Influence of Money

I can’t say I haven’t thought about home but I definitely don’t miss it. I have been in Tanzania for one week now and sadly only have one week left. One can see unimaginable things in a week’s time. Sorrow, pain, hope, struggle, and happiness are many things I have seen and felt thus far. On my home visit to Sir David’s house, I saw a strong man who was hurting inside for his family. While he smiled bright, his eyes pleaded. The government changed protocol a few years ago ending computer classes in schools. David lost his job at L.O.A.M.O. school (where I have been teaching) and is yet to find a job two years and 200 applications later. He has not even received a single response to his applications. David and his wife Elisia rent a kilometer of land near their house for a garden which gives them enough income to survive. He told us a quote in which he believes… “Money is the answer to everything.” For us that might not be true, but for him it is. He gave us examples which he thought this quote supported, with money you can buy food, get an education, and go to the doctor. Without money, most of these things become luxuries not available to most. While many may disagree with David, know that everything to David is family, school and food: nothing else.

I have asked myself this question many times while being on this trip, what would have the biggest impact on the country of Tanzania? Of course the answer is money. I then thought about what kind of role money would play if given to the country. Obviously if given to the corrupt government, it would have a small impact on the country as a whole. Maybe some money would be used for the economy, roads, and government buildings, but most would line the pockets of government officials. However, if given to the people great things will happen. I believe the money would be shared amongst their people as everyone works together and treat each other as family. More kids would be able to afford school, families could avoid going days without food, and so many would be able to afford the doctor when they are sick. The country would rise as one. Money is not the only answer though. Love coincides with it. Love is here in Tanzania and only lacks in a few situations. You see love everywhere though, in the children’s smiles at school, in the parent’s eyes on the home visits, and in the teacher’s words and hearts. The teachers here in Tanzania are harsh and I mean harsh. Today in class the stick was brought out and many kids where smacked on the wrists or legs. While it might sound crazy, the teachers are doing it with affection for the kids and doing it solely for their benefit. The teachers work so hard and demand respect, they know education is the only way out of poverty and they will not let a kid slip by the opportunity. Tanzania’s school system requires students to pass a test to move on to the next grade.  If you fail the test than you repeat the year, causing the family to pay hundreds of dollars for school again. To pass the test, requires the teachers best work as well as the kids and the teachers make that known. They do everything for the kids and really work with the kindness from their heart.

Tanzania is amazing. I have seen it all, from carrying babies at the orphanage, dancing with kindergarteners, chasing students at lunch, parents working hard for their families, and locals yelling “muzungu” when they see white people drive by. Getting out of bed at 6:00 has been tough but well worth it as I get to share my knowledge and love to very bright kids at the school. I have one more week to give all I got and more.

     Caribou, 

                   Karsen