Timbolo Primary & Hope Kimondo - Ngaramtoni

Sylvia & John Barns - July-August 2008

Made it!

It’s been a week of finishing off and of farewells. Rather late in the day, Sylvia realised that her pupils had learned quite a bit of English from her lessons at Timbolo Primary and that they had enjoyed them too. (There were tears from both teacher and pupils when she left.) Her main hope is that they have actually learned something more important than English from her – something about how teaching can be about enabling learning, that authority can reside in something less tangible and harmful than a stick and that all individuals have value. (Sounds rather pretentious – but where would we be without some idealism?)

The party the school had organised to say goodbye was a very African affair. The Head arranged to meet us to take us to the venue in Ngaramtoni. Despite the fact that he was 30 minutes late at the rendezvous, we three were at the party a good hour before anyone else! Then they all turned up in their finery and looked stunning. Timbolo village dignitaries came too. There were lots of speeches, mostly in Swahili. Five minutes into the Head’s second spot, we thought we looked at least as interested as those who could understand. Sylvia was complemented – ‘although she is old (!), she is always there before school starts.’ Well, that certainly makes getting up everyday at 5:45 worthwhile! They presented her with a Masai blanket – John wants to know, if she’s now Masai, can he have a second wife? Despite our best efforts, it was all rather serious, but we were touched by their wanting to mark the occasion in such a special way.

John’s work concluded (inevitably for an ex Exxon man) with a presentation to the Trustees. He discussed some of his exciting new ideas about the possible future directions of Hope Kimondo Trust – more of that when we return. We then had a ‘part’ to celebrate his leaving. (aside about language – the Tanzanians always pronounce one syllable words ending in ‘t’ with an added ‘ee’ sound – besty, texty books, boaty – but ironically call a do, a ‘part’). The Community Volunteers and Trustees showed warmth and appreciation for John’s hard work and encouragement, which had enabled them to grow in confidence and skill. We were presented with two more Masai blankets and traditional jewellery. You can never have too many Masai blankets, we say.

We want to record our thanks to all those at home who have made this adventure possible for us – those who’ve done practical things to keep our ‘normal life’ back in Blighty ticking over in our absence, caring for house and garden, living in the house, sorting mail, dealing with official business and preventing emergencies. Thanks too to those who have shouldered some of our responsibilities – special mention to Tim who had something of a baptism of fire as Acting Chair of Governors. And we couldn’t have come without Mondo Challenge and a sabbatical for Sylvia from St Mary’s Surgery and Compass.

Finally we want to say how important it has been to us to write and send these newsletters. It has somehow helped us to manage this incredible experience simply to put some of it into words and to feel that someone was interested in how things are for us. A counsellor shouldn’t be at all surprised by this, but to experience the benefits of recounting in this different way has led to a different appreciation of ‘bearing witness’. Thank you. Thank you too for your words of encouragement and support which meant a lot to us.

Big questions loom - about how best to support the developing world, what to make of our experience, what were the gains for Tanzania? There is no doubt whatsoever that there have been gains for us - this has been one of the most significant experiences of our lives. Sometimes at home, life seems to just rush past, but here we feel we have ‘lived’ every moment. Both Timbolo and Hope Trust (our placements) asked us not to forget them when we get home. We were able to say from our hearts that we believed we would always remember our time with them.

We wonder what ‘re-entry’ will be like? It will be wonderful to see you all again – (and to walk on grass and paths not covered in inches of fine dust, to have water literally on tap and easy communications). We’ll return with both of us leaner and one of us fitter – the other was always pretty fit anyway. Walking 25 miles a week with 2,200 ‘feat’ of climb simply to get to and from work, has probably helped. However, hair looks like straw, feels like straw, probably is straw. Skin – well, who knows? E45 and L’Oreal Re-Perfect ‘for very mature skin’ (see comment above) – just not up to the daunting task. And someone should warn the Immodium production line of the imminent slump in sales. Please remind us – it’s the Caribbean cruise next year!

Talking about communications – this is our last newsletter. We’re heading out on Safari and then for some sun, sea and the other thing(s) in Zanzibar and will revert to our usual few postcards sent at the last minute.

Our love and best wishes to you all. Kwaherini. Twende – let’s go!