A HARMONY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE SHOWCASES THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY AND WELLBEING
There were various performances, tribal costume fashion and food show, and poems reflecting the Tuko Sawa theme of equality despite differences, to remind people that it is insignificant what you look like, who your parents are, how much material stuff you possess, we all are part of one human family. Equality by creation means “seeing yourself in others” and treating them justly and with dignity because you too would wish that to be done to you and your loved ones.
Indeed, the community spirit was highly visible in how people related at the event. There was a lot of laughter, hugging and the atmosphere was extraordinary. Elders from the three major tribes of the Lake Victora West; Sukuma, Kurya and Haya were invited and local food from their tribes was cooked and served by students in their honour. The School’s headmaster Mr. Jeremiham K. Niyitanga, remarked that the event marks a new phase in fostering community engagement. “In the beginning when the Tuko Sawa Club Matron, Mrs Minael Mndeme explained the goals of the Society, I immediately understood that this was not just a generic club but a very solid platform for fostering positive perception about life in general and spreading hope to the surrounding communities, so I did not hesitate to allocate them an area for their activities. We have seen many clubs that are not particularly beneficial to local people because of age or gender criteria, but as you can see here today, Tuko Sawa is well received by the surrounding villagers. It is this dynamic engagement which has made our school very unique in reaching deeper into the communities.
In their formal address, the students thanked their Headteacher, staff and school administration for providing sufficient cooperation since 2020: “We ask that you do not get tired of us or working with us and we pray that this loving relationship lasts forever ” they pleaded. The students promised to ensure that their Centre of Excellence (CoE) continues to be at the forefront for Wellbeing activities in Mwanza Regions and they want to set an example that can be copied by other communities wishing to come closer together and turn challenges into opportunities.
The guest of honour Mr. Godfrey Madaraka Nyerere firstly congratulated the students for their initiative and expressed his surprise at seeing so many young people at the event. “In fact I asked myself several times how this is possible, because in today’s world, young people prefer entertainment events by famous celebrities and are less interested in community building.”
Secondly, he told them about our Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s emphasis on unity. He explained that this is why the Tuko Sawa ideals resonated with him from the time he was invited to become a member of the society. He thanked the Itumbili Secondary School for inviting him as guest of honour but insisted that, at this event he was not just there as guest but one of them because he lives and practices all the Tuko Sawa ideals, which everyone should aspire to live by. “When it comes to community wellbeing we must all speak the same language of unity, irrespective of ones’ background or what power one has.” He also promised the students that he will deal with all the requests presented to him; such as assistance with agribusiness specialists in order to ensure that words and actions go together especially when the students’ commitment is so obvious.
Expressing hope for future, an Elder, Filipo Manti Simon said:
"A lot has changed in today’s society that causes us to be concerned. Respect towards local fresh food is on decline, with more people choosing processed food and there is a general moral degradation where people value material stuff more than human values or even human life! We are seeing less interest in intergenerational interactions, which sustained past generations with wisdom and experience, and this is harming family life in general. For example, if you look at today's young people some have already married many times and why? It is all down to a lack of guidance, there is no sincere love, breaking up is just a normal thing, morals are on a fast decline. These days when we come across young people, some are not greeting anymore, but you cannot complain because you look old, you are out of date! This is why I am so happily surprised to see the way this Society of equals unites people, reminding them to live a life of good values and responsibility in caring for all life. I came here thinking it was just a festival and to be honest I did not expect that I would get a chance to speak to enthusiastic young people who are keen to know how we lived in the past, but when I looked at the goals of the Tuko Sawa Society, I realised this is something completely different. I see a bright light ahead.”
According to a senior Coordinator from Tuko Sawa Mr. Conrad Kiondo who travelled from Arusha to Magu for the event, the Itumbili Centre of Excellence is set to become a template for future community engagements across Tanzania, perhaps even in other African Countries that see the importance of involving our Elders in nurturing good morals and caring for our planet. Local Elders know much more about the local environment, and we should celebrate and capture their wisdom before it is too late. Technology alone cannot solve our problems. We have spoken to Elders in almost every region of Tanzania and every time they are pleasantly shocked to discover that we are actually listening and respecting what they have to say about past, present and the future. Indeed, our ambition is to ensure that Tanzania is known worldwide as trailblazers of Harmony (Upatano), which reunites humans with their true Nature.
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