We interviewed Tom and Karen Stein about their experiences visiting Project Zawadi. They have incredible stories and encouraging words to share!

Tom is a planetary scientist, and Karen advocates for women’s health. She received her MA in Gerontology and is passionate about nutrition, exercise, and empowering women. Tom works for a NASA-sponsored lab and spends time engaging students on sustainability issues. He enjoys sharing data with the international community at international space stations and had the chance to give a lecture while visiting Project Zawadi. The couple discovered PZ when researching Tanzanian safaris on Access 2 Tanzania’s webpage.

They traveled to Tanzania for the first time in 2015 after Karen suggested climbing  Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa at around 5,890 meters above sea level. The idea posed an exciting challenge, and it didn’t take long for Tom to say yes!

So they boarded a plane and left the US for Tanzania, and soon, they were heading up the mountain! The climb was challenging, but it was worth it. Karen jokingly insisted that it was harder than giving birth.

They also went on a safari with Access 2 Tanzania and fell in love with the cornucopia of animals, being able to view them at close distance. They were wowed by this unique experience and became friends with their safari guide, Fulgence, who had connections with PZ.

They heard about PZ’s outreach efforts and decided to get involved, including supporting a student named Baracka. As PZ expanded its mission, Karen and Tom increased their support. Karen was especially drawn to the developing Empowerment Clubs and the potential transformation it could bring to students.  Over the years they kept in touch with Baracka and with Fulgence, exchanging letters.

Ten years later in February 2025, the couple returned to Tanzania for another safari and a visit to Project Zawadi. During their time with PZ, Tom and Karen visited the Apprenticeship Program. Upon arrival, two of the apprentices assisted them with their clothing design. The two 19-year-old women seemed shy and reserved but quickly opened up as they showed Tom and Karen other garments and unique bags they had made, hanging on the wall in a display of colors and patterns.  

 “We were just so impressed by all of it,” stated Karen. “We were just wowed by what they were doing.”

Tom and Karen were excited to see what the sewing apprentices would do. The consultation began with a viewing of fabrics and Karen was the first to be measured for her dress. She selected three fabric options and asked the apprentices for their opinions. One of the apprentices felt a red floral pattern was best, and Karen affirmed the choice. The next day, Karen and Tom returned to the shop.

“They were waiting there for us,” Karen explained.  The apprentices presented Karen with her new dress. She noticed that the dress had a red flower sewn symmetrically, dipping gently around her neckline. This made her feel like the apprentices really listened to her – red is her favorite color! What a treat to return to the apprenticeship shop and discover the thoughtful touch.

Next up was Tom. He’d seen a yellow fabric on the wall, and felt surely that it would not look good on him. But to his surprise, one of the young apprentices had pointed to the fabric and insisted, “Oh, this is the one for you!” He was surprised to hear this as he’d thought yellow was not his color, but Karen agreed with the apprentices. After putting on the new garments, the group posed for a photo outside.

Karen and Tom were thrilled with the experience.
Karen reflected on the experience, noting how important it was for young women to learn skills that would help them earn money and build independence.

“They did a great job… Just to be able to see what they’re doing and know that they’re learning a trade that’s going to be able to help them make a living, that was really important to see… Having that income can change a lot in a woman’s life in the way she’s perceived and treated,” explained Karen.

As they prepared for their visit to PZ, Tom offered to share with a group of science club students at Makongoro Secondary School about Mars and other planetary science data. When he arrived in the classroom, there were around 100 students! He quickly realized he didn’t have a microphone, and his voice would have to carry.  Fortunately, the students were interested in discovering more on Mars and would pay close attention to the lecture he was about to give.

They asked Tom a range of questions on Mars such as  Can you live there? What can you grow there? Are people going to be moving there and are we transplanting our civilization there? One girl insisted there were aliens on Mars, and although Tom didn’t agree with the assessment, he was impressed with her ability to challenge him.

“I was happy that she felt free enough to be able to do that. A lot of the time the younger students are very quiet and reserved and don’t say much of anything. I was encouraged to hear that.”

Watching the enthusiasm of PZ students was inspiring. Being able to share knowledge was important for Tom; and Karen was encouraged to see girls learning trades to support their families with income as well as grow confidence in using their voices.  She commented on how students must have something inside of them that they know education is important, because they seem to be doing it despite so many challenges, such as walking long distances to attend school and overcoming other challenges.

Finally, the couple had the opportunity to see Baracka and his family in their home. Fulgence came along and helped translate the conversation. His fluency in Swahili proved to be a big help! They learned Baracka’s favorite subjects were Math and Science and spent time with his family. The opportunity to visit with Baracka was one of Tom and Karen’s favorite experiences.

“To actually meet him and to meet his mother, his grandmother, and to see his home – that was so special. I did get teary eyed just sitting there,”  Karen shared.

Though communication was patchy due to the language barrier and Baracka’s natural shyness, it didn’t matter. The couple reassured him that they were available to support him as long as he continued to attend school. Fulgence also assured Baracka of his ability to succeed and advance toward his goals.

When asked what Tom and Karen would say to encourage students, they expressed that education opens doors. While students are doing the things they have to do, Tom says it’s good to pursue a passion. It helps to get to know teachers and mentors who share their interests so they can gain insight into what it takes to cultivate their interests and pursue their dreams. And dreams can help fuel students into their future.