Meet Happy

 It is finally my turn for jet lag to kick in as I lay restless in my bed. I guess it is a good time to post to the blog. I’d like to tell you about Happy, the social worker at Ilula Hospital. Ilula Hospital is a faith based institution and is the reason for Happy’s pull to this place. She started at Ilula as a community officer and went back to school to obtain her bachelors degree in social work. I admittedly did not know much about social work in Tanzania and was inspired by how she leads and drives every decision with her super big heart. A very caring heart. She is compelled to advocate for the children and specializes in social work for children who experience abuse (sexual, physical, emotional, neglect).  On a typical month, she helps find a safe home for 15-40 children. Yes, each month! 

I had the opportunity to hop into the hospital vehicle with her and a few colleagues Meade, Diane and Katelyn. The vehicle fit 2 people in front, three in the middle row and one “seat” in the way back (the back did not have a seatbelt and Meade graciously took that spot and was an amazing trooper along an extremely bumpy ride). We drove about an hour and a half east of Ilula into the mountains, driving along a congested highway of truckers (and some monkeys!). Happy brought us to a region called Nyanzwa ward and we stopped to pick up the chief of police from Ruaha mbuyuni police station. Her name was Umpendo. The two of them have been partnering together since 2019 to educate the community about child abuse, the laws that pertain to it, and how to safely report. We continued another 30 min down more bumpy roads to the schools. The duo spoke at 4 schools (elementary and middle school aged) and educated the children with songs (No Touch-y Touch-y) and teachers (stern reinforcement of the Tanzanian law). We ended our day in jail. No, not locked up but rather to see Umpendo’s police station that she governs.

Happy is an important person at Ilula Hospital. Her services are needed in this community and is yet another way for Ilula Hospital to continue to serve its patients, including those who do not have a voice. She has a goal to return to school for her masters degree. When asked why, she of course brought it back to the children of Ilula area and how to better serve the hospital. She hopes a masters degree with increase her knowledge of Tanzanian law to better represent the Ilula children in court. In addition, she hopes to bring government supported research to the Ilula area, looking into areas of child abuse. 

Happy is all heart and a critical role to the Ilula Hospital team. I was so glad to be able to get a small glimpse into her work and share memories with everyone along for the bumpy ride to the villages. 

Shana