Our final adventure was a safari which was amazing. We saw many animals and learned more about the tourism culture in Tanzania. We stayed in hotel room like tents in an open area where you could hear animals walking around in the middle of the night. We got up extra early to pack in the dark and head out on our final game drive.
After we then drove back to Dar es Salaam to catch our flight. Some of us were headed home and others still had another stop to make in Dubai. I went home and was exhausted from my long 8 days in Africa. I feel as if I can now travel anywhere. I'm glad I chose this trip over any other because it challenged me and took me way out of my comfort zone.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Blog entry Thursday 3-20-08
3-20-08
Today we had our last academic day and included meetings that tied everything together. We finally got to get out of the boardroom and into the sites with the local people that run these SME's and receive the funding and support. We visited the offices of TASAF (Tanzania Social Action Fund) to learn how they specifically help vulnerable groups such as unemployed youth, disabled, and people living with HIV(AIDS).
After a brief overview of what TASAF does we went to visit two of their sites. Both were run by Tanzanians who are living with HIV (AIDS). I did learn today that HIV in Africa is actually different than the virus in the US. The virus in the US is type 1, while in Africa is type 2. Type 2 is much more devastating to the community since most can't afford medicine or health care and have to suffer through it with no aid.
We went first to a community started in 2006 of seamstresses who make clothes for people living in the highlands. They create sweaters, hats, scarves, skirts, and even jewelry. They talk about the struggles of raising capital to keep up with their orders. It was interesting to watch them work and talk about how their entrepreneurial skills allow them to go straight to the market without middlemen.
The next place we went was a Chicken Farm in the Yomono village where they purchased and raised hatchlings which would then be sold to market. Their struggles included rising food costs, a decreasing market price, and theft. This chicken farm was in a very poor village which gave us a real view of poverty in Tanzania away from the office buildings. I appreciated and learned a lot from today's meetings. Of course we just get back on the bus to the hotel where we have running water, a/c, and beds to sleep on. When in the village you have to think to yourself, could I live like that if I had to? Of course the answer is no and no one should have to. As Mohammad Yunus mentions, poverty should only be found in muesuems. Hopefully, with all the research we have done here over the past week we can make a difference.
Today we had our last academic day and included meetings that tied everything together. We finally got to get out of the boardroom and into the sites with the local people that run these SME's and receive the funding and support. We visited the offices of TASAF (Tanzania Social Action Fund) to learn how they specifically help vulnerable groups such as unemployed youth, disabled, and people living with HIV(AIDS).
After a brief overview of what TASAF does we went to visit two of their sites. Both were run by Tanzanians who are living with HIV (AIDS). I did learn today that HIV in Africa is actually different than the virus in the US. The virus in the US is type 1, while in Africa is type 2. Type 2 is much more devastating to the community since most can't afford medicine or health care and have to suffer through it with no aid.
We went first to a community started in 2006 of seamstresses who make clothes for people living in the highlands. They create sweaters, hats, scarves, skirts, and even jewelry. They talk about the struggles of raising capital to keep up with their orders. It was interesting to watch them work and talk about how their entrepreneurial skills allow them to go straight to the market without middlemen.
The next place we went was a Chicken Farm in the Yomono village where they purchased and raised hatchlings which would then be sold to market. Their struggles included rising food costs, a decreasing market price, and theft. This chicken farm was in a very poor village which gave us a real view of poverty in Tanzania away from the office buildings. I appreciated and learned a lot from today's meetings. Of course we just get back on the bus to the hotel where we have running water, a/c, and beds to sleep on. When in the village you have to think to yourself, could I live like that if I had to? Of course the answer is no and no one should have to. As Mohammad Yunus mentions, poverty should only be found in muesuems. Hopefully, with all the research we have done here over the past week we can make a difference.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
3-19-08 Wednesday
Today was our second day for meetings. We started off the day with a great company called Technoserve represented by Alex Mkindi who is the Deputy Country Director. He explained how they go in to areas in Africa and South America and with the help of the local governments analyze the value chain of the agriculture in the area. We went through three case studies of Coffee, Cashews, and Banana. Their philosophy is to use private enterprise to drive positive social change. They bring agricultural know how and technology along with strategic management to help these farmers who are at the bottom of the chain gain the most they can. There are many times where the farmers gets taken advantage of through long, confusing value chains filled with middlemen, buyers, retailers who pay so little for the crop. I really enjoyed listening to how they go in a decide how to change the traditional agricultural sales system for the better of the farmers.
The next meeting was at the Department of Agriculture and Marketing. We met with various leaders in the field of SME's including the Director of Policy and Planning and the head of SIDO which offers services for young businesses. They spoke about the issues surrounding small businesses in Tanzania and invited us to raise issues, question current policies and procedures, and share our ideas. It was an open atmosphere and welcoming. They seemed eager and very driven to continue improvement upon the current state of things.
We then left to go back to the University at Dar es Salaam for lunch and a discussion on Social Entrepreneurship. Dr. Olomi lectured on the subject of how to define Social Entrepreneurship and what has been done so far in Tanzania. I found it interesting how from the different sectors, he could not name one political figure who has contributed. I was thinking why is this? Not even one political leader has set up an organization or business to help any one group of people. However, with social entrepreneurship having such a vauge definition, I think that many of the ventures started also can be considered social because they continue to bring the standard of living up and increase the expansion of the free market system.
Tonight we have the Africa Dinner which I hope will be fun after a long day of meetings. For some reason, I felt very tired as if I am still adjusting to the climate.
The next meeting was at the Department of Agriculture and Marketing. We met with various leaders in the field of SME's including the Director of Policy and Planning and the head of SIDO which offers services for young businesses. They spoke about the issues surrounding small businesses in Tanzania and invited us to raise issues, question current policies and procedures, and share our ideas. It was an open atmosphere and welcoming. They seemed eager and very driven to continue improvement upon the current state of things.
We then left to go back to the University at Dar es Salaam for lunch and a discussion on Social Entrepreneurship. Dr. Olomi lectured on the subject of how to define Social Entrepreneurship and what has been done so far in Tanzania. I found it interesting how from the different sectors, he could not name one political figure who has contributed. I was thinking why is this? Not even one political leader has set up an organization or business to help any one group of people. However, with social entrepreneurship having such a vauge definition, I think that many of the ventures started also can be considered social because they continue to bring the standard of living up and increase the expansion of the free market system.
Tonight we have the Africa Dinner which I hope will be fun after a long day of meetings. For some reason, I felt very tired as if I am still adjusting to the climate.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
3-18-08 Tuesday
Last night we ended up at Oyster Bay on another adventure away from the group. It seems our mini outings keep getting better and better. Lisa (my roommate here) ended up meeting a venture capitalist for SME's in Tanzania in the lobby. She was very interested in our trip and meeting us to discuss possible opportunities and issues that are in Tanzania from her experience living here as an American for 4 years. Kathleen Charles is her name and she has been in Africa for a total of 12 years. She is very bright and speaks 4 languages.
She also works with Google.org whom recently held a business plan competition in Tanzania. Katie, Aaron,Lisa, and myself went to Oyster Bay (where the wealthy diplomatic residential area is) to a small plaza facing the water. We ate at a great restaurant and had a break from all the curry I have been eating to have a pasta dish featuring fresh prawns and tomato sauce. We talked about both her and our experiences here and the state of the economy. She spoke warmly of the people here. At a table on my right was a large group of diplomats from many different countries, which was interesting to see. After dinner we walked around the plaza for a bit. After we got back to the hotel we caught the news in the lobby and watched ourselves featured on the news for our meeting with Reginald Mengi, which was fun to watch. We were also featured in the newspaper the next morning.
We went to the University of Dar es Salaam today where we listened to both a Tanzanian professor and our own professor lecture. We learned much more about where the struggles and opportunities lie in the economy here. This is extremely beneficial to our business plan development. We also were introduced to the Tanzanian CEO round table which is a panel consisting of 40 members who review legal frameworks and policies. The main issue seemed to be changing the mindset of the people from a socialist thinking to a capitalist way of life. Another major challenge is a customer oriented way of thinking (which comes up again and again) and how to change to a capitalist society to meet the customer need, you have to be ready to serve them. As the country is young at only 46 years, because of technology and the positive example of other capitalist countries they are steadily moving along positively.
Tonight we relax : )
She also works with Google.org whom recently held a business plan competition in Tanzania. Katie, Aaron,Lisa, and myself went to Oyster Bay (where the wealthy diplomatic residential area is) to a small plaza facing the water. We ate at a great restaurant and had a break from all the curry I have been eating to have a pasta dish featuring fresh prawns and tomato sauce. We talked about both her and our experiences here and the state of the economy. She spoke warmly of the people here. At a table on my right was a large group of diplomats from many different countries, which was interesting to see. After dinner we walked around the plaza for a bit. After we got back to the hotel we caught the news in the lobby and watched ourselves featured on the news for our meeting with Reginald Mengi, which was fun to watch. We were also featured in the newspaper the next morning.
We went to the University of Dar es Salaam today where we listened to both a Tanzanian professor and our own professor lecture. We learned much more about where the struggles and opportunities lie in the economy here. This is extremely beneficial to our business plan development. We also were introduced to the Tanzanian CEO round table which is a panel consisting of 40 members who review legal frameworks and policies. The main issue seemed to be changing the mindset of the people from a socialist thinking to a capitalist way of life. Another major challenge is a customer oriented way of thinking (which comes up again and again) and how to change to a capitalist society to meet the customer need, you have to be ready to serve them. As the country is young at only 46 years, because of technology and the positive example of other capitalist countries they are steadily moving along positively.
Tonight we relax : )
3-17-08 Monday
oday we spent some time to discuss our business plan assignments and threw around some ideas. We also went over the remainder of our trip and what we have confirmed on the agenda.
We managed to get time with Tanzania's most famous entrepreneur Reginald Mengi. He was truly an inspiration to us all and even though the room was 100 degrees,time flew by listening to his words of wisdom. He came from a very poor background, born in a mud hut, growing up with no shoes and one school uniform, eating only one meal per day. Most people in the US are unable to understand growing up like he did and the challenges he had to overcome. He almost makes it seem easy, even though he says putting hard work into whatever you do is one of the keys to success. He is a unique person and great example for his fellow Tanzanians. Starting small but thinking big is his philosophy along with always having a set destination and plan. What is also inspiring about him is that he gives soo much back to Tanzania. He is not greedy or selfish, but one of the nicest people I will probably ever meet. You cannot help but admire and like him for all that he is accomplished. I would hope to one day look back and think I did something even half as great as he has in my lifetime.
After we met with the Chief Executive of the NMB bank to discuss microlending, banking, and foreign investment in Tanzania. I received a better understanding of the country and what is being done to set up a structure to allow locals to understand about managing money. I also found out that saving money is a completely foreign idea to them. The culture here is to borrow, and borrow more. I was confirmed in my assumption that customer service here is lacking because it is not part of the culture yet. The head of the bank explained that it will take some time for them to understand and they currently take their new employees to Holland to experience it themselves. He is actually from Holland and is living in Tanzania to head the branch. He also explained how it is difficult to manage banks when they are so scattered across hard to get to rural areas. Employment is also a challenge as there aren't enough qualified candidates and the government doesn't want foreign workers taking jobs so there is a gap. This meeting allowed us to get a better sense of the challenges faced when starting a business here in Tanzania.
We managed to get time with Tanzania's most famous entrepreneur Reginald Mengi. He was truly an inspiration to us all and even though the room was 100 degrees,time flew by listening to his words of wisdom. He came from a very poor background, born in a mud hut, growing up with no shoes and one school uniform, eating only one meal per day. Most people in the US are unable to understand growing up like he did and the challenges he had to overcome. He almost makes it seem easy, even though he says putting hard work into whatever you do is one of the keys to success. He is a unique person and great example for his fellow Tanzanians. Starting small but thinking big is his philosophy along with always having a set destination and plan. What is also inspiring about him is that he gives soo much back to Tanzania. He is not greedy or selfish, but one of the nicest people I will probably ever meet. You cannot help but admire and like him for all that he is accomplished. I would hope to one day look back and think I did something even half as great as he has in my lifetime.
After we met with the Chief Executive of the NMB bank to discuss microlending, banking, and foreign investment in Tanzania. I received a better understanding of the country and what is being done to set up a structure to allow locals to understand about managing money. I also found out that saving money is a completely foreign idea to them. The culture here is to borrow, and borrow more. I was confirmed in my assumption that customer service here is lacking because it is not part of the culture yet. The head of the bank explained that it will take some time for them to understand and they currently take their new employees to Holland to experience it themselves. He is actually from Holland and is living in Tanzania to head the branch. He also explained how it is difficult to manage banks when they are so scattered across hard to get to rural areas. Employment is also a challenge as there aren't enough qualified candidates and the government doesn't want foreign workers taking jobs so there is a gap. This meeting allowed us to get a better sense of the challenges faced when starting a business here in Tanzania.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Katie's Blog Link
If you would like to see some Pictures of what I have been up to please check out my friend Katie's site which see updates much more than I do. You might see me in one or two pictures : )
http://katieintanzania.blogspot.com/
http://katieintanzania.blogspot.com/
Tanzania Blog Entry 3/16/08
Today, we went on our full day trip to Zanzibar. We started out bright and early at 6am (actually leaving more like 6:45) for the ferry. It was a Sunday but still busy with people around port. It was crowded on the boat as we formed a long line to get on board. I sat on the upper deck as the sun slowly climbed into the sky and the heat and humidity started to soak into my skin. Yuck. It was worth it for the view of the harbor. I caught up on my Zanzibar reading from the guide book and a small group of us decided to venture out on our own to the Jozani Forest. Getting off the boat we had to show our passport to get into Zanzibar even though it is the same country as Tanzania.
Finally, we made it through the 2 hour boat ride, and long passport line and got to head on in. The buildings were old and a mix of both European and Arabic influences. Many are falling apart but you can tell may have been something really beautiful to look at, at one point. So we left the group to venture on our own. as nervous as that made me, we grabbed a taxi and headed over to the forest. The cab ride was a long 45 minutes but we got a perspective of the real Africa that you don't get to see in the tourist towns.
We saw the small villages and huts, the police stops, and domesticated cattle and chickens people owned. We saw what was probably some nonlegal small businesses setup by the road and the lush green (which you cannot see anywhere near the stone town). We made it to the forest not know what to expect and we met our guide. We stayed for 45 minutes, but it felt like 3 hours. We went on a nature walk through the lush, green jungle and saw some interesting small critters like lizard, millipede, a huge grasshopper and crab. (I'll add in the pictures later)
We then went to see the (what is known as rare in my guidebook) Red Colobus Monkey. We hungout with a family of 25 or so that followed us through our walk in their forest. They are unafraid of humans so we got incredibly close. I was not expecting that at all! It was amazing and I'll add pictures later. WE also saw the blue monkey but they were shy. The babies were very cute.
We then went to mango groves to see a multi-rooted tree that I've seen before on the show “Man vs Wild” The roots are so strong above the ground that we got to climb and swing on them (pictures to come). We also learned the uses the villagers have for different leaves like rope and filing their nails for henna. The last was learning how to plant the long seed of the mango grove but dropping it into the mud a certain way. (pictures to come).
Nothing could top the nature walk for the rest of the day. Stone town was very hot and humid. I don't think I have ever drank so much water at once. We visited the Sultans palace (museum) where we got to see some antiques and learn the history of the royalty in Zanzibar. It was so humid in there, all I could thing was how badly it was damaging the priceless antiques including the king throne and this coffee table I'll add in later.
We learned that Freddie Mercury from Queen was born in Stone Town Zanzibar (which was very surprising), while stopping for a quick bite to eat at Mercury's Restaurant. After that we got lost for a bit in Stone Town looking for some shopping. The guidebook says it's a must to get lost wandering the streets. The alleyways were a bit scary with garbage littered, bad smells, and dead animals rotting where children were plying nearby. It was a new experience. Overall, it was an interesting experience taking the backroads and streets around Zanzibar. In fact, I think this was my best experience yet here. : )
Finally, we made it through the 2 hour boat ride, and long passport line and got to head on in. The buildings were old and a mix of both European and Arabic influences. Many are falling apart but you can tell may have been something really beautiful to look at, at one point. So we left the group to venture on our own. as nervous as that made me, we grabbed a taxi and headed over to the forest. The cab ride was a long 45 minutes but we got a perspective of the real Africa that you don't get to see in the tourist towns.
We saw the small villages and huts, the police stops, and domesticated cattle and chickens people owned. We saw what was probably some nonlegal small businesses setup by the road and the lush green (which you cannot see anywhere near the stone town). We made it to the forest not know what to expect and we met our guide. We stayed for 45 minutes, but it felt like 3 hours. We went on a nature walk through the lush, green jungle and saw some interesting small critters like lizard, millipede, a huge grasshopper and crab. (I'll add in the pictures later)
We then went to see the (what is known as rare in my guidebook) Red Colobus Monkey. We hungout with a family of 25 or so that followed us through our walk in their forest. They are unafraid of humans so we got incredibly close. I was not expecting that at all! It was amazing and I'll add pictures later. WE also saw the blue monkey but they were shy. The babies were very cute.
We then went to mango groves to see a multi-rooted tree that I've seen before on the show “Man vs Wild” The roots are so strong above the ground that we got to climb and swing on them (pictures to come). We also learned the uses the villagers have for different leaves like rope and filing their nails for henna. The last was learning how to plant the long seed of the mango grove but dropping it into the mud a certain way. (pictures to come).
Nothing could top the nature walk for the rest of the day. Stone town was very hot and humid. I don't think I have ever drank so much water at once. We visited the Sultans palace (museum) where we got to see some antiques and learn the history of the royalty in Zanzibar. It was so humid in there, all I could thing was how badly it was damaging the priceless antiques including the king throne and this coffee table I'll add in later.
We learned that Freddie Mercury from Queen was born in Stone Town Zanzibar (which was very surprising), while stopping for a quick bite to eat at Mercury's Restaurant. After that we got lost for a bit in Stone Town looking for some shopping. The guidebook says it's a must to get lost wandering the streets. The alleyways were a bit scary with garbage littered, bad smells, and dead animals rotting where children were plying nearby. It was a new experience. Overall, it was an interesting experience taking the backroads and streets around Zanzibar. In fact, I think this was my best experience yet here. : )
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