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Published: February 2nd 2015
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7 Travelblog
WEDNESDAY, January 28
We began the day at breakfast with the team. Albin Mathias of Powering Potential (New York and Karatu nr. Arusha) is conducting a technology needs assessment to help determine 'next steps' for connection to Internet and implementation of technology. Equipped with proper devices and service plans that work locally, Albin is the only team member able to connect to Internet here. We lovingly nick-named him "Hotspot".
Our morning was filled by a meeting with governmental water resource planners - Walter and Eric. While many options were discussed, we came to agreements on a few things. 1) ETI volunteers will focus on design of a water harvesting system for KARUCO.; 2) it is Walter and his team's responsibility to locate water in the valley by KARUCO, and when they do, ETI will help seek funding. So the water plan has two stages: harvesting and drilling. The goal is to get KARUCO open by October, 2016 and it cannot open without water. The harvest system will enable opening to occur, will build on local knowledge and competency in harvesting (done everywhere), and will allow time for Walter and his crew to locate water for drilling.
John Wade (MSAADA) and Christopher Jones (Inventoris) are working to design a harvesting system that works for the campus. They spent the afternoon collecting elevation and other data for planning purposes.
Albin Mathias (Powering Potential) and I stayed back in Kayanga to work on technology. Albin checked things out with local tech providers to help prep for his recommendations to ETI. Our hope is that ETI will have Internet and bandwidth to support it. Meanwhile, I took videos of young people telling why they need KARUCO and what education means to them. ETI Intern, Rachel Vipond at Iowa State will pull together videos to help promote ETI's work. While in Kayanga, I visited the Internet Cafe and for 1,000 Tsh (less than $1.00) had 30 minutes to let my family know that I was alive and well in Karagwe. Internet at the Karagwe Hotel does not work at this time. Internet all through Karagwe is struggling at the moment.
At 5:00 the Regional Commissioner and the District Commissioner were to join us for a time together. Mr. John Mongellla, RC, was recently promoted to the office which, we're told, is the equivalent of a governor. The people
of Tanzania are somewhat fed up with the ruling party and consequently, members of the ruling party, such as RC, are doing their best to be in touch with the people and with the Bishop's agendas. We waited for several hours and finally they all arrived.
The RC and DC greeted us and we were all whisked to the Business Center where we sat at the head table, were introduced formally and where the RC spoke and pledged his commitment to KARUCO. He gave Christopher and me his card and said he is available anytime night or day to talk KARUCO. I was asked to say a few words so thanked the RC for his commitment, reminded him that he could be an example to some politicians in my country who don't follow through on promises. I teased that he was promoted to an ETI team member while I gave him an ETI t-shirt. He accepted it and said he would not wear it because it was special, so I promised to bring him another when I return next time. Christopher then spoke, greeted and thanked everyone, and also committed to the project. Of course, we all then shared
a wonderful meal prepared by Edina and her staff.
Another long and productive day.
Good night Kayanga.
Take me to the Educate Tanzania website:
www.educatetanzania.org
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