ANNA Kwaheri

These past five weeks have been amazing. I fell in love with Arusha, and The Foundation for Tomorrow (TFFT) so much that I contemplated “accidentally” missing my flight home. Instead, I will just have to plan my next trip back to Tanzania. There will be so many things I know I will miss when I am back in the dala dala  (public transportation) was always fun despite the complete lack of personal space. Honestly, the times I had my hair stroked or sat next to a man and his chicken only made the experience better! I occasionally rode piki pikis –no helmets (motorcycles, sorry mom and dad!). Ah.. and the food; while an omelet cooked with fries (chips mayai) might sound strange, it should be on every menu in the U.S. ​

Of course I will miss the scholars the most! I loved having looked at a pamphlet or a poster of our scholars and finally being able to put names to their faces. Through tutoring I discovered English frequently doesn’t make sense, and I had to review long division, but I cherish the sessions I spent with the scholars. I couldn’t have asked for better students. They are such bright and excited students who really showed their passion for learning. It was so much fun to watch the kids race to write on the board and to participate. It made being a part of an organization that promotes education even more worthwhile than I could have imagined. image The scholars are fortunate to receive a good education, but they’ve also been blessed with such caring and hardworking people who have offered them so many opportunities. The Foundation for Tomorrow really is a family. Every time I would mention to a scholar that I was working with TFFT, their eyes would instantly light up. It’s obvious that the affection the staff has for the scholars is fully reciprocated. image When I applied for this internship, I had really hoped to gain knowledge on the inner workings of a non-profit. Luckily, I was given the opportunity to be involved in various aspects of TFFT. Whether I was attending an office meeting, tutoring scholars, or taking trips to schools, I have learned so much this past month. I have been given the best of both worlds by being able to experience the business side of a successful non-profit, while also getting to know our scholars. I couldn’t have imagined how much this month would mean to me before I had departed for Tanzania. From what I have learned, to whom I have met, I know I will constantly have Tanzania on my mind! image

2014-08-07T08:32:59+00:00