Day 6

“On our final day, we wrapped up our Mission with joy and celebration, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

We started the day at the primary school, where we distributed stationery, school bags, and water bottles to all the children. The excitement on their little faces was contagious, and it filled us with joy to see how much these supplies meant to them. We also handed out sweets and biscuits, making the day even more special for the kids.

Next, we travelled to Tanga to visit the secondary school. There, we provided bicycles to children who previously faced a two-hour walk to school each day. This small gesture is set to make a big difference in their daily lives. We also donated a printer to the school, enhancing their learning resources, and distributed sports kits to the students.

To cap off the day, we organised a football match with the kids. The energy of playing together was a fantastic way to bond and celebrate the end of our mission. It was a fun-filled way to conclude our time in the community.

Alhamdulillah, this experience has been truly transformative. This day reminded us of the power of giving and connection, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact. This journey has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we look forward to future initiatives that continue to uplift and empower communities.”

Naveed Akhtar

“Today we went to the school and handed out stationery, sweets and water bottles. We decorated the school grounds with colourful bunting. It was very emotional, saying ‘bye to the children who I have developed lots of love and admiration. Speeches were done by all the volunteers in regard to our experience and final words for the children.

We then headed off to a secondary school in Tanga and handed out bikes and a printer to the school. Our finale was as a football match - Tanzania verses UK. Tanzania won!

We headed back to the hotel and had our final reflection session. It was a beautiful moment to pause and reflect back on the few days’ gone and what we have seen and achieved. I am very grateful for the amazing opportunity of taking part in Mission Possible.”

Shamama Begum

“It's a shame really that today was our last day on deployment.

Honestly, this deployment with Islamic Help has changed me as a person - the way I will be thinking, acting, and being grateful for everything I have got at home Alhamdulillah, today was one of the best days I have had in Tanzania. Of course, the vibes were a bit sad, knowing I will not be seeing these innocent kids again who we have spent most our time here with. I can say I grew a special bond with a few kids who I will miss very dearly. The names, the faces, the laughter - I will remember and cherish them forever!

Just typing this up is making me emotional, thinking about these kids who have been born into severe poverty, having no clean water or clean facilities, makes me wonder why do they have to go through these struggles on a day-to-day basis. Again, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to meet these kids and knowing how important the small stuff is in life.

We started the day by visiting the primary school and organising the distribution of stationery that we provided through Islamic Help. They each received 5 books, a backpack and pens and pencils.

They also received a bottle to drink water out of as we finished the rain harvesting project. As we gave each student their gifts, they were full of joy and happiness.

They walked around the playgroup showing their classmates what each of them had received. We then started to distribute snacks to the kids - we made them all line up and handed out some sweets, crisps and biscuits. Even though it wasn't enough, they again appreciated it all.

We gave our final message to the school and, honestly, I might have had some tears running down my face. We gave our goodbyes, knowing these kids will grow up to remember us and hopefully study hard for themselves and their families.

One thing I had on my mind which I told my team leader, Kiren, was that these kids may think we have impacted their lives but honestly to me it was the other way around, Alhamdulillah.

We then made our way to the secondary school in Tanga which was chosen for another livelihood project. We handed over bikes to 5 girls and 5 boys, who may travel very far to get to school.

Insha’Allah, these bikes will make things very easier for these kids now and they can keep us in their duas.

Another gift to the school was a brand-new printer which was handed over to the headmaster. We ended the day by having an amazing football match with these kids from the school. We got changed into our football kits and also handed over 11 brand new kits to the school football team.

I can say this was a very serious and challenging game for us but we did not give up and wanted to give everyone a good time. Unfortunately (for us), we lost to the game on a penalty shoot-out but deep down I was happy to let them win. Them knowing that they had beaten a team all the way from England will hopefully give them all the confidence boost and motivation to do better.

Thank you Islamic Help, for giving me the opportunity to take part in the 2024 deployment to Tanzania. JazakAllah for everything and big thanks to our amazing team in Tanga office who we couldn't do any of this without.”

Akeeb Satti