Cultivating connection, camaraderie, and compassion in the time of COVID-19
We are thrilled to report that our pilot Unite Youth Ambassador Program, which ran from mid-May through early July 2020, was a huge success. Led by Lila Wells, 12 American ambassadors from colleges and universities across America were paired with 23 Unite A-Level Scholars in Tanzania, and together they forged deep and lasting friendships and explored academic, cross-cultural, and creative topics of shared interest.
Click here to see the Unite Ambassador-Scholar “RAP,” an original song by Stella Calista Mosha.
Below, a few highlights, video links & testimonials:
Maria John with her Unite Ambassador Lila Wells.
From my ambassador Lila I learned the importance of respect, empathy, curiosity, and always being charming and friendly. She has taught me about time management and how to improve my self confidence and accountability. I loved making our group videos about BLACK LIVES MATTER and for INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARENESS DAY. May the good Lord find the best way to bless Unite.
~Unite Scholar Maria John Kwanga
Click HERE to see their self-created PLAY performed from America all across Tanzania!
Zaituni with her twin sister (and fellow Unite Scholar) Zainabu Ally and their Unite Ambassador Maddie Banish.
From my ambassador Maddie, I learned about confidence. She always made me feel very comfortable and I was able to ask her many questions. I also grew my talents in dancing, since my ambassador loves to dance. I also learned a lot about leadership, time management, and how to earn and save money.
~Unite Scholar Zaituni Ally Mjanja
Loveness with fellow Unite Scholar Winson Mahenge and their Unite Ambassador CJ Johnson.
“My ambassador CJ studies very hard and takes excellent care of his health. He taught me about engineering and how to keep my body fit by doing push-ups and running. He showed me the importance of having a courageous heart, always encouraging me with my dreams and pursuits. Also he made us so happy by sharing so many funny stories and even dancing. He showed me that happiness is key to success.”
~Unite Scholar Loveness Apaeli
Lazaro with fellow Unite Scholar Andia Rubai and their Unite Ambassador Mahfouz Soumare.
From my ambassador Mahfouz I learned the importance of working hard, believing in myself, and always aiming higher. I am empowered now to speak up and contribute my opinions. I also learned that Americans are hospitable people who have a culture of cooperation.
~Unite Scholar Lazaro Frederick
Michael with fellow Unite Scholar Neema Paul and their Unite Ambassador Jake Turner.
My ambassador Jake is a very kind and charming person. He taught me a lot about self determination and self awareness. He also showed me ways to apply what I study in school to “real life.” I learned that in America people are encouraged to love to other people — even total strangers — and that in America gender inequality is not like it is in Africa.
~Unite Scholar Michael Charles
John John with his Unite Ambassador Quinn Boyd and Unite Program Leader Lila Wells.
From my ambassador Quinn, I learned the importance of sharing ideas openly and being honest and creative. We discussed a lot about beekeeping and raising goats. My favorite part of the program was our video calls.
~Unite Scholar John John Mashimba
Click here to see a video of John John & Quinn on their farms.
Imani with fellow Unite Scholar Loyce Cheja and their Unite Ambassador Danny Mares.
I learned from my ambassador Danny to believe in myself and be confident when sharing my opinions. He has taught be about the importance of hospitality, cooperation, and being on time. I especially liked discussing leadership, how to empower women in our societies, and how we must fulfill our responsibility to help people in need and change our communities for the better.
-Unite Scholar Imani Faustine
Click here to see a short video clip of Danny & Imani’s conversations.
Stella with fellow Unite Scholar Luther Kavishe and their Unite Ambassador Celine Bitegeko.
My ambassador Celine taught me to compose poems, and I have since written dozens. Since she is an American citizen with Tanzanian parents living in the USA, she has also taught me a lot about the differences between cultures, specifically that Americans like to express emotions and listen to other perspectives. I have been empowered through this program to assist my fellow scholars in many ways, like giving them advice, hope, and encouragement.
~Unite Scholar Stella Calista Mosha
David with his Unite Ambassador Ramzy Issa.
From my ambassador Ramzy, I have learned many things… three of the best are: faithfulness, responsibility, and humility. Ramzy has a clean heart. I also liked learning about American culture. It is so pleasant. American people are kind, and they like to be healthy and follow routines. They also like to do what is right, like uniting to fight oppression against the black race in the Black Lives Matter movement.
~Unite Scholar David Sichone
Click here to see a video “day in the life” for Ramzy and David.
Elina with fellow Unite Scholar Khadija Mkopi and their Unite Ambassador Caroline Crosby.
My ambassador Caroline is a caring and a very kind girl, even to people she has never met before. She has a commitment to service, which means she is passionate about helping society. Through this program I have learned how to develop friendships and build healthy relationships. Moreover, I have learned that I too am able to explore to the world and share my experiences with others.
~Unite Scholar Elina Green
Click here for a short video highlighting Caroline and Elina.
Ephraim with fellow Unite Scholar Witness Mbise and their Unite Ambassador Nathan Lopinto.
From my ambassador Nathan I learned about time management — making time for school, business, chores, and doing my favorite things. Americans make time for all kinds of things that are important to them. I also learned that Americans like to have pets. Nathan even has a snake that he lives with, and he even gave it a name.
~Unite Scholar Ephraim Thomas
Click here to see a video of Ephraim, Nathan, and Unite Scholar Witness.
Ashura with her Unite Ambassador Shaunmei.
My ambassador Shaunmei taught me the importance of time management, listening to and respecting other people’s opinions, and being committed to my goals, no matter what. Through this program, I increased my confidence and can now speak in public without being afraid. I really like how the American culture values peace, love, and joy for all people.
~Unite Scholar Ashura Amiri