Kujali International

I returned to Tanzania on May 5^th for the first time in nearly four years. Immediately welcomed by Kujali’s staff, local partner and the children of HOCET, I felt like I had just left.  The purpose of my brief visit was to host Kujali’s new official spokesperson, Hasheem Thabeet, the first Tanzanian born NBA player. After being drafted 2^nd overall in last year’s NBA draft, Hasheem had just finished his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies and was spending some time at home before returning to the United States to begin summer training.

Rainy season in Tanzania had certainly made the trip to our school in Mkuranga an adventure, traversing muddy roads and sometimes, water.

We arrived safely and our students and teaching staff welcomed Hasheem to HOCET Secondary School.  Hasheem spent his time touring the school grounds while listening to HOCET’s Executive Director, Hezekia Mwalugaja, describe the organization’s history and vision for the future.

After hosting a basketball tournament over the weekend in Dar es Salaam, Hasheem returned to our city center on Monday afternoon to visit with our primary aged children, listen to a performance by our choir and speak with our kids about his life experiences and transition from Tanzania to the United States. I was struck by his appreciation of his journey and acknowledgement of the educational opportunity basketball had afforded him. He truly understands the context in which we operate and the challenges our kids face as they come to age in Tanzania.

All in all it was a fantastic visit and on behalf of Kujali International, we look forward to welcoming him again to HOCET. Keep an eye out for Kujali’s public service announcement featuring Hasheem.