Every person has a story to tell, and many stories can be used as a catalyst for change. NCN fellows and Judy recently had the opportunity in Karatu to host five inspirational women from the Northeast. The ladies, led by Sisters for Peace Founder Caroline Wheeler, are all affiliated with the organization, which empowers, educates … Continue reading A visit from the Sisters for Peace
On top of Mount Kili
As we watched infinite stars fade and the brilliant morning sun rise from the Roof of Africa at 19, 341 feet, everything felt worth it. This past week, NCN fellows Kim and Jaime, and Jaime’s brother Steve successfully climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. After months of build up, much last-minute preparation and waiting for an appropriate break … Continue reading On top of Mount Kili
Taking chai with the Maasai
In a whirlwind of Maasai stoves, networking and chai, NCN Founder Judy just made her first visit of the year. As someone who gives a lot of her time, money and energy to a lot of Tanzanians, Judy’s time is in high demand when she’s here, but we were able to accomplish a lot … Continue reading Taking chai with the Maasai
Lions and tembo and microloans
There is a Swahili proverb—mtu ni watu—translating to a person is people, or something akin to no man is an island. This concept is central to our local, women’s microloan program and was reiterated yesterday in nearby Tloma. After about a month of very hard work on everyone’s parts, our GWOCO leaders were finally able … Continue reading Lions and tembo and microloans
Meeting an icon
When I hear quotes, speeches and people talking about everyone making a difference, I usually don’t take it too much to heart. But hearing Jane Goodall point out that every single one of us has some impact on the world every single day—simply by being alive—really drove the point home. This past weekend Kim and … Continue reading Meeting an icon
Lifting the smoke
While most of us might associate smoke-related health problems with cigarettes, everyday life creates harmful exposure for many Tanzanians. Most houses here, especially those in rural villages, have no windows or very poor ventilation. Those factors coupled with open fires, which most people use for cooking, creates an extremely unhealthy environment. One of our partner … Continue reading Lifting the smoke
Out of lemons
It was a classic mugging setup—two guys on a motorbike—and a classic, amateur move on my part—keeping a purse full of valuables on me after dark in an international city. Now missing a passport, small camera, several hundred dollars, two credit cards, a license and a library card, we decided to go to the local … Continue reading Out of lemons
Babies, baptisms and Christmas
Though we technically had work off the past few days, our holiday weekend was nothing short of event-filled. We started Christmas morning with snickerdoodles, kahawa (coffee) and cinnamon buns home made by our friend and neighbor Adrienne. And a few paper snowflakes later, we headed to our loan program treasurer Levina’s house in nearby Tloma. … Continue reading Babies, baptisms and Christmas
Confirmations and cake
It’s normal for a volunteer to come full-throttle to a new place, ready and gung-ho to start making moves immediately. In Tanzania, though, patience is essential. My experience thus far has consisted mainly of observing and familiarizing myself with all the many day-to-day operations. It’s pretty essential here to know even a little Swahili, so … Continue reading Confirmations and cake
Paper snowflakes and alterations
As the western world scurries about preparing for Christmas, life is moving along here in Karatu. But despite the very slow nature of life in Tanzania, the past month has been a bit of a whirlwind. New staff arrivals, old staff departures, program rearranging, prolific social invitations and a little white kitten have all contributed … Continue reading Paper snowflakes and alterations