life in Tanzania

After spending over 2 weeks in Arusha, it is obvious that life is extremely difficult for many TZ citizens.

EDUCATION:
In my opinion, the education system is a complete failure. Children in TZ attend primary school until grade 7. Secondary school (grades 7-12) must be paid for out of pocket. Both public and private secondary schools require families to pay for school uniforms, textbooks, and school supplies. Wealthier families tend to send their children to boarding schools (both private and public). Along with cost, transportation to school is a major issue. Children in rural villages must walk every day (sometimes hours at a time) to attend school. Clearly, the government places very little funding into the education system. Classrooms are overcrowded (40-50 kids per teacher) and teachers are underpaid and not qualified to teach. Children are rarely provided lunch and must sit through a full day of class on empty stomachs.

This week I am teaching sexual education to a classroom of 53 students. In TZ, reproduction and general health lessons are not taught to the students. Many of the 11-14 year olds in my classroom did not know what the act of sex was. Many girls were unaware of what tampons and pads were used for. I love teaching this topic because if I don't educate these students about sexual issues who will? There is nervous but exciting energy in the room. Students were amazed and eager to learn about sexual organs and the basic human anatomy.

Last week I taught a group of women about HIV/AIDS prevention. Many of the women had never used a condom (male or female) so the condom demonstration was extremely helpful for them. One women took a female condom home with her and the next day at training told all her friends how wonderful it was. Condoms in TZ are cheap (1000TSH for 3) because many nonprofits subsidize brands to spead them to the masses. The problem is that people in rural villages are unaware that they even exist.

GENDER ROLES
Although the roles are starting to shift, women are still expected to be caretakers. Infidelity and polygamy are cultural norms for many tribes (example the Masai men practice polygamy). Many husbands who work far distances from Arusha have sexual partners in each city. Wealthier men, who travel to rural villages, pay young girls, who are desperately trying to sell bananas, for a session of sex. HIV quickly spreads and passes from the young girls to the wealthy men to the wives at home. In order for this virus to stop spreading, BEHAVIOR change must happen. Infidelity must STOP and Masai men who do have multiple wives must be tested.

Women or girls who do not have the funds to attend secondary school usually become house girls or servants. All day 14-20 year old girls cook and clean and tend to the house. This role is usually broken after the girl becomes pregnant or finds a husband.

HEALTH:
Like teachers, there is a great shortage of doctors. There is only one cardiologist and 3 pediatricians in TZ! When a patient is in need of heart surgery, doctors must be contacted and imported from other countries. Doctors are not paid enough for their services in TZ so many MDs leave TZ after completing their degree.

POLITICS:
My friend and counterpart Alli attended university in Dar. He told us that in the classroom professors teach them that opposition leaders or members of Parliament that speak out against these issues are killed or threatened. The government owns many safari companies in Arusha. Where does all this money go? It amazes me how little funding the government places in fundamental systems like education and health. Education, health, and job opportunities are all interconnected. If children were given the opportunity to be educated, serious issues and diseases would be prevented.

In Arusha, many boys walk aimlessly around town begging or trying to sell trinkets to tourists. Many dream of attending guide school (which also costs money) but most fall into the trap of drug abuse and lives filled with no aspirations or motivation. It depresses me every day to see the same group of guys hanging out by Clock Tower. At first I attempted to be friends with them but I have unfortunately learned that most are only after money not genuine friendship.

GREETINGS:
Although these serious issues affect almost every TZ, there is still a liveliness and vibrant energy in Arusha. People are open and happy and smiling and friendly. Everyone talks to everyone. On my 30 minute walk to town, I always talk to at least one or two new people. At first it was overwhelming but I have grown to love being constantly stimulated. I am never alone and I am learning from people constantly.

SIEKE:
This is the name of my village. I LOVE SIEKE!! I have discovered a river tucked behind my village. There are banana trees and beautiful fields to lay in along the water. People come to this sanctuary to bath or wash clothes or play football. I have befriended my neighbor named Dixon. His family grows hopps for mbege or banana beer. His father and brother died a few years back from illness so Dixon is the "man of the house." Dixon's family is financially struggling. His mom, however, welcomed me and 3 other volunteers with open arms and cooked us an extravagant meal. I felt so guilty eating her food but she wanted us to feel welcome in her home.