Advertisement
Published: February 24th 2016
Edit Blog Post
The ETI Karagwe Team 2016 has been back in the U.S. for the past three weeks. We've had time to reflect on the trip, which as usual, was eventful, productive and downright fun.
We were ‘gone’ January 21 – 31 and traveled for the purpose of getting progress reports on Karagwe University College and starting the baseline data collection so in future years we can measure KARUCO's impact on local economies and on the social roles of women.
WATER Many of you already saw photos that showed the water harvesting system designed by the ETI Team 2015 (thank you Christopher and John) - pipes from each building on the KARUCO campus and (4) 200,000 liter (53,000 gal) water storage tanks. You probably also saw the photo of the water from the well that was drilled in November 2015. What a JOY to see clear water flowing from the pump at the new well. Our Tanzanian partners call it “The Miracle”.
DATA COLLECTION Dr. Katabaro and his team established focus groups for administration of surveys in Karagwe. The eval team was made up of Chris Johnstone (lead), Enock, Assa, Horace, Vincent and Dr. Katabaro (a.k.a. Brighton who
is the Tanzanian lead). Chris’ Swahili improved dramatically as he worked with villagers to share information on income (protein sources, phone, vehicles including bicycles, style of toilet, etc.). I was able to join the efforts one day and was impressed with the sensitivity and competence of the team. Chris came home with 240 completed surveys and is thrilled about that. A team will collect data each year to compare with the 2016 baseline. This will help ETI measure the impact of KARUCO in the future.
THE KARUCO SUMMIT Rev Dr. Benson Bagonza, Founder of KARUCO and Bishop, ELCT/KAD and Dr. Brighton Katabaro, KARUCO Coordinator, led the meeting that centered on 15 issues affecting establishment of the university. Bishop, Brighton, the KAD Management Team and others engaged in a robust discussion about water, infrastructure, curriculum, the community engagement program, faculty, student recruitment, funding and many other issues. All expressed hope for the momentum and future of KARUCO. KAD determined that the necessary licenses are not in place which makes opening in October, 2016 as planned – impossible. While disappointing, this news brought the immediate silver lining that KARUCO will open unofficially to the farmer engagement program (Community Engagement Program) since no approvals or licenses are necessary.
THE SWEDISH TEAM Magnus Fredricson and Per-Ove Persson joined ETI for the trip, offering their expertise in Rural Agriculture. In addition, Per-Ole Enander, Cardiologist joined us on his off hours from the Nyakahanga Hospital (there were very few of those). They were a joy to get to know and we are very encouraged about what they bring to the table in terms of know-how and resources. Their follow-up report to the KAD Management Team includes their insights and perceptions from the trip as well as recommendations to build small agri-businesses in the Karagwe District.
In summary - the trip was a success. Our visit renewed our friendships and brought fresh hope through the ETI model that focuses on true collaboration, assessment of needs and leveraging of resources to transform impoverished communities.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.195s; Tpl: 0.01s; cc: 13; qc: 52; dbt: 0.1217s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb