Unexpected links

Today has been another glorious day by the beach. We were very unexpectedly offered a couple of tag along places on a snorkelling trip to an offshore reef and sandbar – known as Sand Island. It just so happens that the friends of one of the families we have got to know here have a house just down the beach and also a beautiful traditional Dhow (imagine a 34’ dark wooden boat with a big white triangular sail). Setting off from the beach, Ruth and I were treated to a glorious sailing trip with a lovely bunch of new friends. It was a slightly bumpy trip (some felt a bit queasy) as the wind was strong and the ‘white horses’ aplenty, but the boat was so solid and seaworthy. For me, sailing on such a vessel was sheer joy. 

All so very basic in many ways, yet finely honed craftsmanship from hundreds, if not thousands, of years of traditional sailing experience. The snorkelling was also superb with lots of colourful healthy corals and beautiful tropical fish. One of nature’s most vibrant playgrounds.

Over the last few days we have met lots of very interesting Tanzanian ‘Wazungu’ (plural of Mazungu – white people, these all now resident in Tanzania) from different walks of life. The Kiwis who manage massive co-operative farms in central Tanzania so big they need a plane to fly between them, French teachers (that is teachers who are French), English / Scandinavian global development ‘consultants’, German hospitality managers to name but a few. And many with young families. Everyone has such fascinating stories behind their presence here. All of them carving out a niche and in doing so helping Tanzania move forward. They all speak so highly of the country and of the people, notwithstanding the many quibbles and concerns that of course are also very apparent.

It was when chatting to another local Muzungu farmer (cultivating sisal, a crop used to make very strong natural fibre threads and ropes) over dinner, that our conversation drifted to what I was doing here. As I briefly told our story, I mentioned the work we have been doing with mosquito net hernia repair. I shared the many frustrations and challenges that we have faced, but was also delighted to follow that all up with our current fantastic success. As I outlined my hopes for sustainability, I mentioned my only real outstanding issue was with regards to sourcing the mesh in the long term. The batch I brought out came from India and whilst in theory it would be possible to ship consignments here, in my heart I have significant concerns that this could derail the whole process.

However, as these things often happen, I stumbled across a potentially very important discovery. He told me of a mosquito net factory in Arusha (run by an Indian family as it happens) where he has just bought a huge amount of netting for his farm. From the rough cost he mentioned, it would be perfect. Per hernia repair the cost would be the equivalent of just pence. If it is of the correct material (which would be very important), it would very much fill this gap. Perhaps providing the final missing link in this project. How very exciting. Ironically, we were in Arusha just last week, but I will have to return to check out this factory over the coming few weeks. Might be able to visit some of our new friends too.