Two memorable months in Mwanza, Tanzania – lived up to ideas. (African) time flies in this atmospheric and cozy city of rocks. Mwanza is a place you can easily call home sweet home – nyumbani ni nyumbani. It is an attractive combination of lakeside views and local hospitality. As capital of Mwanza Region is vibrant with various tribal groups and the population rate nearly three million. You find a diverse spectrum of people, greetings, habits, tribes, ties and interaction here in TZ and on the southern Lake Victoria shore.
I stay here to study sociology in Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) – enrolling three courses for three months. This bilateral exchange hospitality provides me close-knit relations and nearly familial bonds. Besides the academic process, I pay study visits to the non-governmental organizations to get a glimpse (or a pinch) of the grass roots level operations. We have contributed with the street children centers with arts, food, facilities, play sessions and other activities. In addition to informal swahili lessons, studying human rights issues, human resource management and project implementation is intriguing enough to learn something new every single day. The cultural confusion is the best teacher, besides all the assignments.
It is hard to avoid the fascinating views and top attractions in Tanzania. We’ve had miraculous weekends off in Zanzibar, Serengeti, Ukerewe Island . Easter was unforgettable as well; staying with friends and their families in Arusha, Manyara and the capital Dar es Salaam. Women’s Day celebrations were spectacular, but I am still curious to experience the colorful culture – its twists and traditions.
PS. Smiling is the best compensation to any trouble. So take your time and live the moment now.
Asante kwa ukarimu wako
– Hanna-Kaisa
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