News from our colleagues in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

We are delighted to hear from our colleagues in Tanzania about the progress of Imamu. Thanks to the efforts of our stalwart fundraisers and the equally wonderful support of all at Tanzania Optimist Dinghy Association, this young man, now 15, has been able to move from temporary accommodation in an office, into his own rented room. He has been able to resume his education, has done a two month computer course and is gradually learning English. As his command of English increases, Imamu will be able to continue coaching the younger Tanzanian children in the arts and science of sailing. The coaching training requires a basic level of English. His accommodation fees for 2014 amount to about £182 and this includes the cost of electricity.

His own sailing progress advances, he has recently moved from the Optimist section to the Laser sailing section. Part of him wanted to stay with the Optimist group and not grow up and change groups. He considers that the Optimist sailing has changed his life and made him a grateful person. In August he represented Tanzania along with 9 other sailors in the African Optimist Championships.

In his spare time he continues to go fishing with the local fishermen and earns his pocket money by selling his catch.

Imamu says ‘Asante Sana’ (thank you in Kiswahili) to all involved with Orlando Rogers Foundation and adds that he considers himself very lucky and feels to be his own person now.