Life changing

As Iowans, we are keenly aware of the importance of quality education. We understand how knowledge empowers and advances our lives in career and goal attainment.

Let me share my passion and legacy in life, and how I am making a difference halfway around the world.

This is my 20th year of supporting the Tumaini schools since I first traveled to Tanzania in 2005. My trip leader and guide Modest Bayo, along with his wife, Lightness, founded the Tumaini Junior School in their own home with just 75 students.

I pleaded for the chance to visit the school. As a world traveler, I say those two hours changed my heart in a way no other trip had. I came back and talked with my pastor at Noelridge Christian Church, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, the school covers three campuses near Karatu in the Rift Valley of Tanzania and serves over 1,400 students. From Primary (3 to 6-year old’s), Junior (baby class thru 7th grade) and Secondary (8th thru 14th grade). Grades 13 and 14 prepare students to attend college. Historically, Tumaini students excel in their programs and their school is in the top 10% of all schools in Tanzania (over 17,000 schools) on national exams. All subjects are taught in English.

Through the money raised in the past two decades we have built classroom buildings, provided solar water heaters for the boarding students, purchased new desks and chairs for classrooms, provided dining tables and chairs for a new dining hall at the Secondary School and so much more. In fact, they named the new playground The Lala Land Playground at the Primary school!

In 2018, I led a group of Mount Mercy University Nursing students to work in the schools and share their nursing knowledge with patients at the Lake Eyasi Medical Clinic headed by Lightness Bayo. What they encountered was life changing and made them appreciate the education and quality medical care that is available in the United States. Having just returned from my 6th trip in June of this year while leading a group of 12 travelers, I call Tanzania my second home. While there, they honored me for my 20 years of support as their commencement speaker at Grade 14 Graduation. I was humbled and so very grateful for this honor.

I fell in love with the African people while volunteering in the schools and with the animals while on safari. With all my fundraising and support over the years, my friends call me the “Oprah of Cedar Rapids.” Tanzania is a magical place where the people live in poverty (by our standards) in cinder block homes with dirt floors, no running water or electricity, but they always have a smile on their face. That is a true testament of how we can have so little but still be happy in life.

Our community can help support my efforts locally by attending the “Arts for Africa” Art and Craft fair with local artists and crafters, a huge silent auction and lovely African made items for purchase on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Noelridge Christian Church, 7111 C Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come see pictures of the Tumaini Schools and Lake Eyasi Clinic and learn how you can support this international mission.

I eagerly share my love of Tanzania with those I encounter.

I can truly speak from my heart when sharing the Tumaini School’s story. If you are interested in a conversation about traveling to Tanzania for a once in a lifetime adventure, how you could support a Tumaini student, or purchase books for their libraries, you can message me on Facebook.

Asanta Sana (thank you very much in Swahili)!

Kellie Lala is a native of Cedar Rapids, who has been selling radio commercials for KZIA, Inc.for over 33 years and is a lifetime member of Noelridge Christian Church. Lala graduated from Kennedy High School, Kirkwood Community College and Mount Mercy University. Her parents instilled a love of travel in her from a young age.