Behind every journey is a story. My story began on a September morning filled with hope, anxiety, and a mother’s hug.

Starting the journey of a lifetime

My First International Journey, saying goodbye to home and hello to the world. On September 14, I started on the journey of a lifetime, my first trip outside Tanzania. With butterflies in my stomach, I arrived at the airport well ahead of time (2:10 PM) for my 6:45 PM flight to the UK. The mix of excitement and fear was overwhelming, especially as I said goodbye to my daughter, Sabrina, whose eyes reflected the same uncertainty I felt.

Thanks to thorough preparation, printed tickets, passport copies, visa, and clearly tagged luggage, I passed through airport checks smoothly. It was my first time at Terminal 3, and I was amazed by its modern facilities. I finally took a deep breath in the lounge, letting it sink in: “Yes, I’m actually going to the UK!”

In Transit, our first flight took us to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. That airport was huge and slightly intimidating. I could have easily gotten lost if I hadn’t followed the signage and fellow travellers from my flight. After completing transfer procedures, I recharged both my phone and myself with coffee and cake while waiting for my connecting flight to Gatwick, London which was delayed by an hour.

This second plane was unlike anything I had boarded before, a large Airbus with two decks. I sat next to a kind and charming woman from Zimbabwe, and we quickly bonded over conversations about education and life in our countries. The food, however, didn’t sit well with me. The in-flight meal made me sick, but my thoughtful seatmate gave me an orange peel to sniff, which miraculously helped with my air sickness.

A warm welcome

The first moments in London were landing at Gatwick, the cold hit me hard, even in my sweater and Maasai blanket. But the warmth I felt when I saw Kate Fox, my friend and colleague, waiting with flowers, was enough to melt the chill. Her welcome was heartfelt and full of care. After a warm meal and rest at her home near Oxford, I packed a small bag and headed to Oxford University for the UKFIET 2025 Conference a major international education forum.

UKFIET Conference

Oxford University & UKFIET 2025 this is a Platform of Purpose. The moment I stepped into the historic streets of Oxford, I felt like I was inside a Harry Potter movie, the architecture was enchanting. It was surreal.

Kate and I began our first day of the UKFIET Conference with a cup of coffee and a quick strategy meeting. We were honoured to present on the first day, under the theme: "Supporting the right to a quality education for all children: integrating and valuing community knowledge and expertise.”

We shared insights into inclusive education for girls and children with disabilities and the importance of equitable partnerships that honour local wisdom in co-designing solutions. It was empowering to stand alongside participants from 66 countries, from policymakers to grassroots practitioners, all united for education justice.

In the days that followed, I engaged in sessions on gender equality, intersectionality, and cross-cultural collaboration, and had the privilege to meet Deputy Permanent Secretary Hussein Mohamed Omary from Tanzania, as we discussed strengthening collaboration with our government.

The conference was a platform for meaningful global connections. I met practitioners from Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, India, South Africa, and more. Despite our different contexts, many of our education challenges and hopes are strikingly similar.

Family time and London landmarks

I spent some days with Kate’s family, enjoying traditional English food and bonding with her lovely daughters, Beatrice and Emmy (Neema). I was able to visit Kate’s local play group which enabled me to see how play is used to support learning in the UK. 

Before heading to Salisbury for my second week, I explored some of London’s landmarks with my colleague Teresa Wells, including the Buckingham Palace, London Bridge and Tower Bridge, both breathtaking in their beauty and history.

Salisbury adventures

In Salisbury, I was hosted by EdUKaid Chair of Trustees, Mr. Tim Varney and his wife Sarah, such a warm and generous household.  I was honoured to meet with members of their family, visit Mr Tim's business and meet EdUKaid volunteers and Trustees during my stay as well as some sightseeing.

On my first full day, I met with EdUKaid Trustee Rebecca Harwood Lincoln and Soroptimist International members from the Salisbury club, inspiring women who’ve supported Edukaid’s “Heshima Project” in Mtwara. I shared stories of how their contributions have transformed girls’ lives through access to education, sanitary products, and increased school attendance.  I also met with Salisbury MP and EdUKaid supporter John Glen where I was able to share with him the lasting impact that previous UK Aid funding has had on the lives of girls and disabled children in Mtwara.

A night to remember

Another unforgettable moment was attending the 14th Annual  Great Vending Get Together  at Ardencote Manor, where an astounding £35,000 was raised for EdUKaid, the highest ever amount. I was invited to speak at the event, sharing the real-life impact their donations have made in rural Mtwara. I will never forget the spirit of generosity and unity that night.

Overwhelmed with gratitude

One of the most emotional parts of my journey was attending Mr. Tim’s church in Salisbury. As well as meeting EdUKaid supporters, it was here that I met people who prayed for my healing and offered support when I was battling cancer a few years ago, people I had never met before. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude, deeply moved by this unseen community that had loved me from afar.

What this journey meant to me

his wasn’t just a trip, it was a spiritual, personal, and professional journey. I travelled not just across borders, but into new realms of connection, opportunity, and healing. I saw how the seeds planted in Tanzania bloom across the globe, and how what we do at a local level truly matters.

I left the UK with new ideas, new friends, and a renewed purpose, ready to give back with even more passion, knowledge, and gratitude.

Key lessons

Key lessons I take home with me are: never underestimate the power of community-based solutions; global solidarity can start with one story shared truthfully; even when you feel far from home, the world can embrace you; partnerships rooted in respect and equity are the future of development.

Thank You to every single person who welcomed me, walked with me, listened to me, and supported me, Asante Sana. You’ve become part of my journey, and your impact lives on in the children and communities we serve.