Art in Tanzania

In February, I had the incredible privilege of traveling to Tanzania with my colleagues Melissa Mullane, Sarah Oliphant, and Mackenzie Starkey to teach at Mbahe Primary School. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!

After three flights, a long drive, and a midnight hike, we arrived at the Mbahe Farm and village just in time to catch a few hours of sleep. We woke to a breathtaking sunrise, freshly roasted coffee, and the excitement of what lay ahead. With our duffels full of supplies and activities for the students, we hiked a mile to the school, where we were greeted by a joyful mob of children!

The energy and warmth of the students and staff were infectious. Smiles and curiosity filled the air as we unpacked and stepped into the classrooms. Over the next four days, we had the joy of teaching children ranging in age from 3 to 14. We colored maps of Africa, measured objects in inches and centimeters, painted vibrant patterns, and drew lots of African animals.

The students especially loved decorating their pencil bags, tracing their hands to create zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs, and experimenting with their very own watercolor sets. It was incredibly rewarding to watch their faces light up as they discovered the magic of creating art.

Recess was just as lively—filled with dancing, singing, and laughter. The students would rush to grab our hands, dance, and snap selfies with us. Mackenzie’s Polaroid camera was a huge hit with both kids and adults, and the bubbles she brought added even more fun to recess. The absence of playground equipment give the kids the opportunity to invent their own games. New jump ropes and soccer balls were also a big hit and very much appreciated!

The classrooms at Mbahe Primary School are packed, with 50 or more students in each class. All the children wear uniforms, and both breakfast and lunch are provided daily—thanks in part to a kitchen funded by a Harbor Day Girl Scout Troop.

Mbahe is a village of about 6,000 people, nestled in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Most families live on small farms and grow their food. Many students walk several miles each day along rugged dirt roads and steep hills to reach the school. There are no computers, and students do not have cell phones. Lessons are taught the traditional way—on chalkboards, with students seated three to four per desk, row after row.

Life in Mbahe is peaceful. The air is fresh, the food is homegrown, and people live in harmony with the animals and plants around them. There are no Amazon deliveries—the trucks can’t make it up the winding dirt road! Instead, neighbors share what they have. One evening, we were touched by a surprise visit from three little girls from the school who hiked all the way to the farm where we were staying to deliver a basket of 50 eggs for Felix, the owner of the farm. 

The lack of tangible goods and technology meant that there was more time to appreciate nature and to connect with people. Every evening, my colleagues and I laughed together and engaged in many meaningful conversations. I came to appreciate the absence of wifi in my room. It left me with more time to read and rest at night. 

One morning, we woke before sunrise and set out on a hike in the dewy predawn light. We arrived just in time to watch the sun slowly rise over the eastern horizon, casting its golden glow on the snow-capped dome of Mount Kilimanjaro. It was a breathtaking sight—well worth the challenge of navigating the trail in the early morning darkness.

As we made our way back, two small children in school uniforms came running past us—a five-year-old boy and his little sister, who couldn’t have been more than three. There were no adults with them. They make that long walk to school on their own every day, because in Mbahe, the entire community looks out for its children.

It’s the intangible qualities of life in Mbahe—the trust, the simplicity, the deep sense of community—that left the greatest impression on me. I feel lucky to have experienced that trust and will take it with me for the rest of my life.

Check out the incredible moments from the trip here.