The Real Deal

Monday, we interviewed student from Saronga’s classroom who told us a bit about themselves and a few stories from their tribe, then we visited a secondary school where we talked to students and Saronga invited them to an open house on Wednesday.
Saronga and Janet at school


Photos by Erica Meus-Saunders

Student at Mikumi in Traditional dance


Tuesday we toured the campus and interviewed a teacher -James who also had another story to relate. Later that evening we visited a nearby village and spoke to an elder in the village who also taught traditional dance. We were fortunate enough to sit in a tribal gathering and see a dance performance from the students.




Once again I was blown away by the creativity of the students and glad to see that they were not only teaching us about their culture, but also learning it along with us.

Wednesday was big day in Mikumi, both the local students as well as some of the Solar students from Nova Scotia Community College participated in the open house as well as some of the students. It was wonderful to see the younger students showing interest in he displays and getting feedback from the older students.
The Solar Group

Later that evening we visited a snake park alone with the students in Solar.

We also had a chance to interview Aminata a Safari Guide, also a former student of Saronga.
Aminata

Aminata and myself

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

London Calling

Image
After discovering that we had missed both connecting flights we had to re-adjust and book new ones. We ended up staying an extra day and night in Toronto and then was onto London for a day. The day in Toronto we spent exploring, St. Lawrence Market and downtown Toronto, and I had a chance to meet up with a friend. We also got a chance to bond for a bit. Group exploring downtown Toronto Group on Heathrow Express London for a Day Goodies at St. Lawrence Market We ended up back at the airport, tired but happy. Then we were onto London for a 10 hour flight. Note to self: Spending 10 hours in a middle row is an option I should avoid in the future. Customs at Heathrow airport can test the faith of even the most patient. We spent hours in a line carrying gear and the likes. Finally we were cleared and had a quick bite to eat. *The best Cafe Mocha I've ever had. We had about 12 hours to spend and a few of us took the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station an
Read more

Adieu

Image
Happy moment with Masaii. Photo by Courtney Bolivar I can't even begin to say goodbye to this land, this place, new friends. Tanzania has pulled me in many directions. From day one on landing in Dar Es Salaam to travelling to Arusha, making new friends, recording and learning a piece of history and participating in a Tribal dance. Then on to Mikumi to visit the villages, connect with old friends and make new ones. To talk to a class of students, many introductions along the way. This experience has surpassed my expectations. In route to a village. Photo by Janet Hawkwood There have been moments of uncertainty and yes, a few moments of learning. My team has gone through a few minor aches and adjustments, but though it all we persevered and kept smiling. Breakfast at Vuma Hills To say that I've grown as a filmmaker is limiting. I've grown as an individual. Interview in a village The last days spent on Safari were breathtaking. Y
Read more

Arusha

Image
Traditional Welcoming Dance Courtney, Margaret and Breagh in session After many mishaps, loss luggage and the likes, Arusha has been like a breath of fresh air. We were greeted by the students and faculty with a lunch and performance in our honour. The place itself was beautiful. Arusha airport VETA Campus We had lunch, did introductions and then discussed questions for interview the following day. Later in the evening we learned that we would take part in a cultural show on Friday. Surprise! We practiced for three different dances = intense. Dance practice We bonded quickly and made friends with the students. Happiness, Courtney and myself Here's a picture of Courtney, Happiness and myself.
Read more