
``Be confident in what you are doing, and have destination. If you have destination, you can easily work out your business plan. If you don`t know the destination, you will end up confused,`` he noted.
Speaking at the occasion, former Tanzanian Ambassador to the US Daudi Mwakawago said the students had come to explore and study business and investment opportunities as well as potentials and other related operations in the country.
``They heard of the fast-economic growth and developments in our country and they are interested to know the forces behind these developments and how they can explore the potentials,`` he said, adding:
``But such tours are useful to our country because of several reasons. They help in publicising the country`s potentials to the outside world.
You never know, they may come back (in future) to Tanzania as experts or investors and even foreign consultants,`` said Mwakawago.
* SOURCE: Guardian
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Mikumi State Park
Today I completed the last and most awaited adventure in Tanzania, the safari at Mikumi State Park. It was so serene and peaceful. When you think about business, you usually think about development and concrete and you forget about the environment. This brought that thought to the forefront of my mind. I've never seen something this beautiful. We saw impala's, zebras, baboons, lions, elephants, water buffalo, warthogs and wildebeest.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Photos of the trip
In 4 hours, we are on our way to the Mikumi National Park for a Safari. It takes about 5 hours to get there. We don't have internet access so I thought I'd post ALL my photos up so everyone can see. I will edit them and write captions when I am in Dubai. The photos might be repetitious but enjoy anyway!
Tanzania's Social Action Fund
Today was our last day of formal meetings. It was really enlightening. We had the opportunity to meet with the Tanzania Social Action Fund. The fund is an instrument instituted by the Government to empower communities, facilitate their participation in planning and implementation of interventions that would improve their livelihood. The fund is sustained by money from the IDA, Tanzania government and the Community. Income generation activities come from Vulnerable groups like the elderly, widows,orphans, unemployed youth, people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS and single mothers.
We also visited two job sites. One for women living with HIV who were making and selling sweaters and the other was at a poultry farm where women and men who have HIV work to help themselves live at or above the poverty line.
It was pretty sad seeing them all working and attempting to do something for their families while knowing that they had a deadly disease. They were very inspirational in regards to the fact that they wanted to work hard to sustain their families. We saw the young children of these people who might or might not have AIDS and I wondered how their life was when we weren't around. At both sites, we were told that many of the workers were sick and couldn't come in that day. 
When we returned on the bus, many of us were talking about how we really wanted to get involved with one of these groups and help them. I am sure we can help them with their marketing, obtaining new supplies and equipment, and looking at various money making ideas that they have possibly not thought of. I'd like to see the future Pace students who attend this field study trip work directly with the underprivileged groups.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Looks like the rain is coming!
We came to Tanzania in the beginning of the rain season yet it hasn't begun raining yet. Today we felt some drizzle. I hope it can hold off until after our safari on Friday and Saturday.
Today's presentation at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Marketing was the ebst we have had so far. All the speakers were engaging and well infomed. the work being done at the ministry exemplifies the fact that this country has all the tools to emerge into becoming a player in the global economy. they covered everything we had been discussing at the other meetings and had ideas and/or policies already created to solve the problems of the country. The ministry understands that business rules and regulations need to be simplified, a good legal framework should be implemented, infrastructure issues need to be addressed and financing must be more accessible. The Tanzania development vision foresees that, "By the year 2025, Tanzania should have created a strong, diversified, resilient and competitive economy, that can effectively cope with the challenges of development and that can also easily and confidently adapt to the changing market and technological conditions int he regional and global economy."
The Ministry works with businesses that have one to 99 employees. They call these businesses SME's or Small Medium Enterprises. When the meeting was over we were all inspired and provided many suggestions to the ministry. They were very open to hearing from us and keeping in touch. I will be writing emails to this group. I think their might be a way that the City of White Plains can partner with the ministry. Obviously, they are working on a country level and we are just a city but I think there is a lot we can learn from each other.
Technoserve
Alex Mikindi (sp?), Deputy Country Director of Technoserve presented this morning. Teh organization has received grants from Google.org and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. he was born and raised in Tanzania but received his Masters in the United States. Technoserve focuses on correcting the value chains for the cofee, banana and cashew industries in Tanzania. The organization also works in Latina America, other countries in Africa and India. Some examples of the work that they do are:
- Assist banana farmers remove the middlemen from their value chain. The transporters and brokers were taking most of the profit. Technoserve trained producers to do the work of these middle men and it helped organize the farmers as well as maximize their profit.
- Technoserve workes with 10,000 coffee farmers through a brand and association called Kilicafe that sells to Starbucks and illy. The farmers have ownership of the brand work together to maximize their profits and become more productive. Prior to Technoserves involvement, coffee producers were making less than a dollar a kilogram but now they sell to the U.S., Germany and Japan and receive two dollars a kilogram.
- The organization has not completed there work with the cashew industry in Tanzania but they have begun to identify the challenges. Cashew is the number one export crop in Tanzania and the 1st cashew crop that hits the market during the season. Cashews are expensive to the end consumer and usually eaten by wealthy people yet it is produced by the poorest farmers. Technoserve is planning on using the experiences that they have from their work in Mozambique with the cashew crop to help Tanzania.
- Assist banana farmers remove the middlemen from their value chain. The transporters and brokers were taking most of the profit. Technoserve trained producers to do the work of these middle men and it helped organize the farmers as well as maximize their profit.
- Technoserve workes with 10,000 coffee farmers through a brand and association called Kilicafe that sells to Starbucks and illy. The farmers have ownership of the brand work together to maximize their profits and become more productive. Prior to Technoserves involvement, coffee producers were making less than a dollar a kilogram but now they sell to the U.S., Germany and Japan and receive two dollars a kilogram.
- The organization has not completed there work with the cashew industry in Tanzania but they have begun to identify the challenges. Cashew is the number one export crop in Tanzania and the 1st cashew crop that hits the market during the season. Cashews are expensive to the end consumer and usually eaten by wealthy people yet it is produced by the poorest farmers. Technoserve is planning on using the experiences that they have from their work in Mozambique with the cashew crop to help Tanzania.
Observations
When asked what I wanted do see while in Tanzania, I told everyone that I wanted to see people doing everyday things. On my trip to China, we were on the run and indoors all the time that I only saw people when they were going to and coming from work.
Today we drove by a couple of areas where there were tons of streetside formal and informal businesses. I saw women going to work in business suits, young boys and girls in their uniforms buying corn from the street vendors, women balancing buckets of water or bananas on their head without using their hands. Young men playing soccer on the beach and a group of young children swimming.
It's interesting to see how the tribal people and modern people coexist. We walk into a pretty modern office building and see two Masai (African Tribe) men walking through in their traditional clothing right next to the woman in her three piece suit speaking swahili on her cell phone.
I am surprised about the amount of cars on the roads. There is always traffic in Dar es Salaam and it seems like there are NO RULES! Our Professor told us that cars are imported from Japan where they have a law in place that no care can be more than 5 years old. They export them to Africa to get rid of them. Most people drive Toyota's. Go figure!
Alright, I am going to go and get ready for an "African Dinner," whatever that means!
Oh before I forget. Yesterday we met a South African U.N. pilot who was pretty upset that the Western world categorizes all Africans under one umbrella as if Africa was a country and not a whole continent. I see his issue, Latin Americans face the same thing. The world still has a lot of growing up to do. ;0)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Dinner at Slipway
We ate outside of the hotel again because of our distaste with the hotel restaurants. Six of us decided to go to this tourist spot by the water called The Terrace Restaurant at Slipway. It was an Italian restaurant and I guess I shouldn't be eating Italian in Africa, it was a nice change from the curry. The restaurant was outside near the water, similar to South Street Seaport without the gross fish smell. The meal was more expensive than the other meals we have had but at least it was good and the service was a lot better
Old dogs and new tricks
It was quite refreshing to visit the University and see students studying, thinking and empowered to create change. The university we visited is the oldest University in Tanzania. It started in the early 1960's. The Entrepreneurship center began in 1999. We listened to presentations from faculty and discussed business challenges with the students. There is a great need for people in the Marketing, Human Resource Management and Accounting fields.
A lof of what we discussed at the University contradicted some of the information we had heard previously. They discussed the amount of corruption in the government and the disadvantages of the land act. Previously, we were told that event though a person cannot own land in Tanzania, they could own their house and use it as collateral for the bank. Today, we were told that wasn't so because banks didn't consider the home sufficient collateral. The group spoke about the difficulty of switching from socialism to capitalism.
Previously, capitalism was viewed as evil and anyone who wanted to make money was viewed as an animal. The government moves slow in licensing businesses. It takes 145 days to complete your paperwork. That's more than 1/3 of a year! It seems there is a great need for a mindset change. The majority of people in Tanzania still believe that things should be given to them, the idea of working hard is not common. This is why we are having so much trouble with our customer service during our stay. It's taken close to 2 hours to get food! The people at their Shoprite have refused to take our credit cards and both times I have used cash, they have tried to steal from me. Today I was given incorrect change and then I was looked at like I was a liar. Once she saw that I wasn't leaving without my money, she gave in and gave me part of the cash not even all of it. I wasn't going to bother about the 20 cents but still its a joke.
They speak of a ready work force but what I don't know about many investors and foreign companies that would want to hire these kind of people. The staff at the banks move very slow and the customer service desk is always empty or the person is sleeping while sitting there.
The consensus of the group is that most people are stuck in a different mindset. They want all the advantages of capitalism but don't want to do the work or follow the rules. The professionals at the table do believe that they can be taught and that things will change quickly.
. . . I hope they can teach an old dog new tricks.
A lof of what we discussed at the University contradicted some of the information we had heard previously. They discussed the amount of corruption in the government and the disadvantages of the land act. Previously, we were told that event though a person cannot own land in Tanzania, they could own their house and use it as collateral for the bank. Today, we were told that wasn't so because banks didn't consider the home sufficient collateral. The group spoke about the difficulty of switching from socialism to capitalism.
Previously, capitalism was viewed as evil and anyone who wanted to make money was viewed as an animal. The government moves slow in licensing businesses. It takes 145 days to complete your paperwork. That's more than 1/3 of a year! It seems there is a great need for a mindset change. The majority of people in Tanzania still believe that things should be given to them, the idea of working hard is not common. This is why we are having so much trouble with our customer service during our stay. It's taken close to 2 hours to get food! The people at their Shoprite have refused to take our credit cards and both times I have used cash, they have tried to steal from me. Today I was given incorrect change and then I was looked at like I was a liar. Once she saw that I wasn't leaving without my money, she gave in and gave me part of the cash not even all of it. I wasn't going to bother about the 20 cents but still its a joke.
They speak of a ready work force but what I don't know about many investors and foreign companies that would want to hire these kind of people. The staff at the banks move very slow and the customer service desk is always empty or the person is sleeping while sitting there.
The consensus of the group is that most people are stuck in a different mindset. They want all the advantages of capitalism but don't want to do the work or follow the rules. The professionals at the table do believe that they can be taught and that things will change quickly.
. . . I hope they can teach an old dog new tricks.
Hakuna Matata and the non-existence of problems in Tanzania
Though our meetings started later in the day, we had a busy afternoon. We met Chairman Mengi of IPP. He is a self-made millionaire in Tanzania. We had lunch with him at the Holiday Inn (a quite swanky one might I add) that he is part owner of. After lunch he welcomed us in his office. We were met with news cameras. I was on the news in Tanzania. There goes 4 minutes of fame!
Anyway, the discussion we had with Chairman Mengi was inspirational. He did not waste a word when he spoke. He grew up in a mud hut and has made so much money yet at the same time has given back tremendously to the people of Tanzania. Chairman Mengi is a passionate fighter against greed. He does not place value on money and dislikes that Africa is viewed as a poor continent because he believes that it is quite rich in other standards. At lunch he was telling us about how pure the Tanzanian people are and about the collectivist society.
I wrote every word down that he said, but I can't write it all. I'd have to credit and cite it if I did. Some of his mantra's that stuck with me are:
"Don't use the word problems, say you have challenges. A problem weighs you down but a challenge stays in front of you and pushes you to overcome it. Winners in this life see things as challenges and win."
"Believe in G-D. Believing in a higher power makes you feel like there is something pushing you ahead."
"Believe in yourself. I can, I must, I will"
"There is no shortcut to success"
"Know where you are going. It allows you to have direction and plans."
"The moment you aspire for anything other than number one, you are a failure. Don't take the second position. The position you give yourself, cannot be improved by anyone else but you. Put the highest value on yourself and your ability."
"Business has its ups and downs called challenges"
"Believe you are a survivor"
"Delegate and believe in who you delegate to. Trust in someone 100%. It's the only way to expand your business. If you do not have confidence in those you delegate to, they won't succeed."
"When you employ someone look for commitment and competence in that order."
"Build a sense of belonging with your employees. Everyone owns it! Once you make money realize its G-D's blessings. Find a way of saying thank you to G-D and the people who have made you rich. Find a way to give back to those who purchase your products."
"The number one contribution to the environment is to not pollute."
"Support environmental programs to leave the environment better than you found it."
"Environmental costs should be seen as part of your business, not a burden."
"There is no such thing as individual happiness. It's collective. You must do whatever necessary to make mroe people happy."
"People are not remembered by the amount of money they had but about what they did with the money that they made."
"Many people fails before they start."
"You must be honest, do not assume people are less intelligent than you."
"There is not job for the educated and the less educated. The only difference in work is the way it is done."
Monday, March 17, 2008
March 17th, morning brainstorm
Good morning!!!!!!!!!
This morning we met as a class to discuss our impressions of the country so far. Professor Bachenheimer asked us to brainstorm about our potential business plans. As we spoke, my list of ideas grew larger and larger. There is so much to do here and everyone in the class has great ideas and insight in different fields. Everyone is intelligent and committed to the purpose of this trip.
I haven't thought all my ideas out so I don't want to divulge too much but once I do, I will blog it!
I'll write some more later after our visits.
This morning we met as a class to discuss our impressions of the country so far. Professor Bachenheimer asked us to brainstorm about our potential business plans. As we spoke, my list of ideas grew larger and larger. There is so much to do here and everyone in the class has great ideas and insight in different fields. Everyone is intelligent and committed to the purpose of this trip.
I haven't thought all my ideas out so I don't want to divulge too much but once I do, I will blog it!
I'll write some more later after our visits.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Day Trip to Zanzibar
Wow! Zanzibar was absolutely amazing. I have never seen water as clean and felt water as warm as the Indian Ocean. It was heavenly!
We started off on a ferry boat ride which was torturous to me due to motion sickness. After arriving on the island, we encountered a number of locals with an interest in selling us everything and anything. The tourist attractions, though interesting, are lacking appeal because of the many locals standing around looking for your money. We walked into the Palace museum and I immediately noticed what the lack of preservation of architecture and the lack of intervention from the government can do to a historical building. It is deteriorating rapidly. The palace museum had some information on the sultan and his children but lacked charm. Quick fixes to the roof, inability to preserve detail and the lack of regard towards history made the palace museum quite a sad site. We then walked over to Stone Town but under the hot sun, and the bombardment of street vendors turned us off and we headed over to a beach resort in Zanzibar. As we drove over, I noticed the true beauty of the island and the potential to become a great tourist destination. Except I feared that if I big investor was to take part in developing the island, the eager and money deprived locals and government would disregard environmental impacts to the community and the developer would leave the island less pristine and beautiful. I also wouldn't want to see a community of tourist come in and destroy the place.
I can't say enough about the water in Zanzibar. It truly was a sight to see. I can only say that the Indian Ocean is so beautiful. Staring into the Hudson River can never compare.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Saturday, Day Trip tour through Dar es Salaam and guest speakers
We made it into Tanzania safely!!!
Today we were given a bus ride through Dar es Salaam and the opportunity to shop at a couple of pit stops. We went to the African Art Shopping Area and the Crafts Center. Great bargaining there! I bought some beautiful figurines and candle sticks. The bargaining in Tanzania is less stressful than it was in China. Tanzanian people aren't in your face and pushing and shoving you around. The Chinese are definitely more physical.
(below from left to right: David Robinson, Professor Bachenheimer and Ambassador Daudi Mwakawago)
In the afternoon we met with David Robinson, Jackie Robinson's son, and one of the founders of Sweet Unity Farms Coffee- a cooperative in a small village in Tanzania. David, though American, has lived in Tanzania for 25 years. When he started thinking about what he could export, he chose coffee because it was one of Tanzania's largest exports at the time and also because the U.S. is the largest coffee drinking market. They started by selling at auctions where international buyers would come to the farm and purchase except that green coffee beans are a commodity and they were receiving very little per pound.
His coffee is owned by a co-op of 650 families in the village. There is an average of 4 farmers per family. He informed us about the difficulties in the coffee industry and the low margins returned to the farmer. There is a poverty rate of 70% in the rural areas of Tanzania. Sweet Unity Farms is trying to sell it's coffee to the U.S. market but it's difficult to brand the coffee. Most of the farmers have a 7th grade education and he is having problems competing with the larger companies like Maxwell House, Folgers and Starbucks. For example, David believes that the market in America is ready for products with social merits. It's the best avenue to market the Sweet Unity Farms Coffee except that brands like Starbucks market their fair trade as well. They are much larger and can do a better job in branding.
He has a long road ahead in searching for investors, marketing talent and partners.
Former Ambassador Daudi Mwakawago is a very impressive man. He has worked 40 years in public service . His resume includes, 20 years in parliament, Minister of Industry and Trade for Tanzania, Ambassador to Rome for 3 years, Ambassador to the U. S. for 9 years, and he was the leader of the peace keeping efforts to stabilize Sierra Leone.
He posed the question: Why is Tanzania Different than the other countries in Africa?
Below are his reasons:
1. Tanzania is the only country in Africa with a former indigenous language, Swahili. It is spoken in other countries but this is the only country where every resident is taught the language. Other countries have many formal languages such as English, French and a tribal language. The ability to communicate in one unified native tongue is the key to cohesion.
2. Tanzania is fortunate to have 120 tribes. When the country became Tanzania and broke free from colonization, the leadership has come from small tribes. There is no threat that one large tribe will take over. He says the tension in most African countries begin with the people in power. Most people in Tanzania are passive.
3. Tanzanians "Count their Blessings"
The first president developed policies which were very inclusive and clear. In colonial times, there was segregation, "toilets for Europeans, toilets for Asians and toilets for the rest of the population." The British distributed ration cards. The first president removed the class system and abolished the traditional roles of chiefs such as control of the land and taxes. In other countries, chiefs are treated like kings.
4. Tanzania became the headquarters of all liberation movements of south Africa. All countries credit Tanzania for their leadership and training in regards to peacekeeping and liberation. A very big advantage is that all leaders are trained in Tanzania. The Ambassador trains senior managers of the African Union. Refugees from other countries were also allowed to go to Tanzania as a safe haven.
In regards to educational investment, the Ambassador mentioned that Tanzania has invested more in education than other African countries except that they are seeing "dividends in the international level" because most of their educated workforce have moved to other countries. In 1974 the Tanzania government brought 30 million people into 13,000 organized villages. The government provided water, health care and education. Before organization a village like Dodoma had high rates of blindness because of the lack of health care and cleanliness but after the organization of villages, the statistics were reduced rapidly. Once the children were given the basic elements to survival, they craved education and pressured the government to provide primary and secondary education.
What I've learned so far about Tanzania, has brought me great appreciation for the country. Especially because the neighboring countries are not as progressive in their thinking and as peaceful as Tanzanian's.
Today we were given a bus ride through Dar es Salaam and the opportunity to shop at a couple of pit stops. We went to the African Art Shopping Area and the Crafts Center. Great bargaining there! I bought some beautiful figurines and candle sticks. The bargaining in Tanzania is less stressful than it was in China. Tanzanian people aren't in your face and pushing and shoving you around. The Chinese are definitely more physical.
(below from left to right: David Robinson, Professor Bachenheimer and Ambassador Daudi Mwakawago)
In the afternoon we met with David Robinson, Jackie Robinson's son, and one of the founders of Sweet Unity Farms Coffee- a cooperative in a small village in Tanzania. David, though American, has lived in Tanzania for 25 years. When he started thinking about what he could export, he chose coffee because it was one of Tanzania's largest exports at the time and also because the U.S. is the largest coffee drinking market. They started by selling at auctions where international buyers would come to the farm and purchase except that green coffee beans are a commodity and they were receiving very little per pound.
His coffee is owned by a co-op of 650 families in the village. There is an average of 4 farmers per family. He informed us about the difficulties in the coffee industry and the low margins returned to the farmer. There is a poverty rate of 70% in the rural areas of Tanzania. Sweet Unity Farms is trying to sell it's coffee to the U.S. market but it's difficult to brand the coffee. Most of the farmers have a 7th grade education and he is having problems competing with the larger companies like Maxwell House, Folgers and Starbucks. For example, David believes that the market in America is ready for products with social merits. It's the best avenue to market the Sweet Unity Farms Coffee except that brands like Starbucks market their fair trade as well. They are much larger and can do a better job in branding.
He has a long road ahead in searching for investors, marketing talent and partners.
Former Ambassador Daudi Mwakawago is a very impressive man. He has worked 40 years in public service . His resume includes, 20 years in parliament, Minister of Industry and Trade for Tanzania, Ambassador to Rome for 3 years, Ambassador to the U. S. for 9 years, and he was the leader of the peace keeping efforts to stabilize Sierra Leone.
He posed the question: Why is Tanzania Different than the other countries in Africa?
Below are his reasons:
1. Tanzania is the only country in Africa with a former indigenous language, Swahili. It is spoken in other countries but this is the only country where every resident is taught the language. Other countries have many formal languages such as English, French and a tribal language. The ability to communicate in one unified native tongue is the key to cohesion.
2. Tanzania is fortunate to have 120 tribes. When the country became Tanzania and broke free from colonization, the leadership has come from small tribes. There is no threat that one large tribe will take over. He says the tension in most African countries begin with the people in power. Most people in Tanzania are passive.
3. Tanzanians "Count their Blessings"
The first president developed policies which were very inclusive and clear. In colonial times, there was segregation, "toilets for Europeans, toilets for Asians and toilets for the rest of the population." The British distributed ration cards. The first president removed the class system and abolished the traditional roles of chiefs such as control of the land and taxes. In other countries, chiefs are treated like kings.
4. Tanzania became the headquarters of all liberation movements of south Africa. All countries credit Tanzania for their leadership and training in regards to peacekeeping and liberation. A very big advantage is that all leaders are trained in Tanzania. The Ambassador trains senior managers of the African Union. Refugees from other countries were also allowed to go to Tanzania as a safe haven.
In regards to educational investment, the Ambassador mentioned that Tanzania has invested more in education than other African countries except that they are seeing "dividends in the international level" because most of their educated workforce have moved to other countries. In 1974 the Tanzania government brought 30 million people into 13,000 organized villages. The government provided water, health care and education. Before organization a village like Dodoma had high rates of blindness because of the lack of health care and cleanliness but after the organization of villages, the statistics were reduced rapidly. Once the children were given the basic elements to survival, they craved education and pressured the government to provide primary and secondary education.
What I've learned so far about Tanzania, has brought me great appreciation for the country. Especially because the neighboring countries are not as progressive in their thinking and as peaceful as Tanzanian's.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
3:30am, day of departure
Only a couple hours left until my ride is up and ready to take me to the airport. I am still awake. I figured I have lots of time to sleep on the plane ride. It will be refreshing to sit around and do nothing for an entire day. That's not very typical of me.
I am packed and ready to go! Used up my permetherin bottle on all my clothing and I have 1.5 carry ons! Hope I don't get hassled over that but it sure is hard to pack for a long flight. Who knows what you might need!
I'm just sitting around buying time until I go to the airport.
I'll write once I get to Tanzania!
I am packed and ready to go! Used up my permetherin bottle on all my clothing and I have 1.5 carry ons! Hope I don't get hassled over that but it sure is hard to pack for a long flight. Who knows what you might need!
I'm just sitting around buying time until I go to the airport.
I'll write once I get to Tanzania!
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