2025 Visit to Tanzania
Exchange Visit 2025: Trip Journal
Just a sample of the many, many places on their itinerary.
Five Africa Exchange Project (AEP) Board members and one volunteer traveled to Tanzania as part of this year’s exchange. We started our trip in Dar Es Salaam, then on to Iringa and then Pomerini. Africa Exchange Project provides access to clean water, quality education, and reliable healthcare in Pomerini, Tanzania. Our primary work is building relationships. All projects are chosen and carried out by the people whose lives we are helping to improve. We have over a fifteen-year history of successful projects.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 – Arrival in Dar es Salaam
After more than 24 hours of travel, most of us made it to Dar. Martin and Cheryl are due later tonight, but poor Rob, Jim, and Paul were caught in the KLM strike and had to spend the night in Nairobi. Hopefully, we’ll all reconnect tomorrow.
For now, we are soaking in the pastel-colored African sky from the rooftop of our hotel, enjoying my first Kilimanjaro beer. Had almost forgotten how magical these sunsets are. Tomorrow begins our journey to reconnect with the people we support here in Tanzania—we’re eager to dive in.
Friday, September 12, 2025 – First Full Day in Dar es Salaam
Our first full day in Dar was a whirlwind! Rob did a fantastic job showing us around the city. We walked through the bustling streets in the morning—vendors selling everything from fruit to hardware, the sidewalks alive with energy. Navigating the streets was its own adventure. Crossing was like a game of chance: motorcycles, tuk-tuks, buses, and cars all darting in every direction. The trick is to walk steadily and trust the traffic to flow around you—very reminiscent of Vietnam!
Lunch at Sea Cliff, overlooking the Indian Ocean, was a highlight. The breeze, the views, the food—it felt like the perfect welcome to Tanzania.
In the afternoon, we wandered through the Tinga Tinga Artisan Market. The art was incredible—bright, colorful, full of life. We were so tempted by a massive giraffe carving (if only we could get it home!). We settled on smaller treasures: bags, sarongs, necklaces, earrings, and, of course, a few statues.
We capped the day with dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant, paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Despite the lack of sleep from flight delays, everyone held up remarkably well. A great first day!
Saturday, September 13, 2025 -Arrival in Iringa
Today, bright and early, we flew from Dar to Iringa. Interestingly, the plane continues on to Ruaha, the National Park, where you can go on safari. The small plane has 4 rows of seats and holds ~12 passengers. There was a certain rattle that was a bit disconcerting but we made it just the same.
The greeting from our African colleagues at the airport in Iringa was incredible — so warm and heartfelt. Shadrack hugged Rob so strongly and excitedly that Rob’s feet left the ground. By the way, Shadrack named his first born son Rob! It was wonderful to see the mutual partnership and love. It was a joy to meet the people that we are working with in person.
Our B&B is called Neema Crafts. They provide jobs to over 100 people that are deaf or otherwise disabled. When ordering food in the cafe, one points at the menu or writes the order on a slip of paper since many of the waiters are deaf. They do such amazing work here.
We had a Board meeting, a workshop, and breakout sessions to discuss strategy with our friends from AED (Africa Exchange Development), our sister NGO based in Tanzania. We talked about some of our projects and discussed issues and opportunities in the areas of education, healthcare, and employment. It was a very collaborative and productive meeting. A small working group even emerged from the breakout session on employment that met on several occasions later that week and even developed a business plan that could help local farmers and the community.
After the meeting, Rob and Karen visited a local hospital. It was sad to see the basic needs of the hospital that were lacking. Some examples are blood oxygen sensors, heat lamp for premature babies and the broken X-ray machine that desperately needs to be replaced. A patient with a large facture will need to be transferred to another hospital 1 to 2 hours away. Also, we were disheartened by the building labeled “CDC/USAID” that provides medical treatment to AIDS patients knowing that these resources are no longer provided by the US.
Martin, Jim, Paul, and Cheryl visited Iringa Hope. Iringa Hope provides small micro-loans to the community mainly loans for agriculture. The staff was dedicated and eager to share information with us. It seemed like a great organization.
Sunday, September 14, 2025 – Arrive in Pomerini
Today we finally made it to Pomerini, the village that receives much of the support from our nonprofit work. The welcome we received was unforgettable. Members of the church greeted us with singing and dancing as they led us inside. The energy was contagious — joy radiated from every corner of the room. It was especially moving to see the children seated at the front, including those with disabilities, fully part of the celebration.
The church service itself was alive with even more music and dance—an incredible experience that words can hardly capture. At the close of the service, an auction was held to raise funds for the church. Items included a 5-liter bucket of peas (which we won!), a large bag of sweet potatoes, and even a live chicken. The bidding was lively, and it was heartwarming to know that every shilling raised would directly support the congregation.
In the afternoon, we met with about twenty girls who had received scholarships from us, along with their families. Supporting girls’ education here is particularly vital, as boys are often given priority. Hearing their stories and seeing the gratitude in both the children and their parents was deeply moving. As a gesture of thanks, Jim and African Exchange Project were gifted two live chickens. Jim even received a crash course on how to hold one properly—and gave it his best shot, much to everyone’s amusement!
Today was filled with music, laughter, gratitude, and a strong reminder of why we do this work.
Monday, September 15, 2025 – Work in Pomerini
This morning we met with the village leaders, who expressed their appreciation for the many projects we’ve been working on together. They also shared that some of the wells built in past years now require better maintenance. It was a good reminder that community ownership and education are essential—clean water is life, but without proper care, unclean water can quickly become a risk.
On our way to the village dispensary, we witnessed a beautiful moment: the local pastor riding his motorcycle with a Muslim man as his passenger. A simple scene, yet a powerful reminder of the harmony and shared life between two cultures here.
The dispensary serves as the heart of healthcare for the village, offering medicine, maternal care, and vaccines. One highlight was seeing the ultrasound machine provided by AEP through donations from Paul’s church, Karen’s Johnson & Johnson colleagues, and friends from the Midwest. Already, it has been used over 100 times, mainly for maternal care. But alongside that pride came sadness—walking through the HIV clinic, we saw USAID signs, a reminder of critical funding that the U.S. government has since withdrawn.
We also accompanied the village doctor on house calls, where he checked on elders who are unable to walk to his office. AEP helps cover the cost of medicine for these vulnerable individuals, ensuring they receive care they otherwise could not afford.
Later in the day, Karen and Rob toured another hospital to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare challenges in Tanzania. The journey back was an adventure of its own—we had to stop to repair a wooden bridge before crossing, shifting the planks back into place by hand. Thankfully, we made it across safely!
The rest of the group got a tour and demonstration of Novetha’s mushroom growing operation.
The day closed with an unforgettable dinner hosted by Novetha, an extraordinary woman. On her visit to the U.S. in 2024, she was inspired to learn the craft of mushroom cultivation. Now back in Tanzania, she grows mushrooms that are in high demand across the country and employs 10 local women. As we enjoyed lasagna made with her fresh mushrooms, it was clear that this simple exchange of knowledge has blossomed into something transformative.
Today was filled with lessons in sustainability, resilience, and the quiet power of cultural exchange.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 – Work in Pomerini
We began the day with a sobering visit to the local butchery. Recently, village leaders had asked if we could help improve sanitation in the area where animals are slaughtered. Standing there, it was hard to take in—the poor pig before us would end his day on a bare stone slab. Needless to say, we didn’t stay long enough to witness what came next.
From there, the day lifted in spirit. At the secondary school (serving ages 12 to 16), we were welcomed with exuberant singing and dancing. The joy of the students was infectious. Over the years, AEP has supported this school with building renovations, scholarships for girls, computers, and most recently, the addition of a science center. Thanks to these resources, students now have the opportunity to apply to university and pursue careers as doctors, researchers, or engineers—possibilities that were once out of reach.
One story touched us deeply. We met Espati, a brave young girl whose father had been forcing her into marriage at the age of just 14 or 15, likely to secure a dowry. In desperation, her mother reached out to the former headmaster, Shadrack, who enrolled her at the school to protect her from the marriage. Now, Espati lives at school full-time and stays with the headmaster’s parents during holidays. Her safety and education are secure, at least for now, and with hope and determination, she may one day attend university or choose her own path. We hold her in our hearts with prayers for a brighter future.
Later in the afternoon, we shifted gears and enjoyed a lighter experience. We visited a local fabric shop and tailor, where we had skirts and shirts made. It was a refreshing pause from the intensity of meetings and site visits—and a chance to carry home a piece of this place in something handmade and personal.
Wednesday, September 19, 2025 – Work in Pomerini
The day started with a meeting with the District Commissioner. The meeting was more of a formality than anything else but something we needed to do.
Next was a visit to the Primary School and lunch with the teachers. We had an opportunity to meet and talk with some of the teachers as well as the new head teacher. Although they had planned for us to sit at a head table as the honored guests, we gently dispersed ourselves amongst the teachers so we could engage in some discussions and get to know some of the teachers. We detected some resistance to this but hopefully we didn’t offend anyone.
The last part of the day was taken up by a workshop on education run by Cheryl with members of AEP and some primary and secondary school teachers. Cheryl was masterful at teasing out thoughts and ideas from all participants, even those with some reticence due to comfort level with the English language or other hesitancies. After the large group session, we broke out into smaller groups enabling better sharing of ideas and making connections. The workshop definitely forced some people out of their comfort zones but hopefully everyone left the workshop with some new ideas, inspiration, or connections.
Thursday, September 18, 2025 – Work in Pomerini
The day began bright and early with something new for many of our friends here: a yoga class. For most of the participants—teachers, principals, the local pastor, and several leaders from nearby nonprofits—it was their very first time trying yoga. Cheryl led the class beautifully, offering clear cues and even mastering the Swahili phrases pumzi nje (breathe out) and pumzi ndani (breathe in). The room was full of laughter, concentration, and a shared openness to learning together.
Our next stop was the Dabaga Institute, an agricultural college dedicated to training students to support local farmers. Their innovative spirit was inspiring. We saw creative approaches such as harnessing gas from animal waste to fuel cooking grills, alongside research into solar power and other sustainable energy sources. The students’ vision for the future of farming here was impressive and hopeful.
We then toured Mawaki, a Roman Catholic charity that cares for handicapped children and children living with HIV. The love and dedication of the staff was humbling. They honored us with a feast—pizza, salad, wine, and beer—and the celebration took on a life of its own. Dessert was carried in dramatically on two Franciscan Friar’s heads, accompanied by a boom box on wheels, and soon everyone was on their feet dancing joyfully around the table. It was a meal we will never forget.
In the afternoon, we returned to the primary school to see how technology is being used to empower students with disabilities. Some of the older PCs we had supplied from the U.S. are now being used for teaching blind and hearing-impaired students, with internet access enabling direct connections to classrooms abroad. In fact, they’ve even held Zoom calls with Cardinal Cushing School in Hanover, Massachusetts—bridging continents and creating a true global classroom.
We met one young girl who was very intelligent but could not write because of a disability with her hands, making learning and passing exams difficult. We were told there was a certain keyboard with a special screen to ensure the selected letter would be touched and not the other surrounding letters as well that would be extremely helpful to her. With some later research we learned this keyboard system was available from an Italian company so we made arrangements to purchase one and have it to be delivered later this month when some Italian volunteers arrive in Pomerini (the Italians do a lot for the community). The purchase was a little expensive and coordination complicated but we think this will make a big difference to this young girl’s future.
Today was filled with collaboration, openness, innovation, and joy—proof that when communities exchange ideas, whether through yoga poses or internet connections, new possibilities unfold.
Friday, September 19, 2025 – Work in Pomerini
Our favorite stop so far was the kindergarten—what an absolute joy! The children greeted us with a handmade certificate and a welcome sign that melted our hearts. Their learning is rooted in song and repetition, which is how they’re already picking up English. This skill, started so young, will prepare them for higher education and eventually open doors to better jobs. They also follow the Montessori approach, which encourages hands-on learning and independence.
The children amazed us with their knowledge—one boy could name every country in Africa, while others identified an impressive number of world flags. We brought along wooden learning toys, which they quickly put to use for numbers, letters, maps, and flags. In addition, we had recently provided funds for a new roof after a storm damaged the school, as well as salaries for the English teachers. Seeing these investments in action was deeply rewarding.
Of course, the children loved having their pictures taken—selfies were a huge hit—and the candy we carried from the U.S. was gone in no time!
Next, we visited a daycare supported by the Catholic Church and volunteers. We couldn’t help but smile at their unique method of transportation: a bicycle with a small wagon attached, used to ferry groups of children back and forth from their homes to the school. Simple, creative, and full of joy.
We ended the day at Upendo Mondo, an orphanage caring for 25 children and teens who would otherwise have no place to go. Beyond providing schooling, scholarships, housing, and daily needs, they are working hard to become self-sufficient. They run a carpentry shop, maintain a small farm, and operate machinery that processes sunflower seeds into cooking oil—all ventures that help offset the cost of caring for the children. We are committed to supporting their efforts to achieve sustainability, and it was inspiring to see their determination firsthand.
Today reminded us that hope often begins with children—their laughter, resilience, and dreams are at the very heart of a stronger future.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Leaving Pomerini
As we reflect on our time in Tanzania, we realize just how much we often take for granted. Things that feel like basic requirements of life back home—clean running water, reliable plumbing, electricity, paved roads, and the internet—are far from guaranteed here. In fact, they are luxuries.
This morning there was no electricity. Perhaps it was the high winds, or perhaps something else, but outages are common. The unpaved roads meant the town was clouded in dust, making even a short walk uncomfortable. Once again, we were reminded how challenging daily life can be here, with limited infrastructure, scarce well-paying jobs, and inadequate healthcare. And yet, despite these hardships, nearly everyone we met greeted us warmly, often with a smile.
Water remains one of the greatest challenges in Pomerini. While most homes technically have plumbing, it is unreliable, lacks hot water, and—most concerning of all—the tap water is unsafe for drinking or cooking. Yet many families use it anyway, because they have no alternative. In our guesthouse, we used tap water only for showering and flushing the toilet. Even so, “showering” required quite a process: boiling a large bucket of water outside, carrying it in, and mixing it with cold tap water—if the tap happened to be working. Toilets were flushed with water poured in by hand, either from a small bucket inside the bathroom or a larger one nearby.
Thankfully, several years ago, AEP helped install wells across the village. Though some have since dried up or fallen into disrepair, we were encouraged by our recent testing reports, which confirmed that water from the functioning wells is safe for drinking and cooking. We also oversaw some well repairs during our visit and worked on a plan to ensure that well maintenance and repairs will happen when needed. That felt like real progress.
One surprisingly thoughtful custom we noticed everywhere was the presence of a jug of water and soap before meals. This small act of hospitality was deeply appreciated, though it was jarring in contrast to bathrooms that often lacked both soap and water. Let’s just say we were grateful for hand wipes!
Later, we walked the dusty road to town to pick up our items from the tailor before heading back to Iringa. For about $9 each, we had skirts, shirts, bags, and aprons made, which we’ll bring back to the U.S. to sell in support of our nonprofit.
The formalities of Tanzanian gatherings also left a lasting impression. Every meeting began with introductions and signing the guest book. This was followed by more introductions, speeches of thanks, gifts, songs, or dances. In return, we were expected to give a speech of gratitude—a detail we often didn’t realize until the moment arrived, leaving us standing awkwardly as we scrambled for words. Still, their generosity and warmth always shone through.
Leaving Pomerini was bittersweet, especially saying goodbye to Maria. She had been a gracious hostess and is clearly a pillar of her community, caring for orphans and always looking after those around her. Her kindness is unforgettable.
The drive back to Iringa was long—unpaved roads nearly doubled the travel time—but it gave us space to reflect. In the end, what we will remember most are the people of Pomerini. Despite having so little, they gave so much. The kindergarten teachers presented us with nine fresh eggs. The church offered us scarves and sarongs. The village women gave us basket after basket—so many that we must have received at least fifty! Students created a handmade welcome sign. And my favorite gift of all: two live chickens, given by the parents of a girl we had sponsored through school. These gifts were more than tokens—they were heartfelt expressions of gratitude, a recognition of the difference we have tried to make in their schools, healthcare, and access to clean water.
Even their greetings carry a special warmth. Handshakes here often come in triples—grip, thumbs, grip again—sometimes followed by hugs on both sides, then back to handshakes. It’s a rhythm of connection that makes you feel instantly welcomed.
It is rare to feel like an honored guest, rarer still to feel like royalty. Yet in Pomerini, that is exactly how we were made to feel—not because of what we brought, but because of who they are: resilient, generous, and endlessly kind.