Smiles, hugs, prayers, and farewells filled HOCET’s children’s home earlier this week as community members crowded around the very excited, and very nervous, fourteen year-old awaiting her flight to the United States. Anna Julius, a young Tanzanian teen who has spent the last several years in the care of Hananasif Orphanage Center in Dar-es-Salaam, will spend the next two years studying high school in Appleton, Wisconsin USA. She is the third student to participate in Kujali’s Study Abroad Program.
“Anna is such a curious person. She takes responsibility for her own learning and proudly admits that her favorite ‘hobby’ is studying,” observed a Kujali volunteer. The studying has paid off: Anna was first in her class this last year, an impressive accomplishment in her final year of primary school. After finishing her national examinations and receiving her passport & visa, Anna packed up her belongings and boarded a plane to the US – one of many firsts for Anna!
We are so pleased to report that Anna has arrived safely in Wisconsin and is settling in enthusiastically with her new host family. She is affectionately known for wearing her outdoor jacket inside the house — all the time. Refrigerators, running water, and really cold weather will all take some getting used to, among other things! Stay tuned for more updates on Anna’s study abroad experience…
Our love from Tanzania, Anna! Tunakupenda!
–Kate & The Kujali Team
