Monthly Archive for August, 2010

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Fresh Water

Published on August 17, 2010 in Chocolate University. 0 Comments

On Monday, the Cocoa Honors group dedicated the water well in Tenende with a very elaborate ceremony. The entire village (and then some) turned out for the occasion. As you may know we raised the money to drill this well so that they would have clean water.  We partnered with a drilling company, Maji Tech, which has built several water wells in the area.  This new well will replace an old contaminated well (see pictures below) which was the only option for water in the village, unless locals choose to walk for hours to carry back water, which in some seasons is just as contaminated.

Hiking in to the water well location in Tenende. Lots of friends in tow for Mitchell and everyone else.

Hiking in to the water well location in Tenende. Lots of friends in tow for Mitchell and everyone else.

Students Daniel, Alex, and Bri dancing at the ceremony.

Students Daniel, Alex, and Bri dancing at the ceremony.

Shawn Askinosie speaking at the water well ceremony with Ms. Kyeja, head farner of UWATE

Shawn Askinosie speaking at the water well ceremony with Ms. Kyeja, head farner of UWATE

The concrete pad placed in front of the new well

The concrete pad placed in front of the new well

This hand pump will be replaced in a few weeks with a 10,000 liter tank and a windmill pump. This well produces 3,000 gallons an hour.

This hand pump will be replaced in a few weeks with a 10,000 liter tank and a windmill pump. This well produces 3,000 gallons an hour.

The existing well in the village, contaminated and unsafe.

The existing well in the village, contaminated and unsafe.

Shawn Askinosie taking a drink from the newly installed water well

Shawn Askinosie taking a drink from the newly installed water well

A Hands on Lesson in Education

Published on August 17, 2010 in Chocolate University. 0 Comments

On Monday the group visited the Mwaya Secondary School and spent most of the day there. The Headmaster had been planning our visit for a month. The school – he said – had never had a white visitor. He gave a tour, and allowed everyone to meet the teachers. Then the students did some work at the school digging a foundation for the new science lab they hope to build. Then we gave a chocolate tasting to the ONE HUNDRED students who are the same age as our Cocoa Honors students. BTW – the teacher to student ratio is 100 to 1.

Dr. Tom Prater talking with the Headmaster about the new lab they hope to build.

Dr. Tom Prater talking with the Headmaster about the new lab they hope to build.

Laurel, a Cocoa Honors student, helping dig the foundation for the new science lab at the school

Laurel, a Cocoa Honors student, helping dig the foundation for the new science lab at the school

Our chocolate tasting for the 100 students of Form 4 and 5 (ages 15 to 19). Only two of the students had ever tasted chocolate.

The chocolate tasting for the 100 students of Form 4 and 5 (ages 15 to 19). Only two of the students had ever tasted chocolate.

Shawn Askinosie giving a chocolate bar to each boy and girl with the highest grades in their class.

Shawn Askinosie giving a chocolate bar to each boy and girl with the highest grades in their class.

A few of the Cocoa Honors students looking over the various school supplies they brought to give to the Mwaya School.

A few of the Cocoa Honors students looking over the various school supplies they brought to give to the Mwaya School.

A Morning in Church

Published on August 17, 2010 in Chocolate University. 0 Comments

Here, Shawn Askinosie shares his perspective on the church service the group attended while in Tanzania:

We attended Ms. Kyeja’s church on Sunday with her. The choir was waiting for us as our bus arrived. It was in Swahili but I have to say – the most moving church service I have ever been a part of. They asked me to say a few words in the service spur of the moment and honestly it was hard to make words come out.

Group pic in front of the Tenende Morovian Church after the service and after they fed us. It was hard accepting their food. They grew and prepared it all right there. Yet it is hard to accept such a gift from people who only eat one meal per day.

Group pic in front of the Tenende Morovian Church after the service and after they fed us. It was hard accepting their food. They grew and prepared it all right there. Yet it is hard to accept such a gift from people who only eat one meal per day.

Shawn Askinosie pictured with the pastor

Shawn Askinosie pictured with the pastor

Student Jenna Roan learns balancing technique from locals

Student Jenna Roan learns balancing technique from locals

Student Bryn Prater with her friend after taking his picture and giving to his mom.

Student Bryn Prater with her friend after taking his picture and giving to his mom.

Central High School Teacher Donita Cox posing for a picture with local children

Central High School Teacher Donita Cox posing for a picture with local children

More Time in Dar

Published on August 13, 2010 in Chocolate University. 0 Comments

We were hosted at a press conference by the Tz Investment Council on Wednesday, then to the Tz Tourist Board, and ended the day with a long meeting at the American Embassy that was very interesting for all. The students seem to all be having the time of their lives and the trip is not even half over. On Thursday we inspected beans that have been nearly impossible to get from the village to here.  Look below for some new pictures from the trip:

The students meet with press at the Tanzanian Investment Council

The students meet with press at the Tanzanian Investment Council

Students, Bryn Prater and Sara Swango, meet the Director of the Council

Students, Bryn Prater and Sara Swango, meet the Director of the Council

Student, Taylor Curtis, photographing a carving at the National Museum

Student, Taylor Curtis, photographing a carving at the National Museum

The Cocoa Honors group with the Tanzania Tourist Board Executive Director

The Cocoa Honors group with the Tanzania Tourist Board Executive Director

A Day in Dar

Published on August 13, 2010 in Chocolate University and Press Coverage. 0 Comments

We spent the day in Dar after we arrived in Tanzania. We did not go to sleep as we needed to adjust our clocks.  We are now going to bed after a full day. Main thing – Shawn Askinosie spent hours on the phone today getting all the details ironed out concerning transporting the beans from the village to Dar.  This is one very complicated undertaking. We also met personally with our local shipping company. Here are some pictures from today in the Dar fish market:

Dar 1

Dar 2

Dar 3

Dar 4

Dar 5

Also look for the latest Springfield News-Leader Article covering the students’ trip thus far:
Students Enjoying First Days in Tanzania