In The Presence of Greatness

ALEX: This trip is really starting to fly by as we began our third day in Dar es Salaam. Our first stop this morning was at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Marketing with Mr. John Mhina. Mr. Mhina spent some time explaining the ministry’s goals and strategies in promoting Tanzania’s goods and commodities. The paramount objective of the division is to move Tanzania from being a lesser developed country (LDC) to a semi-industrial nation capable of producing some of its own processed goods. The country has plenty of raw commodities, but instead of producing and packaging the products, they are sent to India or Kenya (to name a few countries) and imported back to Tanzania at a higher price. The country needs to be able to process its own products and add value to realize some of this economic potential. There are still obstacles such as a sub-standard infrastructure in terms of communications and transportations, as well as getting necessary government approval to start a business. There seems to be a real gap in the operating environment and how government bureaucrats see the situation.

We saw some of the local Swahili markets inside the city where small shops carry all sorts of goods, from clothing to televisions to bedding. The streets are bustling with people buying from these shops that are no bigger than a large closet. Our driver was brave enough to risk driving through these areas to allow us to see what it was like. After a bit of a lackluster lunch of fried chicken (Swahili style of course), we stopped at another local market for Scott and Will to get some proper shoes for our meetings today and tomorrow. With some effective negotiations with Mama Moshi, Will scored some nice shoes and Scott ended up with a sweet pair of imitation alligator shoes. Bailey threw his hat into the ring and got a Tanzanian soccer outfit as well.

We spent the afternoon at the Coca-Cola Kwanza bottling plant on the outskirts of the city. Half a dozen Coca-Cola employees from marketing, operations, engineering, and human resources spent time explaining the operating environment for Coke in Tanzania and gave us a tour of the bottling facility. Tess and I got plenty of our marketing questions in, including the growing issue of decreasing advertising sensitivity. The guys were so excited to have people from the birthplace of Coke in Georgia visiting their plant across the world.

The highlight of the entire day was dinner with the Honorable Gertrude Mongella, who is the President of the Pan African Parliament. This body is composed of leaders from every African country who debate and hold dialogue on issues facing the entire continent. We listened with intense focus as Dr. Mongella, who received the Delta Prize at UGA for her outstanding work on women and children’s rights, gave us her insights on African progress, personal success, and our own roles in fostering international cooperation. She challenged us to “not just be a number” and “if you’re not breaking the rules somewhere, leave!” This self-proclaimed “rural woman” was fascinating to speak with and was incredible generous to share her time with us before a trip to Johannesburg tomorrow morning. She even gave us all traditional African shirts she bought from local women who produced them. They are stylish and comfortable (mine will definitely be making an appearance on campus.)

There are so many things that American and Tanzanian cultures can learn and share with one another. One of the qualities that Dr. Mongella said she most valued in other leaders was love for those who they championed. By truly loving those people and keeping them in your mind, you can truly focus on what is best for them. People here in this country place such an emphasis on taking care of one another. Many people, especially in the rural areas, don’t have much in material possessions. They wake up without water or food and somehow keep it all together for their families. Neighbors know and help one another when times are tough and they survive, even in situations when it is unlikely. Tanzanians are a determined and happy people and work hard for what they have every day. We can take something important away from the tenacity of these people and their compassion for one another.

This trip has been about learning and building awareness of other cultures for the students involved. After only a week and a half, I feel some much more conscious of this country and continent and both the opportunities and challenges that Tanzanians face. There is a deeper connection inside of me that I feel for this country and a respect for its people. I feel like we have all learned so much in such a short amount of time. There is still a long way to go. It’s truly an honor to represent my family, the university, and the United States to those who we meet. People here are hoping that we will serve as spokespeople and ambassadors for this country when we return home to the U.S. and share our experiences with others. I am confident that we will be able to fulfill that role when we return and take the best of what we have found here home.

PICTURES HERE: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8431089@N07/