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.
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.
After breakfast, we focused on an important part of our work: water quality testing. Erin provided valuable insights into the significance of the tests we would conduct in the villages. She explained the key indicators based on Tanzanian water quality guidelines and how each test would help assess the safety of water sources. We then split into groups and collected three water samples: one from the Lutheran Center’s taps, one from bottled water, and one from nearby drainage ditches and neighboring buildings. Each sample underwent several tests to measure various water quality indicators.
We began with turbidity testing, which measures water clarity by detecting the amount of suspended particles. Next, we measured the total dissolved solids (TDS) in the samples, assessing the water’s salinity through conductivity. Following this, we used water test strips to evaluate the pH, nitrites, and nitrates in each sample. One of the more interesting tests was the residual chlorine test, which measures how much chlorine remains in the water after it leaves the treatment plant. Finally, we used Petri dishes to test for bacteria, incubating the samples for 24 hours to observe growth.
After completing the tests, we reviewed our results. The bottled water samples met both U.S. and Tanzanian water quality guidelines, but the tap water did not meet U.S. standards. This reinforces why we’ve been using bottled water during our stay in Tanzania. It’s a reminder of how crucial our work here is, and we’re eager to continue gathering data and learning more.
Once we finished our testing for the day, it was time for lunch. We gathered at one of our favorite spots, either Ruksana’s or Neema’s, to refuel for the next part of the day. Afterward, the groups met to continue planning for village visits. Some focused on packing materials for upcoming water tests, while others worked on MATLAB code or developed data collection plans. A few groups even used Google Earth to identify important locations in their assigned villages.
With all the planning complete, we had some free time, though the rain put a bit of a damper on outdoor activities. While some decided to catch up on rest, others headed out to play soccer in the rain. Once the downpour ended, a few students ventured to the markets with a mission: to buy soccer balls for kids in the villages. The trip was a success, and soon we were playing soccer with the local children, known as watoto in Swahili. Some students also took the opportunity to shop for souvenirs.
As evening approached, we returned to the Lutheran Center for dinner, which Harrison graciously prepared. We enjoyed a delicious meal of rice, boiled potatoes, and chicken stir-fry, followed by a refreshing fruit cup for dessert. It was a fitting end to a busy day of learning, preparation, and connecting with the local culture.
We are all excited about the upcoming village visits and feel we have made great progress in our preparations. As we head to bed, it is clear that our time in Tanzania is already shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
Kwaheri! (goodbye in Swahili)
- Blog post by Mikaela and Adam
