More People

Melissa Ramos is a 29 year old Paraguayan, who has been working in Morogoro for 1 year (in fact the very day of our interview was her first anniversary as a Tanzanian resident).  Originally a language teacher, Melissa “grew tired of watching people who were not interested in helping the poor or children, make all the decisions and guidelines.  She went back to school and received her Masters in Education and Development”. 

Melissa found a job with Fundacion Paraguaya (one of Sega’s partners).  She was initially a Pedagogical Advisor in Paraguay.  One day this project came along in FP to take its message/programs to Tanzania.  Having many African friends and an adventurous spirit, Melissa jumped at the chance.  She says that Paraguayans are typically ‘homebodies’ and only leave their regions, let alone country, under financial pressure.  Unfortunately this has been happening a lot lately due to high levels of debt caused by the economic times in that South  American country.

 

Melissa’s job here is to set-up and co-ordinate Business Clubs in secondary schools (12 public and 5 private at present).  She also coordinates Entrepreneurial Programs for schools like Sega (to be become more self-sufficient while the students experience hands-on-experience in running a business).  At Sega it is currently an egg business (2,000 chickens and in the process of building more houses to double that number).  FP teaches the girls how to raise healthy chickens, housing, vaccination and other hygiene procedures, and feeding. The girls also collect the thousands of eggs to deliver to their various restaurants, dukas (small shops) and hotels around town.  Every once in awhile they are taken into town to sell flats of eggs (30 per flat) and try and get new customers.

Melissa discovered that the rural situation in TZ is not dissimilar to the needs of the rural Paraguayans which helped her to relate.  She did discover though, that relationships are extremely important here.  Nothing will move forward without time and a trusting relationship.  She says she had always thought herself to be a patient person but this too has been an education in personal growth.  Melissa has also gained a love for the variety of spices (Massala) found in the market and used at the Indian restaurants.  As for the Tanzanian fare, she didn’t have a comment except her wonderful laugh. Gracias Melissa.