Tanzania
This fall I have the opportunity to teach at University of Dar es Salaam while researching NetTel@Africa, a consortium of twenty African Universities collaborating to provide an online learning platform in Information Communication Technologies (ICT). In obtaining an ICT degree through NetTel, graduates are entering into many aspects of the technology field bringing much needed skills to the region. Access to technology is rapidly enhancing the opportunities of Africans as a result. Two stories provide examples of how this is being accomplished. Access to the Internet is challenging, especially in rural areas. One means of delivering the coursework entails solar powered workstations complete with cellular connectivity and laptop which come to the villages on bicycles. Students then may gather around the bicycle to complete their lessons. Another involves a radio station that is recording elementary school lessons so that students may continue their studies when, not if, their teacher dies of AIDS. Stories of such determination and resiliency showing the links between education and economic development is inspiring and have become the driving force of my research and teaching. My doctoral studies at Gonzaga University have reached the point where I am ready to complete the dissertation research on NetTel@Africa and have been invited to University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to teach and share the results of their efforts. Teaching within the NetTel collaboration will provide insights as I explore the link between education and economic development. The work completed so far has been exciting and needs the richness of an extended visit to integrate the full effect that NetTel is having as a bridge between education and development. There are many success stories available that could be shared in the dissertation highlighting the ways students are utilizing technology to learn ICT skills and provide the opportunity for more students to have access to education. It is by going to Dar es Salaam that I wish to learn of those stories, understand the effectiveness of NetTel and the education it is providing, and see first hand how people’s lives are benefiting. Tanzania is a country of 33 million people on the east coast of the continent just below the equator. The economic activity is largely agriculture with a growing tourist interest and the beginnings of other entrepreneurial ventures. Yet, poverty is omnipresent. Thirty six percent of the population survive below the basic needs level and 19% fall below the food poverty level. This is having detrimental effects on people’s health. AIDS is the leading cause of death and 28% of the population is either ill or injured at any given time with fever and malaria the leading ailments. Access to safe drinking water is a contributor in the health crisis when 44% do not have clean water. The government recognizes that “poverty levels are strongly related to the education of the head of household”. Over a quarter of Tanzanians have no education at all resulting in a 29% illiteracy rate. Only 5% of students enter secondary school as 62% of the children between 5-14 years old are working. The statistics for women are doubly troubling, even though women are more and more becoming the heads of households. Education at all levels and finding unique means of delivery are desperately needed to reverse these trends. Efforts are underway, but many needs must be met to support those dedicated to educating future Tanzanians. The purpose of this blog is to share with those who have an interest in University of Dar es Salaam as I complete my research on NetTel and the development resulting from the education provided. The research will entail surveys, interviews, and focus groups with the various participants in the collaboration including students, professors, and community partners. I will be a contributing member to the faculty while completing this research. My teaching experience is growing in both the traditional and online classroom settings, with focus on business and leadership topics. The combination of research and teaching will yield an opportunity to collaborate in unique ways, thus benefiting UDSM and NetTel in addition to bringing home success stories. I will be working with UDSM faculty to assist in instructing Finance and Human Resource courses both on campus and NetTel through team teaching and working with individual students during my time. The opportunity to contribute and participate in this manner will add depth to the collaboration. Thank you for your interest as I travel to University of Dar es Salaam, exploring the wonderful things that are happening. The opportunity to contribute to the Tanzanian Vision 2025 which sets a goal for “universal primary education, the eradication of illiteracy and alignment of tertiary education commensurate to meet the needs” is humbling. The potential exists, particularly for Tanzania’s women and children to reverse this downward spiral. Many things are presently underway and the stories are in need of sharing. Through teaching and exploring the bridges between education and development, I hope to assist in the efforts and invite you to do so as well. Please feel free to share your comments as this blog emerges and unfolds on our wonderful journey.
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I love you. Have a good day.
Happy anniversary!
Thank you for your well wishes. I will take care and bring back many wonderful stories to share.
Hope you had a great trip into Amsterdam. Talk to you soon. I love you
It is 8:30PM here in Spokane. Hope you had a good night rest last night. Hope to hear from you soon. Your parents left today for Canada. We are here closing up the house, then we will go home for the night. School starts tomorrow at NOON for the boy. I LOVE YOU!!
Safe Arrival
Jambo!
I have arrived safely in Dar es Salaam and had a wonderful night sleep. It was warm (21 C) and humid, but the gentle breeze makes it comfortable. The flight was long but uneventful. It was interesting how many different people were flying yesterday. I sat next to Ramalli, who was traveling home to Pune, India, then two Irish girls heading down to climb Kilimanjaro. I also met a woman traveling to visit her sister in Uganda and a school teacher from Brussels who just returned from volunteering on a school building project outside of Arusha, Tanzania. Tobias Swai met me at the airport along with his wife, Sara and colleague, Dixon, who thankfully drove. The rules of the road follow the British system, so I’d never make it. We stopped to get bottled water and then checked into Research Flats, the guesthouse for visitors. A shower felt great and the next thing I knew I was awakened by the morning call for prayer from a nearby mosque and the sunlight accenting my mosquito netting. There’s a light breakfast each morning which will work great. I ate with a MD who is staying while awaiting his permanent accommodations. This is good as there are only 4000 doctors in a country of 36 million, so meeting one on the first day is a good thing.
Today, I will head out to pick up a cell phone for using while here and an outlet adaptor. Then we will stop by the office at the Faculty of Commerce and Management. We will check out Mabibo Hostel so I may choose my regular accommodations. I’ll get back to you with numbers and details when they are set. We’ll probably wait until Monday to see the Commission for Science and Technology, Immigrations, and the Embassy as everything is gearing up for the big soccer match this Saturday to see if Tanzania advances to the Africa Cup. The students return this weekend as classes begin on the 17th. That will give me a little time to begin contacting folks for the research and meet the faculty.
Tutaonana (goodbye),
mark
Glad you arrived. Now the journey begins.
Car wash was a hit. The wheather was great , and we raised almost $2000.00 before we started the day. We are taking the Landy into the shop on Tue 9/11 to have its check up.
Hamjambo!
Hungara kwa kutameza miaka ishirinitano. Nakupenda, Mark
That’s: “Congratulations on anniversary 25. I love you, Mark” for all of you who don’t know Swahili. It’s my way of telling the whole world (or at least those interested in this blog) that I love you, Chan. Just as much, if not more, that twenty five years ago today. I can’t wait to see you and share stories when we see each other again.
Karibu tena,
mark
Glad you had a safe trip. We will toast you at the viking tonight.
Mark(Foley)
Greetings, Mark! We will toast you tonight when we take Chan and John out for dinner at Shenanigan’s … HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! All is well here … stay safe, but live dangerously.
David
Well, I had better write a quick note or everyone will lose interest in this blog. All is well and my first week has been quite busy getting settled and aquainted. I have moved in with Dr. Kainkwa’s home as my host family. My Swahili should come along much better now. Today was the international student and faculty orientation. It was encouraging to see the number of students from all over the globe attending here this semester. The most unusual thing to happen so far was the troop of Vervet Monkeys that greeted me on the steps to my flat the other day. That was a first!
More to come later, but it is getting dark and I must walk home now.
Amani!
mark
If you would like to keep up with the new in Tanzania, follow this link to the newspaper I read. There are actually several English newspapers available here. I pick one of them up on my way to work at the roadside newstand.
Enjoy!
http://www.dailynews-tsn.com/
The photo is beautiful. Do you see any wild animals on your way to and from school? It looks like the path PAPA BE takes to go home to the other house.
I see monkeys often. They are the Vervet Monkey that resembles a small baboon. There are several different birds to see, geckos, and frogs. Other animals will be seen when I travel up country in a couple of weeks. The bugs arent’t too bad as it is that dry season now. I pass many trees in bloom that make the air smell fresh.
Salama.
We need photos of the monkeys, please. Aaron wants to show his friends.
Aaron-
I will try to post a photo of some monkeys, but they don’t exactly pose for picutres. I do have a video clip, but it did not download onto the blog correctly. I’ll keep an eye open for a munching monkey and get a photo posted.
Good morning, Mark! We hope all is continuing to go well for you – fall is here in Spokane, and we are looking forward to cheering John on at the band competition on Saturday! Much love from us all – David, Kay, HannahJo
Yes, everything is going great. I have just returned from visiting Mwanza and Bukoba on the shores of Lake Victoria. What a beautiful place! I continue to meet wonderful people everyday. Be sure to ask John for the group photo of the CV Band at Multnomah Falls. Enjoy the Albi show. Hope the weather is nice for the outing. It is in the mid-30’s here and with the short rains, it becomes humid quickly. The Eid al-Fitr begins at sundown today, so there will be much singing and feasting all weekend.
Mark~
Hello! Thanks for sending the link to your blog! It is an exciting opportunity that you are in right now. Glad to hear all is going well.
Brandon-
Good to hear from you! It will be great to see you upon my return. There are many stories to share about the wonderful sights and people of Tanzania. It is an incredible journey. I spent yesterday with a family celebrating Eid al-fitr. It was a wonderful feast sitting outside on mats that we took naps on after the bowls of pilaou, salad, and goat stew. All cooked on an open fire as the kitchen is outside for many homes. The village just received a water tank a couple of weeks ago saving valuable steps for the women who carry water in 5gl. buckets on their heads. I heard from Lorrie and she was game to do another class session at WSU, so you can get the full list of stories on the road trip this Spring.
Tuwasiliane!
Couple updates for you: NCAA football Oregon 53 WSU 7 (ouch), Oregon State upset #2 California. Looks like you are having fun; the pictures are great. I’ve been doing some steelhead fishing in Lewiston cought a couple fish. Saw your son driving out at the Valley Mall a couple weeks ago. Went to Jennifer’s wedding a couple weeks ago the lady that was managing the Caffe and saw Chris out there, was good to see them. Restaurant little slower than this summer…nice break.
Kevin
Kevin-
Thanks for the football updates. I do miss my Cougar Football Saturdays! It doesn’t look like I’m missing a winning season though. Everything continues to go well over here. I am very busy with classes and working on my writing. Next week, I tavel to Mbeya to see some devleopment projects. I’ll be staying on a coffee plantation which will be very cool. Then I’ll go to Iringa before taking the bus home. When I visited Mwanza and Bukoba, we had fish at every meal. Perch, Talapia, and catfish.
Go Cougs!
Mark-
Great to hear from you and learn more about your work and the educational needs over there. Please tell us more what can be done from here to help eradicate illiteracy.
I enjoyed reading of your journey. Egads! Goat stew, what about George on the Leadership Farm?
Hmm…eradicate illiteracy. There is probably illiteracy in every corner of the world. Perhaps the addage of “Think globally; act locally” would guide us to a solution. Look for a local reading program at a library or primary school for volunteer opportunities. See about assisting with new immigrants who want to learn a new language. I think there are ample places to help. As far as eradicating it in the far reaches of the world, I think that visiting someplace long enough to get to know the people would be best. This way you will truly understand their needs and how to best help. You may even get some goat stew out of the visit
Mark – your folks shared with me some correspondence and your blog address. What an adventure! Like the Master Card ad – some things are priceless – and some elements of education can be had in no other way. You are giving in a big way, and you will receive in- kind. Best wishes. I will stay tuned to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words, Lee. It is so good to hear from you. Karibu sana to the Mobius blog. I’m not sure if you ever made it ti Tanzania in your world travels, but the few places that have A/C are coveted
This is a beautiful country filled with some of the most kind and generous people you could imagine. I am learning a great deal. Most of all I am learning to appreciate what this part of the world has to offer and am thankful for the opportunity.
Tuwasiliane.
Dear Mark,
Thank you for your wonderful note. It reached all the way to Magamba, TZ. I hope that you have enjoyed your time here in Tanzania as much as I am and next time we are both in the same country we should meet.
Safe Travels
Amanda
Amanda-
I’m glad to hear the special delivery reached you. I had a wonderful experience in Tanzania and hope to return someday. Keep up the good work that you are doing. You know how important it is. I trust our paths will cross someday, either here in the US or in TZ. For those who are not familiar with how mail gets delivered, here is the story behind how Amanda received a message from me:
Her father read in my father’s Christmas letter that I was in Tanzania and contacted him with Amanda’s information. After receiving an email from my father, I asked my host family in Dar es Salaam where Magamba is. Fortunatly, our housegirl, Maggie, was going home for the holidays and let me know she would pass through there on the bus to her village. I wrote a note to Amanda and sent it off with Maggie. She left it at the bus stop with instructions to get the message to the Mzungu Mwalimu (white teacher) and sure enough it got into the right hands. For those who would like to see what Amanda is up to, please visit: http://sekucoview.wordpress.com/.
Karibu tena,
Mark