I landed in Dar-es-Salaam on May 5th for the first time in nearly four years, warmly welcomed by Kujali’s field team and the children & staff of HOCET. I felt like I had only just left. I’m here to host Kujali’s new official spokesperson, Hasheem Thabeet, the first Tanzanian-born NBA player. After being drafted 2nd overall in last year’s NBA draft, Hasheem just finished his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies and is spending some time at home in TZ before returning to the United States to begin summer training.
Let’s just say that rainy season in Tanzania makes for quite an adventure from Dar to Mkuranga (where our school is located) — traversing muddy roads, dodging deep pools of water, and fighting heavy sheets of rain.
Despite all, we arrived safely! Hasheem spent his time touring the school grounds while listening to HOCET’s Executive Director, Hezekia Mwalugaja, share about HOCET’s history and vision for the future.
After hosting a basketball tournament over the weekend in Dar-es-Salaam, Hasheem returned to HOCET’s City Center on Monday afternoon to visit with our primary-aged children, catch a performance by our youth choir, and speak with our kids about his life experiences and transition from Tanzania to the United States. I was really touched by his appreciation for the journey he’s on, and his acknowledgement of the educational opportunity basketball had afforded him. He truly understands the challenges facing our kids as they come of age in Tanzania. There was a lot of laughter and sincerity in the room. One of our study abroad students, Irene, stood up to bravely share about her own experiences in the US. It was amazing to see how much they had in common – surprises, challenges, changes.
All in all, it was such a memorable visit. We send our heartfelt thanks to Hasheem for joining us in Tanzania as a spokesperson and a partner in our work, and for sharing our commitment to equipping children with the tools to change their own lives and build bright futures of hope, opportunity, and new horizons.
Onward,
Sarah
