Objectives

My objectives/learning goals (that I hope to accomplish over the four months!):
1) Support the transfer of technology to other women's groups. Support applications for capital start-up and subsidizing for the poor and people living with AIDS (PLWAs).

The TWG is focusing on marketing and advertising the probiotic yogurt to the larger Mwanza community and to the rest of Tanzania. TWG is interested in training other Women's Groups to form a network to spread the word about probiotics and their related health benefits. Currently, TWG is partnered with Isenga Women's Group and the Nyamhongor Women's Group. Eventually, the project would like to expand to contain several micro-operations of women's groups in the communities to lift them out of poverty, empower them economically, and expand the yogurt production. We would like to assist the yogurt mamas in training "junior mamas" to help out with the project when the "senior mamas" are ill. (and to ultimately one day inherit and run the project themselves).

2) Work with the Tukwamuane Women's Group (TWG) to establish and monitor a routine to ensure the presence of active probiotics in the yogurt each week.
This will be for academic credit, overseen by Dr. Reid (at UWO) and the National Institute of Medical Research (in Mwanza).

In order to have the yogurt sold to grocery stores, restaurants, and schools within the community, the quality of the yogurt must be controlled (texture and taste, included). We would also like to overcome the large barrier of packaging and labeling on the packaging.

3) Review and support a sustainable business plan with the TWG to sell the yogurt for profit and strengthen them financially.

There is presently a "master business plan" that needs to be put in place. As of May 2008, 44% of yogurt was being sold, 45% was distributed for free, and 11% was sold as milk. We would like to increase milk purchases and increase sales!!

4) Develop cross-cultural communication skills and work on Kiswahili (Swahili) language skills. Explore TWG interest in continued development of their English language skills.


An Overview of Steph's objectives (the other WHE intern I am traveling with, who is in her third year of the Foods and Nutrition Program):

1) To build positive, trusting relationships with a group of individuals in Tanzania, and explore their daily food intakes and food supply.

2) To collaborate with the Tukwamuane Women’s Group (TWG) to provide community education about the heath benefits of probiotic yoghurt.

3) To promote awareness and support neighbouring communities to establish a probiotic yoghurt community kitchen.

4) To work alongside the TWG and key stakeholders in Tanzania to minimize communications barriers with project stakeholders in Canada.