The first of these was the inauguration of the new classroom at Mswakini (funded by the National Parks), as well as the desks, school text books and the goat project.
We arrived at Mswakini at the appointed time and I noted that the drum I had left for the water project was used to make pombe, the traditional brew. The Head Teacher was busy organizing people and there was a lot of activity. A group of Wazee (elders) dressed in their red robes and carrying their fimbo, stood in the shade of an Acacia tree, discussing things in their indomitable way.There was a large tarpaulin offering shade to the high table and the chairs, ready for the guests of honour, were a modern type not usually seen in the villages. The rest of the prepared seating was the school desks, ['our' new ones and some of the old ones] - all spaced out neatly.
Big E knew some of the National Parks people, so we chatted to them while we waited for the Director of National Parks to arrive - he was late [as is typical for most 'big noises'].
Gradually the area began to fill with the village people - a very colorful scene. The men in their red robes and their fimbos (sticks - walking/carrying) and the women elegant and beautiful in their blue dress and jewelry - shaven headed or neatly trimmed/patterned hair. The bead jewelry and collars were striking - white, red, blue. The long single strings of beads - to knee level - to indicate nursing mothers.
A number of women wore kangas and these too bring colour to the occasion.
Soon the school grounds were packed with people.
The Director of National Parks arrived leading a party of his 'people' and many vehicles - but they took off just as quickly to look at the water project - without us!
On his return we were formally introduced to him and I found him to be a friendly, affable man. We also met with the Regional Commissioner and the Monduli District Education Officer (who I had already met).
I was seated beside the Director of National Parks as the function started.
The introduction reminded me of a union meeting! Everyone was introduced one by one and at the introduction each would call out, 'Mswakini! Oyae!' and the crowd would raise a fist and call back, 'Oyae!'. Some would call, 'Mswakini safi!( clean/great)' or 'Mswakini juu! (Up with Mswakini)' and the last word was called back. Josiah called, 'Msitu ni uhai!' (forests are life or really, forestry is life). Mags and I just gave the greeting, 'Hamjambo' as we were new at this - later we would use 'Mazingira juu! (Up with the environment!).
There were a number of speeches and the crowd & school kids listened respectfully. Most speeches included thanks to NZ High Commission and Hifadhi. Big E spoke about the environment, water, school textbooks, desks and the need to plant trees.
Between the speeches, there were various performances by the school pupils; this successfully varied the day. These performances were excellent, interesting and well-rehearsed. First a larger group entered and sang a song of thanks, mentioning the High Commission and the National Parks Authority - even about the desks, books not forgetting anything. 'Asante sana, la la la!' Then there was a smaller group singing 3 local songs. A boy with a drum and a girl with a rattle - made from bottle tops - performed with style and rhythm.
There were role plays, one directed at parents, imploring on the right of children to go to school,; another about fathers not working in the shamba (farm) and mother expecting girls to work in the home.
Senior boys and girls made amusing solo speeches with actions.
The group of girls presented the risala, a song with a message which was the 'official' thanks, a copy of which was presented to the donor representatives.
Finally the Maasai boys in traditional costume performed their leaping and chanting, then girls came to try to attract their attention, only to receive a cold shoulder.
The Director's speech was longer but he gave us lots of kudos for helping the school even though we faced many problems. He cut the ribbon to open the new classroom. And I symbolically handed the Head Teacher a pile of text books.
We then to the goat shed and the Education Officer cut the ribbon to open the project.
After the opening and the speeches were completed, we filed into the new classroom and people sat according to their status. Apparently though only four women had enough status!
We sat at the high table and were offered beer, Konyagi or soda. Those inside and outside had either the pombe from my drum or soda.
There was the ritual of hand washing. Then the food! A huge platter of rice, tomato & cabbage salad, pilau, roasted meat and roasted banana. The goat shed had become a kitchen and the food was well presented and delicious. The young women serving the food were efficient and very careful regarding hygiene.
The ritual of 'keki', roasted goat was performed and presented to the Director with a short dedication speech. The Director said that he wanted to share the goat and cut small pieces and placed them on a plate. A member of the School Committee fed a piece to each of us [with a fork]
And then was shared with everyone there - other goats had been prepared for those outside. Mags had trouble chewing hers and hid the piece in a handkerchief.
The Regional Commissioner invited us to his place at Lushoto, and the Director gave us a free pass into Tarangire National Park - a rare gift and useful for the five years we were there.
We arrived home safely after a hot, tiring but most interesting day, a once in a lifetime experience. Ah but in the future were were to have more!
On his return we were formally introduced to him and I found him to be a friendly, affable man. We also met with the Regional Commissioner and the Monduli District Education Officer (who I had already met).
I was seated beside the Director of National Parks as the function started.
The introduction reminded me of a union meeting! Everyone was introduced one by one and at the introduction each would call out, 'Mswakini! Oyae!' and the crowd would raise a fist and call back, 'Oyae!'. Some would call, 'Mswakini safi!( clean/great)' or 'Mswakini juu! (Up with Mswakini)' and the last word was called back. Josiah called, 'Msitu ni uhai!' (forests are life or really, forestry is life). Mags and I just gave the greeting, 'Hamjambo' as we were new at this - later we would use 'Mazingira juu! (Up with the environment!).
There were a number of speeches and the crowd & school kids listened respectfully. Most speeches included thanks to NZ High Commission and Hifadhi. Big E spoke about the environment, water, school textbooks, desks and the need to plant trees.
Between the speeches, there were various performances by the school pupils; this successfully varied the day. These performances were excellent, interesting and well-rehearsed. First a larger group entered and sang a song of thanks, mentioning the High Commission and the National Parks Authority - even about the desks, books not forgetting anything. 'Asante sana, la la la!' Then there was a smaller group singing 3 local songs. A boy with a drum and a girl with a rattle - made from bottle tops - performed with style and rhythm.
There were role plays, one directed at parents, imploring on the right of children to go to school,; another about fathers not working in the shamba (farm) and mother expecting girls to work in the home.
Senior boys and girls made amusing solo speeches with actions.
The group of girls presented the risala, a song with a message which was the 'official' thanks, a copy of which was presented to the donor representatives.
Finally the Maasai boys in traditional costume performed their leaping and chanting, then girls came to try to attract their attention, only to receive a cold shoulder.
The Director's speech was longer but he gave us lots of kudos for helping the school even though we faced many problems. He cut the ribbon to open the new classroom. And I symbolically handed the Head Teacher a pile of text books.
We then to the goat shed and the Education Officer cut the ribbon to open the project.
After the opening and the speeches were completed, we filed into the new classroom and people sat according to their status. Apparently though only four women had enough status!
We sat at the high table and were offered beer, Konyagi or soda. Those inside and outside had either the pombe from my drum or soda.
There was the ritual of hand washing. Then the food! A huge platter of rice, tomato & cabbage salad, pilau, roasted meat and roasted banana. The goat shed had become a kitchen and the food was well presented and delicious. The young women serving the food were efficient and very careful regarding hygiene.
The ritual of 'keki', roasted goat was performed and presented to the Director with a short dedication speech. The Director said that he wanted to share the goat and cut small pieces and placed them on a plate. A member of the School Committee fed a piece to each of us [with a fork]
And then was shared with everyone there - other goats had been prepared for those outside. Mags had trouble chewing hers and hid the piece in a handkerchief.
The Regional Commissioner invited us to his place at Lushoto, and the Director gave us a free pass into Tarangire National Park - a rare gift and useful for the five years we were there.
We arrived home safely after a hot, tiring but most interesting day, a once in a lifetime experience. Ah but in the future were were to have more!
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