COVID-19 News from Bushasha
CORE Tanzania’s board president Michael Banobi has been riding out the coronavirus pandemic in Tanzania. Here is his latest update…
Greetings
“Warm greetings to you from Bushasha. I’m writing to update you on the COVID-19 situation in Tanzania and its impact on our Twegashe School program. But first I want to extend my sympathy and best wishes to those of you who are dealing with the inconvenience of stay at home orders, disruption of social and community activities, job losses, worries about vulnerable friends and relatives, and whatever other difficulties this virus is causing in the US. Certainly at the moment, you at home are being hit much harder than we are here in Tanzania. I sincerely hope that things will improve for you quickly.
Coronavirus impact in the village
As of March 29, 2020 there have been fourteen confirmed cases of coronavirus in Tanzania. Most, if not all, of these cases can be traced to people who had been traveling outside of the country. The closest case to Bushasha was in Ngara, about 180 miles away. On March 17, the day after the first case was confirmed in Tanzania, the Prime Minister ordered the closure of all schools in the country for one month, and banned large gatherings. People are encouraged not to hug or shake hands, and to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly (not always an easy precaution to follow in places like Bushasha where there is no running water). There are as yet no restrictions on travel within the country, no closure of businesses, or orders for people to stay at home. As a result, except for the fact that the schools are closed, life in Bushasha goes on pretty much the same as always.
Twegashe students and families
Of course, the Prime Minister’s school closure order meant that Twegashe School also had to close. It was a bit sad to have to send our students home, but we are encouraged by grateful reports from families about the impact their children’s short time at Twegashe School has already had. Parents have remarked how confident and conversant their children have become; that their children seem to be proud of their experiences at school and enjoy sharing those experiences with family members, for example, singing school songs to them, greeting them in English, counting to ten and telling them the days of the week in English. Many thanks to our friends and supporters for making this joy and pride in learning possible!
Construction
Construction on Twegashe School continues to move ahead during this break in instruction. Windows have been installed, and the roofing truss structure is nearly complete. We are waiting for some additional roofing materials to arrive from Dar es Salaam, and then the roofers will be able to begin installing the roofing sheets.
Impact on travel
Although coronavirus has not yet impacted Bushasha Village in a big way, it definitely has impacted my personal travel plans. I had been anticipating a trip to Seattle in April, at which time we were planning a celebratory gathering where I looked forward to seeing many of you in person. But I am reluctant to leave now and risk unknowingly bringing the virus back to the village on my return. And of course a gathering in Seattle in April is out of the question, whether I come there or not. But this is a postponement, not a cancellation—good things are worth waiting for!
In this uncertain and unsettling situation, I am even more grateful for our entire community of CORE Tanzania friends and supporters. Together we will pull through this, and soon hear once again the wonderful sound of kids singing, laughing, and learning at Twegashe School!”
