Distribution Day 2017, Vicki shares her story

March 13, 2017

The Community Gathers

I’ve returned from my recent trip to Tanzania where I was with 9 other Rotarians who joined me for a safari, three days in Nyamuswa, and to be present for Project Zawadi’s Distribution Day. I’m excited to share my experience with you! We brought your gifts and supplies to each of the Project Zawadi sponsored students.

Seeing the children always leaves a deep imprint on my memory….the shy looks and the smiling faces, eager to try out their few English words. Like last year, there were students who showed up asking for sponsorship, knowing that without this help they would not be able to go to school. We come with extra of everything…so we registered them, gave them their supplies, and took their photos. I find it encouraging to see a young person advocate for their opportunity to go to school.

One of the highlights was the time we spent with the sewing students at the Vocational Training Center. We brought 100 home-made, re-usable menstrual kits to distribute, but we also brought materials for the girls to make their own; enough to supply their needs this coming year. If there are extra, to sell in the community. We owe many thanks to Rotarian Judy Johnson, in Maple Grove, MN, who supplied us with the first kits and supplies. For a number of years we have supplied the young girls with kits brought in from Uganda, but teaching them to make their own now is something even better.

We ate twice at the newly completed VTC kitchen, funded by the Chakula Challenge, eating tasty and well balanced food. We visited Makongoro Secondary school and saw the newly completed water tank and the newly installed bunk beds. We saw and learned more about the solar panels, this year’s Eco Challenge, that will soon be installed on the teachers’ homes.