Lucy: Defying the Statistics in Tanzania
Tanzania is a beautiful country, filled with exotic African wildlife. The many Wildlife Parks which protect these national treasures, draw several million international tourists each year. As a result, tourism is one of the top employment sectors in Tanzania. The well-respected College of African Wildlife Management is located in Mweka, Tanzania, on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Students come from surrounding East African countries to study at this well-known college to prepare themselves for employment in the exciting field of Wildlife Tourism.
In November 2024, we had our first graduate of this prestigious college from among our Treasures of Africa KIDZ Project students. Emmanuel, a young man who spent six years as a resident of Treasures of Africa Children’s Home, was our first to graduate from Mweka. Now, we have another student, Lucy, who is currently studying at Mweka and has just completed her first year of college. As a young woman, she is defying the statistics of the Wildlife Tourism field, which has been primarily dominated by men. Lucy is also a former resident of Treasures of Africa Children’s Home, having lived there from the age of 5 years to 18.
We asked her to share something with our readers about her time in college. In response, she wrote this short story about one of her first experiences in the “field” with fellow students, as they researched animals and plants in the National Parks.
MY ADVENTURE
By Lucy Tuombe Lupindu
As students of MWEKA COLLEGE OF AFRICAN WILDLIFE, we embarked on a thrilling journey to explore the majestic Mkomazi National Park and the scenic Arusha National Park. Our group was filled with excitement and anticipation as we set out to spot the incredible animals that inhabit these parks.
The Unexpected Encounter
As we ventured deeper into Mkomazi National Park, our joy turned to pure adrenaline when we encountered a massive bull elephant. It began charging towards us, trumpeting loudly! We quickly sprang into action, following the safety protocols we'd learned. The elephant's thunderous footsteps grew closer, and our hearts raced as we navigated the vehicle to create a safe distance.
Lost in the Woods
After that close encounter, we continued our journey in Arusha National Park. However, our GPS device suddenly ran out of battery, leaving us lost in the dense forest with no clear direction to follow. The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the forest floor, and we realized we were on our own. Panic started to set in as the darkness gathered, and a heavy downpour drenched us. The rain pounded against us, so that we could see nothing ahead of us, due to the reduced visibility.
A Night to Remember
As we navigated through the storm, our fear turned to determination. We worked together, using our knowledge and skills to find our way back to safety. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we spotted a glimmer of light in the distance – our campsite. Exhausted but exhilarated, we stumbled out of the vehicle, grateful to have made it through the adventure.
Despite the challenges, our wildlife adventure was an unforgettable experience. We learned valuable lessons about teamwork, quick thinking, and the importance of being prepared. As we shared stories around the campfire, we couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all – the elephant chase, the GPS failure, and the torrential rain. It was a night we'd never forget, a testament to our resilience and camaraderie.
Editor's Note
Lucy’s story of studying at Mweka College of African Wildlife Management is a perfect example of a child in Tanzania completely defying the national statistics on education. The average education level in Tanzania is 7th grade, which represents completion of Primary School. Because school in Tanzania is not “free” as it is in the United States, many children (especially those in rural communities) do not have the opportunity to receive even a basic education because of the family’s financial lack. Additionally, in order to attend Secondary School (high school), a child must be fluent in English. Primary schools are taught in Kiswahili, and this presents an immediate barrier for Primary School students to advance to Secondary. Essentially, only those students who have attended private Primary Schools where they are taught in English, have the chance to continue studying at the Secondary School level and beyond.
The donors to Hidden with Christ Ministries’ TREASURES OF AFRICA KIDZ EDUCATION FUND give an indescribable gift to impoverished and orphaned Tanzanian children. TOA KIDZ are sponsored to attend private schools where they learn English and are prepared for advanced education. Lucy has received this life-changing gift of education through our generous donors since she was five years old.
Please consider becoming a donor to our TOA KIDZ Education Fund – it will change the trajectory of a Tanzanian child’s life – like Lucy’s – forever! You can donate online by using the link below.
