The Torch Returns

The Torch Returns

Greetings!

Last month the Tanzanian government told us to prepare for the possibility of receiving the Uhuru Torch award.

This is a national event where a torch is lit at the Mt. Kilimanjaro summit and then travels to all districts, recognizing special achievements along the way.

As you may remember, the International Collaborative was awarded visits of the Uhuru Torch several times.

Previously, we were recognized for organizing women for power, our innovative cattle feedlot, and boma micro-grid development.

And I am proud to tell you that we did indeed receive the recognition again this year. Enjoy the results--you are an important part of it.

Warmest regards,

Twende!

Robert Lange

Late June, Early July 2021

Rewarding + Encouraging

Recognition of the International Collaborative water program

On June 17, the Uhuru Torch came through the Monduli District, visiting two of our action centers.

The Torch recognized the ICSEE water sanitation system in the village of Mbuyuni, one of our three pilot water projects as well as our factory for supplemental cow fodder.

Clean, safe water from the faucets at the Mbuyuni water system

We appreciate the visit of the Uhuru Torch to our water system in Mbuyuni. The visit focused much more attention of the Regional and District Leaders on the success of this approach.

For some time, we’ve been seeking funding from these local leaders to scale up this water sanitation work. We hope they will now see funding as a way to achieve health goals we share, especially for children who are the most vulnerable to water-borne illness.

As part of the Uhuru Torch preparations, the national Tanzanian government required serious laboratory testing by the Ministry of Water. They tested the polluted pond water coming into our system, and the water coming out of the faucets after treatment.

Their studies confirmed that our system water is safe and of excellent quality. The studies also demonstrated the E.coli pollution of the ponds to be as high as we had found. This dangerous situation had inspired the water project from the outset.

Based on these findings, in their report, the Ministry of Water now recommends:

“Establishment of chlorination units is recommended for all water supply schemes."

Health today can't wait

Together with local communities, we did our thinking about water safety “inside the box” where simple, well-known, tried and true solutions live.

For little cost, and regardless of what the water solution might be in a decade, right now, we’re bringing better health to the families using this water.

There may be improved solutions to water issues in the future. Worldwide, many groups recognize the seriousness of these illnesses.

Deep wells, water piped from distant mountains, and clever innovative water treatment approaches are in the air. These approaches are promoted by these groups, who deserve respect for their priorities and efforts.

But in the meantime, children’s health today can’t wait for the next ideal solution to water quality that may be a long time coming. We know that chlorination works all over the world.

We have found a way to chlorinate water right to the point where rural Maasai mothers collect it for their families--now and for the foreseeable future. We are so gratified that this is now recognized by the Tanzanian government.

Torch visitors dedicating a new sign

Part of the solution matrix

The torch also stopped and honored the Manyara Animal Feeds Factory, where we produce quality cattle food supplements to sell to the Maasai herders.

Made from industrial waste from the production of sunflower oil and white corn flour, the feed is both highly nutritious and very sound environmentally.

Physically, the factory is one of the most imposing installations in the district. All the district leaders and members of the torch procession were impressed.

But there is a lot more to it than that.

Droughts are getting more serious, populations increasing, and family needs expanding in ways that can be met only in the money economy. As pastoralist societies address these changing needs, supportive institutions like this can help.

We are grateful for this recognition, and your generous support that makes it possible.

Congratulations to all who contributed creativity, effort, and resources.

The International Collaborative recognized with the Uhuru Torch award

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