In the first farming project, Thauriya met the women framers and discussed the treatment of a pest that had just attacked the crop. Giving advice on the local herb for treatment, she promised to return to see the progress of the treatment process.

In the same crop of okra, a robust crop that is a staple of the Tanzanian diet, the timing of the harvesting was discussed. Picking the harvest before the vegetable was too big is required for the best sales, and therefore, more income for the women. The women were shown examples of the proper size of vegetable to harvest for the best results. Thauriya will follow the progress of the harvesting on her next visit to the area.

Dar-es-Salaam, Tz – After spending the last 8 months in the United States, the founder of African Reflections, Maria Pool, has returned to Tanzania to oversee the progress of the African Reflections Foundation in Africa. The foundation has collected enough money to build 10 new fresh water wells across rural Tanzania which is a huge accomplishment. Pool said, “We had a goal of eight wells this summer but through the support of our friends across the United States we have surpassed our goal! Next season we will set our goals even higher as we hope to build 20 wells between September to December.”

Simple Irrigation Methods Introduced to Rural Tanzania

Tanzania – The African Reflections Foundation has launched a new initiative to empower women in rural Tanzania in communities where wells are being built. The Bucket Kit irrigation system, the simplest of its kind, is ideal for rural villages of Tanzania where women are the primary field workers. The Bucket Kit is a self-sustaining drip irrigation system ideal for communities suffering from water shortages. The irrigation system works using gravity, allowing the water to drip into the soil which provides enough moisture for a 6-row vegetable garden to feed a family and give them the opportunity to generate an income.

Dar es Salaam, Tz – On her very first visit to Tanzania, African Reflections Foundation spokesperson, Jean Dobbs, Director of Shelter Services of the Catholic Charities Office in Albany, New York, arrived at Dar-es-Salaams International Airport in the early afternoon. She was promptly greeted by a group of Massi women who were quick to express their gratitude to Jean and African Reflections for starting a new line of jewelry created by the Massi Women. After exiting the airport Jean raised her hands to the air and yelled, "I'm home!"