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 Tanzania government to honor those who have made significant contributions to their communities. It is a 129 day torch race which began on May 31 in
Morogoro and goes to selected sites. The Uhuru Torch arrived at the Children’s
Village on September 28, 2009 A host of officials were on hand to dedicate our latest building and newest house Rubondo, and publicly confirm their support and gratitude for our work.
Morogoro and goes to selected sites. The Uhuru Torch arrived at the Children’s
Village on September 28, 2009 A host of officials were on hand to dedicate our latest building and newest house Rubondo, and publicly confirm their support and gratitude for our work.
It was a great honor and a wild time. The guards of the torch take their jobs very seriously and the rumor around the village was that if anyone blew the torch out you would go to jail for a very long time. I have no idea if that is actually true, however the fact that so many believe it, is pretty scary :)
No comments:
Post a Comment