New Twists and Turns

One of Malcolm’s activities is installing a new stores system. One of the users is Mode (pronounced Mow-day), our stores and production manager. 

This week we had our first batch of a new twisted leather bracelets completed ready for sale which Mode recorded on the computer.

Meanwhile there were problems with our wi-fi Internet service in the café. One of our regular customers, Darlene, also helps to maintain our service so she met with the local manager of  Halotel (our Internet provider) to explain the problem, which might be that 2 routers may be getting themselves into a twist!!!.

As many of our staff are physically disabled an important part of the building is the ramp connecting the two floors. This was in need of some maintenance so Stevie was tasked with repainting the slope.

On Saturday Malcolm visited the home of Julius, one of our tailors, who had his tricycle upgraded with a petrol engine a couple of weeks ago. For safety the tricycle is stored in the lounge of Julius’s 2 room house.

Malcolm was on the way to Kibebe farm, owned for many decades by an English family and run along English lines. He took with him Amy, a Canadian about to return home, and Antony, a Ugandan who is working in Iringa for the next year.

There is a wide range of livestock on the farm. The milking shed is mechanised and the cows wait patiently for their turn.

 

It was Antony’s turn to meet a horse for the first time.

Some of Neema’s Products – and those who make them

Neema Craft workshops current has 7 departments; Beading, Carpentry, Ceramics, Paper, Screen Printing, Tailoring and Weaving and employers almost 100 staff. Here are some of the staff and the products they make.

Watch out, Lewis Hamilton

Neema has a new ‘speed merchant’

A few weeks ago our blog introduced one of our tailors, Julius. He has been unable to walk from birth and uses a hand propelled tricycle to get to work – a journey that takes 2 hours each way.

A donor who was concerned about the difficulties Julius has to travel agreed to pay about £150 for his tricycle to be upgraded with a small petrol engine, new wheels, tyres and disc brakes.. This will shorten his journey time considerably, and means he should be able to climb the long, steep hill into Iringa without too much effort.

The engine had to be ordered from Dar es Salaam, and was sent with the tricycle to the mechanic for fitting.

The finished machine was admired by staff members.

Julius has never driven a powered vehicle before so was somewhat nervous. However, he was given some advice on what to do.

The first part of the journey home was through the busy town centre – not ideal for your first attempt at driving a powered vehicle. He sensibly asked for a lift to the other side of town so he could make his first journey on quieter rural roads.

 

Variety - The spice of Life

 

Some things stand out as different. For example, the typical Tanzanian house is a simple 2 room property with a simple tin roof and a plot of land to grow food.

  

And then there are the exceptions which seem to have come from a different world. And they did, being built by British staff before Tanzania became independent.

And nearby other new houses are being built, which also seem to come from another world

 

The typical Tanzanian food is rice and beans, or ugali (ground maize and beans).

 

 

And then some Saturdays we enjoy pancake and syrup.

 

Then we sometimes see things which are peculiar. Such as this motorcyclist looking for somewhere to park and using a drainage slot as a wheel stand.

 

One of the attractions to customers of the products produced at Neema Crafts is the variety. Here are a selection of lampshades ready for delivery.

 

 

 

To return, we first have to leave

Because we work in Tanzania on a 90 day Business Visa it is time for us to get new visas. We could have ‘unofficially’ paid someone $200 to do it on our behalf (which may result in a confrontation with Immigration when we try to return to England – not advised), or spend a bit more on a 4 day break to Malawi. The only problem it’s a 250 mile journey each way taking a day each way including an overnight stop at the border.

As you can see we chose to travel – and the arrival made up for the journey. We hope you enjoy the pictures.

Call the Midwife (or Wanawake Paka)

Part of the wildlife here is a semi tame cat. It is often outside our house but is too timid to come in – that is until last Friday. To our surprise ‘outside cat’s fear seemed to have disappeared, and Irene was very pleased when the cat settled down on her lap.

However, this was not for a sleep. Suddenly the ‘outside cat’ started to strain and slowly gave birth to a solitary kitten. We think she decided Irene was the cat equivalent of a birthing pool.

 

As a result ‘outside cat’ temporarily become ‘inside cat’ in our house, and is just about tolerated by the pet cat, Tika, that lives here.

There is other wildlife that is not so welcome in the house. Snails here are larger than we have in the UK. This one was slithering up a child’s bike. To guage its size, the large tyre is from a 4 wheel driver land cruiser.

Life in Iringa is interesting and colourful. It is unusual to find carpets here. Most houses have bare floors with occasional rugs. On Sunday, on one of the town’s main streets, a local shop was measuring out a length of carpet. They were lucky no car drivers came and decided to park on it.

The Town’s Law Courts are located near Neema Crafts. One day we heard a marching band which was part of a parade of judges, lawyers and other dignatories making their way to the Court buildings. We are still not too sure why.

 

As for ‘Wanawake Paka’?  That means the Cat Lady; Irene’s new career path, maybe.