A Brief introduction of the internships: 

I worked in a local green NGO, namely EDC(Environmental Development Care). In the first few weeks I was busy with meetings that my working organization held. We discussed the working plan in the summer. It was quite an energetic session! The director, Moses and I had meetings with government officials and companies involved in our plan, where the potential stakeholders got familiar with us. I hope one day that these stakeholders do walk out and committed to the actual campaigns later on.

 

I initially wanted to spend more hours in the office, but the director I was following was always busy going out for his meetings. Having nothing to do without him, I had a chance to enjoy life outside of the office in Mwanza. The most impressive place I went is called “Dancing Rock”, which is a beautiful view of Mwanza and Lake Victoria.

 

 

OMG shocking moments during the trip:

My African life began as soon as I stepped off the airplane! I arrived in my last transit place, Dar es Salaam, unfortunately, without prior notice, my luggage did not arrive on the same flight with me. I was devastated, totally did not know what to do next. The staff gave a claiming form for me to fill in, and I decided I had to stay behind until I got my luggage back. Oscar, the local people introduced before very kindly picked me up from the airport and brought me to his place for the evening. The next morning I took my luggage luckily and left for Mwanza. So-adventure number 1 was at the airport!

 

I did not expect people here speak Swahili most of the time, I could barely communicate with the local people, I could only speak to other interns and the university students who hosted us. It was so nice to meet new friends from around the world. People there are extremely friendly. They live life very “presently” without a lot of dreaming about what’s next, which is what I find it’s not good for their work. They put their focus on “now”, and do not have a good planning of “future”, which is not good for an organization to grow. This is a major culture shock I have met and was always the starting point of quarrels.

 

Unlike Hong Kong people, people outside like French and Dutch were already intrigued by Tanzania, they did a lot of research and tried to find some projects there. I am so happy to be there because I can learn much more about Tanzania and the culture, and also, as an ambassador for this mysterious country.