At the end of July 2023, we traveled to Tanzania together with two friends, Jasmine and Justina. For both of them it was the first time that they traveled to an African country. The anticipation was great, but they were also excited and a bit nervous about what exactly to expect. From Munich airport (DE) we went, via Dubai, to the chaotic city of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania.
We started with two days of safari in Nyerere National Park. Already the four-hour drive to the park was overwhelming for both of them – so many impressions. After a breathtaking safari, we then drove about 9 hours by car to Mgora. A small village in the Kilindi District in Tanzania.
The reunion brought tears of joy. The family was overjoyed to see Emmanuel and Melanie again and were looking forward to the visit of two new faces.
The next days we used to bring our friends as much as possible closer to our second home. They got to know the daily life of the Maasai family, explored the landscape, visited a market, a Sunday in the church with lots of singing and dancing, got to know the school in the village and much more. Every day we brushed our teeth together with the children of the family and the neighbor children, played and had lots of fun. Despite the simple living conditions of the Maasai community, both of them immediately felt comfortable and welcomed.
We arrived with 7 full suitcases. Filled with donated clothes, toothbrushes, dolls, school bags, …
The lugging was worth it. When we distributed the gifts we were surrounded by shining children’s eyes full of gratitude – a wonderful feeling.
Emmanuel had some meetings with the Massai elders of the community to present our idea of TENEBO. All of them were immediately enthusiastic and allowed us to implement our project and immediately offered their support. We were offered to use the church of the community until we could build our own room. Two teachers were chosen and briefed. Jasmin, Justina and Melanie prepared the school bags. Each gym bag was filled with a sustainable water bottle, a toothbrush and a little sweet surprise.
It didn’t take long and the first 15 children were registered for the start of the TENEBO Kindergarten. Girls and boys between 2 and 7 years old. Children who could not attend school yet because their families could not afford it for example.
After a week in Mgora, it was time for Justina and Jasmine to say goodbye to the family. Together with Melanie they spent a few more days on Zanzibar before they had to fly home again. Briefly the consideration was there spontaneously to extend their stay, but unfortunately it was not possible.
Emmanuel and Melanie spent one more week in Mgora and used the time to organize as much as possible for TENEBO.
Back in Austria we started immediately with the registration of the association and the four of us put our hearts into the project to give together the children in Mgora the chance to visit a kindergarten and later also a school. Our wish is that every child should get a better perspective.
