Posts tagged Tanzania

Uganda and Tanzania have decided to have their new standard gauge railway lines built with electric capability, as they plan to eventually upgrade to electric trains when energy supply needs are eventually met, a vast difference from Kenya’s diesel fuelled trains.

People with albinism face multiple forms of discrimination worldwide. The United Nations reports that Sub-Saharan Africa has more people with albinism with an estimated 1 in 1,400 people being affected in Tanzania and prevalence as high as 1 in 1,000 reported for select populations in Zimbabwe, and for other specific ethnic groups in Southern Africa. Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically leading to an unsafe environment for people with albinism particularly in Africa. We have to remind each other that people with albinism are no ghosts but human beings.

An estimated 168 million children are trapped in child labour globally with many of them working full-time. According to the United Nations some of these children do not go to school, have little or no time to play, do not receive proper nutrition or care and are denied the chance to be children. Can Africa allow children not to labour?

The disease of forging education certificates has infected every sphere of public life in Nigeria, including politics. In fact, several politicians have been embroiled in scandals involving fake certificates.

Today we celebrate another African hero, 16 years old Tisekwa Gamungu. The grade 5 learner who lives in Tanzania rescued nine of his classmates when their dhow capsized on Lake Victoria recently. We applaud the young hero for his valiant act.

Today Africans across the continent celebrate Mother’s Day. With musical contributions from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Burundi, Ghana and Tanzania, join us in our celebration of mothers. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in the world, and we thank you for all the sacrifices, and love.

Today Africans across the continent celebrate Mother’s Day. Google used its doodle to pay tribute to mothers. The animated doodle shows the story of a cactus mom through various stages of motherhood. The doodle honours mothers across the world and celebrates the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in the world, and we thank you for all the sacrifices, and love.

Tanzanian President John Magufuli last week fired almost 10 000 civil servants because they had forged their educational qualifications. Magufuli reportedly said the vacant posts would be filled urgently by “qualified persons” The dismissal has been welcomed by many, seen as step in the right direction, which signals strong leadership and political will to effectively get rid of corruption. Since taking office Magufuli has been praised for taking bold steps, aimed at fighting corruption, profligacy, malfeasance and strengthening public sector transparency and accountability.

A young innovator Gracious Ephraim is making headlines in Tanzania. The form six student invented a robot that uses solar energy, and is able to walk, turn its head, speak and perform other tasks. We certainly hope such a brilliant mind with the desire to keep innovating will be supported, and won’t be lost to brain drain.

An “Arts and Culture for Better Planet” NAAM Festival is seeking to save Lake Victoria from pollution and depletion by the riparian communities, through photo exhibitions. The festival, which seeks justice to save Lake Victoria, one of the world’s largest fresh water bodies is underway in East African Community states.