Words from Tanzania

This story speaks of love, God’s love that crossed an ocean and crossed cultures for people and from people who have never met, and, quite frankly, may never meet. The story takes place in Monticello, Iowa, USA, Same, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, East Africa and Kigonzile, Iringa Region, Tanzania, East Africa.

During the rainy season in rural Tanzania food becomes scarce as the last year’s crop is running out and the new crop has just been planted. The crop I am speaking of is corn. Tanzanians mill the corn into flour and use it daily in their favorite foods of ugali, chapatti (flatbread), ndazi (donuts), and uji (porridge). Although corn flour is filling, there is not much nutritional value to it. The children who attend the primary school in the village of Kigonzile receive a cup of uji (porridge) for lunch when supplies are sufficient.

In another area of Tanzania, in the village of Same, grain amaranth was introduced several years ago. Grain amaranth is full of natural vitamins, such as A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12. This grain can be milled into flour or popped like popcorn. When added to other flours at a rate of 1:2, food not only fills the stomach but nourishes the mind and body.

The United States of America is a land full of concerned people who have the ability to assist, but who, after hearing so many stories of mismanagement and corruption, become hesitant to give. In Monticello, Iowa, two groups determined to help gather their resources and find a way to make a difference.

So what happened when the people of Kigonzile, Same and Monticello joined forces? While addressing the immediate need of school lunch program the people of Monticello contributed two months worth of supplies. At this same time they financed a two-day seminar on Grain Amaranth facilitated by Rosemary Solomon of Same. Fifteen farmers were invite d to learn what Mchicha Nafaka (Swahili for Amaranth Grain) is, how to plant, harvest and process it and how to cook with it. After a little hesitation on the first morning of training, the atmosphere changed when it was finally time to plant! As a member of the body of Christ, these people are farmers who understand the land and are comfortable with a hoe in their hand. Their joy increased ten-fold when we walked outside leaving the classroom behind.

Day two, the day to cook with grain amaranth had arrived. The energy in the room was high, smiles and laughter filled the room. This is the true personality of Tanzanians. To my total amazement the men also joined in! This goes against the roles of men and women in this culture; men do not cook. Another sign that the farmers where totally engaged in this training. Three hours later, the table was full of porridge, donuts, flatbread and popcorn. It was time to enjoy the fruits of their labor and they did!

Today there are 15 farmers who have the knowledge to improve their health and the health of the children of the village. They are also the only people in the area with knowledge of grain amaranth. So we pray that the Holy Spirit moves them to share this gift with others as they have received.

P.S. the supplies for the lunch program have been delivered and 5 Papaya trees were planted at the kindergarten! Principal Gama has been transferred to Kifunda Primary School, 25 kilometers outside of Iringa. The new head teacher at Kigonzile Primary School is Emanuel Mwakyusa.