The Uhuru Torch

This year, Save the Rain made history by receiving the Uhuru Torch, a Tanzanian national honor award. The Uhuru Torch was created in 1961 by Julius Nyerere, the first Tanzanian president. He had a torch illuminated on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro as a symbol of progress, hope, love, and freedom. He spoke these words to his nation:

    “The lighting of this torch symbolizes Freedom and Light. May it shine on the country and across our borders. It is to bring hope where there is despair, love where there is enmity and respect where there is hatred.”

Each year new locations are selected to shine that hope and light on to the struggling people of this nation. This year, one of Save the Rain’s projects was selected to receive the torch and be an example of illuminating a solution to the water crisis. Each of the torch recipients is given a grey track suit and white cap as their uniform. We made history as we were told this was the first time a Caucasian foreigner, our director, Kelly,  was honored with the torch. It  was so humbling as the community and the military gathered at the project. A band played while the villagers sang and waved branches to symbolize progress growing with the wind. 

Above, the military representative is telling us why we were selected. He said: “You have shown our people how to rise up out of their current predicament. Your work greatly exemplifies For the People, by the People. I will take your message to the President. You will have our assistance in whatever way we can offer it.” The villagers cheered as it marked a moment of recognition and freedom. They sang: “Hongera (congratulations  in Swahili) Save the Rain Family!”