June,
2015
Tanzania
We
paid a morning visit to a small beach at Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake
and the main reservoir of the Nile. Also known as Victoria Nyanza, the lake lies
chiefly in Tanzania and Uganda, also bordering on Kenya, and, at 26,828 square
miles, it is the world’s second largest freshwater lake and has over 200
species of fish, tilapia being the most important economically. It was here where
we had an authentic taste of daily life with an unscheduled visit to the Mwaburugu fishing village.
After a short talk about the lake, several of us got into boats for a
ride and a traditional "fishermen songfest"… this led to our asking our guide if we could
visit the village…and so we did.
The
Sukuma people, of Bantu origin, are the largest ethnic group in Tanzania,
making up 16% of the population. Tribal communities live in northwestern
Tanzania on or near the southern shores of Lake Victoria. What was most rewarding
for me was that this was not an official visit so there were no ceremonial
costumes or dances, but, rather, it was an opportunity to see firsthand a
community of people in their natural setting. We were continually surrounded by
children who wanted to hold our hands and were entranced when we took their
pictures. Our visit ended with a stop at the local school, set up and funded by
international donations, and an example of the village’s attempt to combat
illiteracy. How proud the students were to sing for us and answer our
questions; a clear example that education is the right of every child and the key to a hopeful future.
Fabulous pictures of the Sukuma village and people. I thought that was among the most memorable experiences of an extraordinary trip.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry. Yes, it was outstanding.
ReplyDelete