Need in Tanzania
Tanzania has been independent from British rule since 1961 and is the only East Africa country to have achieved long-term peace.  This is largely attributed to ‘Mwalimu’ (Teacher) Julius Nyerere, the first President, and his socialist policies that united the nation.
 
However, in spite of its unity, Tanzania remains one of the least developed countries in the world.  Ranking 152 out of 187 in the UN’s Human Development Index[1], it faces significant problems across the whole spectrum of development issues.  67.9% of the population live on less than $1.25; only 2.35% of 17 year olds graduate with the grades needed for tertiary education; and 55% of women believe that wife-beating is justifiable under certain circumstances.
 
Within this context there are numerous needs that must be met to achieve development, ranging from the basic to the very complex.  These must be met by numerous players, ranging from the Tanzanian and international governments to the private sector and civil society.
 
Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay’s unique position to meet this need
Rotary International is a global movement of individuals that are passionate to putting ‘service above self’.  Frequently they are senior in their chosen professions and influential members of society.  As such, Rotary has the passion, commitment and talents needed to meet needs at a community and global level.
 
The Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay (affectionately known as ‘JOyster Bay’ to its members) is one of the premier clubs in East Africa, both in terms of size and accolades.  We are a diverse club ranging from members in their mid-20s to those retired, and with many nationalities regularly present at our weekly meetings.  Since our establishment we have demonstrated a consistent track record with our service projects.  This includes our Community Health Initiative (CHI), hitherto our annual flagship project, which provides a free health care day to rural, disadvantaged communities.  In addition, we have been involved as an implementing partner in several Global Grants.
 
With this track record behind us, this Rotary year we are anxious to capitalise on our experience, members, and connections and ‘do more’.  This Rotary year we have set ourselves the challenge to address need in each one of Rotary’s six focal areas in a meaningful and measurable way.  This would not be possible without the strong Club we have behind the goals, and we are confident that although ambitious, these are obtainable.
 
[1] The HDI takes into account health, education, income, inequality, poverty, gender, sustainability, demography, composite indices, innovation and technology, trade, economy