At the end of a long footpath is the small compound of huts that house Robi and his extended family. Robi is extremely thankful for the goat from Heifer and the difference it has made for his family.
Kelly's Tanzania Journal
Read Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 4 | Day 5
Day 3Friday, February 17, 2006
Change of plans! This morning I arrive at the workshop location, prepared to spend the day with my Heifer Tanzania friends in workshop as we analyze and organize all of the data collected yesterday in the field. Instead, Dr. Sokombi, Heifer’s director for the Northwest (Tanzania) Zone office, says, “Kelly Ford (they always call me by both names, which tickled me), I have a surprise for you!” He has arranged for me to spend the day visiting project recipients in nearby (ha! I’m smarter than that now!) villages. So off I go…
Today I learn it’s not that hard getting from Musoma to the town of Tirame, but getting to the project recipients that Heifer’s partner, MGES, has served off the main road …think of sailing a cruise ship down a swimming pool…I swear at one point we drive our Heifer Toyota truck down a FOOT PATH! I keep saying, “Really, I can walk. Let’s walk this.” The guys joke, keep driving, and say “Now you are an extension agent!” My favorite stop today (there were six scattered throughout the hills) was at the home of Samuel because he was so proud, yet so appreciative, and gave a heartfelt thank you to Heifer (asante sana”) as I filmed.
What begins to be clear is that the animals are important--they are one means to an end, but the animals alone would not suffice. It is the training. Repeat after me: IT IS THE TRAINING…. The most successful programs are ones where the recipients are willing to pass on their knowledge as well as their animals, where the women are empowered and the cornerstones are taught and animal husbandry and agoecology techniques are learned.
I see my first Heifer fishpond project today; one fishpond has water, one fishpond is going dry, and there is a third pond that has been dug but not yet filled with water or stocked. I cannot tell you that this project is working flawlessly, but it is unrealistic to think you can win by a landslide every time. Especially when one of your opponents is Mother Nature. The fish ponds are not a failure, mind you —the young woman recipient said they had started with 300 fingerlings and harvested three times and they will continue to work it-- it’s just the drought is taking its toll. She keeps a detailed record book at home, she says. Would I like to see it? In the interest of time, we have to decline. Before leaving her, though, I ask through an interpreter, “Do Heifer fish taste good?” She shyly smiles and nods her head yes.
When I get back to Musoma, about 6:30, I am surprised to see the Heifer staffers I had left behind that morning still in a workshop session. I don’t guess I should be—Heifer is a hardworking bunch. This group traveled here to accomplish something specific and they will give it all they’ve got.
The power goes out again tonight just as we drove up to the hotel. Home sweet home! It is almost like, instead of turning on the lights as a loved one pulls up, they turn them off to signal our return :-) I pull my flashlight necklace out of my backpack and head inside.
Even when someone here speaks English it takes a lot of energy and focus to understand them and to make yourself understood. I think that’s why I’m so tired tonight. So I’ll write you more tomorrow….
P.S. My tour guides today were Jonathan, who works for an organization funded by the Lutheran church, and Frances and Gabriel, who work for MFES. I taught them a new expression today: “This is a one-vehicle road”. Every time we’d turn onto another narrow, rutted path, they would say it. In return, they taught me many things, namely dedication and determination. They went the extra mile—literally—to be sure I got the stories I came to Africa for, so that I can, in turn, share them with you.
Kelly Ford
Communications Manager
Heifer Foundation
