Day 17: On the road and in the air

After returning from our safari to Iringa, we hiked to Gangilonga Rock and learned about its cultural significance to the Hehe people. The guide explained that Gangilonga is a Hehe compound noun made up of two words: “liganga,” which means “the stone,” and “liloganga,” meaning “which speaks.” The translation is “the stone that speaks.” The large stone served as both a place of worship and a strategic overlook to view all of Iringa.

Day 14-16: Surreal safari

We are off on safari in Ruaha National Park today! Our ride was long and bumpy but filled with songs and smiles. We checked off a bucket list item by singing “Africa” by Toto while literally in Africa. Shortly before entering the park, we were surprised to see a herd of elephants crossing the road. This got us even more excited to finally get inside. Upon arrival at the gates, we switched into three decked-out Land Cruisers.

Day 13: Pipes, pressure, and presentations

Happy presentation day! The day began early, with many groups continuing work on their presentations before breakfast. Maps were drawn, numbers crunched, MATLAB code written, and slides assembled. With presentations due at 3 p.m., the only break taken was a characteristically long lunch at our favorite spots, Ruksana’s and Neema’s. Reenergized by lunch, all groups made frantic final touches on their presentations!

Day 12: The work begins

After successful village visits, we were eager to start working on our projects. We ate breakfast at 8 a.m. as usual and got straight to work. Each group split up to begin mapping the landscape and considering potential locations for distribution points (DPs). The morning was busy with discussions about Google Earth Pro and fluid mechanics.

Day 9-11: Our intrepid students return!

This post combines updates from the three teams that traveled to their respective villages over the past three days and two nights.

Day 8: And we are off…

The teams are packed up and on their way to the three villages: Igomtwa, Isupilo, and Wimble. We will be in the villages through the 12th, so don’t expect the next blog update until after we return to Iringa—and get a chance to jump in the shower.

Day 7: Science, soccer, and Swahili — a day of water testing and village planning

Today marks one week since we left Minneapolis, and we’re nearly fully adjusted to Tanzanian time. After waking up to a classic breakfast prepared by Harrison, we enjoyed fresh fruit purchased by some of the students at the local market the previous day. The morning started off simple, but it quickly shifted to more hands-on learning.