Here we go… About to start a new series of almost-daily blog posts from here in Arusha, Tanzania. Thanks again to all the generous people who made my project possible. You can keep checking in here and I’ll try to keep it updated each day.
Karibu! Welcome (in Swahili)! We definitely felt welcomed when we got through Tanzanian customs and immigration (after a little trouble with my non-existent yellow fever vaccination) and met Kim, the manager of the filter factory here in Arusha, who took us back to the city in a crowded 7-seater van loaded with 8 people (Tracy (the executive director of SAFE Water Now), the three other youth volunteers (Trent, Kedar, and Kunal), Tom (our adult project and group leader), Kim, our driver and me, as well as all of our luggage.
Supplies for the trip
Loading our van at the airport
Driving from the airport
We got unpacked after 45 minutes or so of driving through the beautiful countryside, shades of brown speckled with green shrubs shadowed by Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru in the distance on each side. We unpacked at our little home (sans running water or electricity), they put in a few beds for us, and we got settled. We had a tasty lunch of steamed rice with fish curry and avocados, prepared by our motherly housekeeper (our “house-mom”), Christina.
We walked down to the workshop, which was about 2 minutes away. We talked with Omari, a 24 year-old relative of Kim who basically runs the factory, about what our projects would be during our stay here. We planned to begin working on a new roof to cover the filters as they dry, and a new set of shelves for the filters within the next few days.
Shelves in the workshop
Omari and Tom
Later, we walked around the streets near our house, had another delicious meal by Christina, and slept around 10.
It was so nice to read about your trip and see photos. I know access to a computer/modem is not that easy. We love you and are hoping you are having an interesting, fun experience. You are not missing out on anything back home! We arrived home yesterday and are adjusting to the time change!
Can you send a link to your blog to all of your email list. I know family and friends would like to keep updated on your project.
Sounds like you’re having a wonderful time! Can’t wait to read more. Please tell Kim, Omari, and Stella “Jambo” from me and give them a hug for me. I’m sure Omari will be excited to get his T-shirt also.
I look forward to a second post.
Hello Kyle
Great to read your blog and see some pictures as well!
Sounds like you all have gotten your bearing and have jumped into things right away. Glad to know that you al enjoying the food and each others’ company. Kunal and Kedar’s posts tell me that you all have managed to find a balance between work at the factory and some fun with soccer. Very impressive that you and Trent have managed to keep up with your morning runs. I bet coming back to school and resuming cross country won’t be hard at all.
Your focus, helping attitude and openness to embrace whatever is in front of you speaks of your maturity and character!! I am sure your mom and dar are very proud of you….
Make sure you eat well, drink safely and rest plenty as that is what is going to keep you fueled. I would love to know what is that you found inspirational as well as moving so far? How ar Kim and his family doing? What did you think of the repairwork on the kiln. Keep us posted when you get a chance.
all the best & lots of love
Sucheta
Hi Kyle, The Team and you are doing a great job. More photos pls–countryside,the dwellings,the filters and ‘close-up’ shots to see how they look and work..Tell us if you encountered any ‘Wild-Life’. Did you see any ‘recycling’ happening in the settlement? village?-i/e composting, mulching?. Do they use cow-manure for providing fuel for stoves(like villages in India)–or are they still using wood?. Do they have electricity?—I am sure other agencies in the area are helping out with these systems. Your team is working on ‘clean water’. Is it bore-water? pls enlighten us–it is all very interesting–shame missed you when you left M’sia, a few days before I arrived. Doing a great job–wish there are many more N.G.O’s involved. Tell us more regularly about any unusual experience you encounter, Best Wishes, Uncle Randhir
Because of the lack of resources in the village, the people reuse everything they can. They make sandals from tires, soccer balls from bags, and they often burn old tires for fuel which gives off a distinct smell.
The water that people put into the filters can come from basically anywhere. Mostly, people pump rainwater or groundwater out through taps, at which point it is still not safe to drink. From there they can put it into the filter, and have clean water anytime.
What happened to Tom’s hair?
He got a buzzcut before coming here