Children's Village Blog
Uhuru Torch - Freedom Torch - Arrives at the Children's Village

Every year a torch called the Uhuru Torch or Freedom Torch is lit on Mt. Kilimanjaro and then carried across the country by runners to celebrate the country’s independence. In 1961 the Uhuru Torch was placed at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Founder President Julius Nyerere said that the torch was a sign of hope and peace from the highest point in Africa. Nyerere wrote about the philosophy and significance of the Uhuru Torch:

We would like to light a torch and place it on top
Of Mt. Kilimanjaro, so that it shines beyond our
Borders, and brings about hope where there is
Despair, love where there is enmity and respect where
There is hatred.

The Uhuru Torch is used by the Tanzanian government to honor those who have made significant contributions to their communities. It is a 129 day torch race. The Uhuru Torch arrived on September 28 at the Children’s Village for the second time! (The Uhuru Torch first arrived at the Children’s Village in August 2006.) There was a troop of dancers that the children loved and amidst an air of festivity a host of officials toured one of the new children’s houses and made speeches confirming their support and gratitude for our work at the Children’s Village and at Gyetighi Primary School.

The runner who carried the torch was a graduate of Gyetighi Primary School and she was amazed at the improvements we’ve made there. During her speech she literally became teary-eyed talking about how far the school has come under our stewardship.

We all ended the day feeling truly honored and appreciated for our efforts. This only renews our energy to do more!