This is the report I've written for the AVI mag - you get a sneak preview.
The Australian High Commissioner to Tanzania, His Excellency Mr Geoff Tooth, was in Arusha for a two day visit this week - very relaxing compared to his usual haunts of Nairobi and South Sudan. He met informally with expat Australians including many of the Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVIs) who are in Arusha and district. He was keen to see Australians in action so his itinerary included visits to places where they are working to improve lives and livelihoods.
The Australian High Commissioner to Tanzania, His Excellency Mr Geoff Tooth, was in Arusha for a two day visit this week - very relaxing compared to his usual haunts of Nairobi and South Sudan. He met informally with expat Australians including many of the Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVIs) who are in Arusha and district. He was keen to see Australians in action so his itinerary included visits to places where they are working to improve lives and livelihoods.
 |
| AVIs and reps from Host Organisations with the HC - I'm there peering over his right shoulder, Steve is behind him on the left. |
Australia’s
current focus on ‘Economic diplomacy’ means education and job creation for
young people is an aid priority, so after a lovely lunch where he met many AVIs and representatives from their host organisations, Geoff came to visit the Umoja Centre where education
and career opportunity is also a priority!
 |
Umoja
(Kiswahili for unity)
is an education and youth development organization, which
administers a free educational and support program for disadvantaged and
vulnerable young people, aged 14-24, who are highly motivated but lack other
opportunities. The program consists of a Foundation Year designed to give students
the best chance of future success by enhancing their English language,
mathematics and IT skills. They are also given information and resources to
help them to care for their physical and emotional wellbeing. The program is
taught at two levels, beginner and intermediate, to cater for the range of
abilities in English language. Once they have successfully completed the
Foundation Year, students become part of the Outplacement Scheme where they are
placed into the mainstream secondary education system or into vocational
training. Umoja then supports its students through job application processes
and into new careers, which will allow them to provide effectively for
themselves and their families. Since 2009 over 200 students have been helped to
break the cycle of poverty with flow on effects for their families and
communities.
 |
| Aikemesia showing Geoff and Pyrou where the equator is. |
There
are two AVIs currently at Umoja. Pyrou
Chung is working with local administration staff counterparts on enhancing the
sponsorship program and on governance and accountability. Jenny Clark is
working with teachers to increase their classroom skills and help them update
the curriculum and assessment and reporting procedures. There are also
currently volunteers from Canada and Poland as well as local Tanzanian staff.
 |
| A time line of Tanzanian history |
During
his visit the High Commissioner saw a Beginners’ Global Studies class in
action, using their IT skills and the centre’s 16 computers to learn about the
continents and countries of the world. Geoff pointed out where Tasmania is to
be found on a map. The Intermediate students were busy with a library lesson
and practising their spoken English. They also love debating and many issues of
gender equity and current events are tackled.
Umoja
students love to sing and dance and Umoja’s annual calendar includes a visit from
students and staff from the Juilliard School in New York where music is
workshopped and enjoyed. Geoff was treated to a performance of two of the
students’ favourite songs learned during the Juilliard visit this year, “Wonderful
World” and “The storm is passing over”.
 |
| The HC chatting with students |
After
the musical interlude Geoff met and chatted with students, asking them about
their lives and their hopes. Students at Umoja have a range of future ambitions
from joining the army to being an electrician, an air ticketer, a lawyer or a
teacher. Sadly no one plumped for “Diplomat” despite the inducement of a bullet
proof car with a flag!
The
High Commissioner also saw one of the self-sufficiency projects in action. In
“Sewing Club” students were making toy owls and elephants from fabric scraps.
These and other textile items such as tablecloths and napkins are produced for
sale with profits being shared between the makers and the Umoja Centre. Umoja
is hoping to expand this part of its program so as to be less reliant on
donations and sponsorship.
The
visit was a happy and enjoyable occasion. The students love having visitors and
are proud to show off the centre. Staff and management at the centre are also
proud to show people around and talk about the past and current achievements of
our young people.
