Day 4

The fourth day of their Mission Possible deployment in Tanzania saw the volunteers distributing aid and support to beneficiaries they had selected based on needs criteria. For Akeeb Satti, Mahjabeen Khan and Mustafa Karbani, it was a day of dread and emotions – and calling on UK family members to assist.

“Alhamdulillah, today has been my favourite. We started the day by visiting the families which were designated to receive the livelihood items. I visited 2 families who were told the wonderful news that they would each be receiving a sewing machine. The smiles on their faces and the way their eyes lit up were out of this world, Alhamdulillah.

Other families unfortunately didn’t get to receive the items, but I decided I was not going to let that happen. I messaged some family members in the UK and told them the situation, that 20 families had been interviewed as part of this process and only 14 would be receiving something.

They instantly sent me £250 in total, which worked out to about £40 for each of the remaining 6 families. I was happy had I done this because I couldn’t bear to give the news to these people that they were not going to receive a project. Again, their smiles and reactions were priceless.

After leaving the village, we got together as a group and decided to finish off the work at the school.

We finished off the foundation for the rain tank to be placed on top and the other members of the volunteer group finished off little touches to the toilets.”

Akeeb Satti

“We visited a dispensary first where we discussed the prevalent medical issues in the community.

Today was the big day I had dreaded - speaking to beneficiaries about whether they will be receiving any assistance. I expected lots of emotion to flow. However, the beneficiaries were very good in handling the news.

For the ones who received positive news, the joy and peace witnessed on their faces has made the tiring last few days worth it. Yes, even the never-ending, painstaking flight!

For the ones who did not receive the positive news they were hoping for, it was mixed emotions.

Sadness that they didn't receive the news they were hoping for but also a smile. To see their level of gratefulness and contentment is amazing.

We moved on to the construction work in the afternoon where we filled in the water tank foundations with stone and then cement. So far, it has been an energy consuming yet eye-opening experience.”

Mahjabeen Khan

“Today, we all went to the village to reveal the good news to those who were the picked beneficiaries from the previous night’s discussion. We went round to each house to congratulate them and tell them they deserved it.

When they heard the news, you could see their faces light up with happiness, which was by far the best part of the day. After this we had to go to the other families who, unfortunately, missed out.

However, we were able to give them money donated by private donors which they were very grateful for and happy to accept.

After visiting several houses, we headed to the school to continue with the construction. This is where I, again, along with a couple others, were told to continue with the plastering. Through a team effort we were able to complete the plastering of a whole wall which is definitely harder than it sounds! This took us the rest of the afternoon and headed back to the hotel after.”

Mustafa Karbani