Christmas Day 2017, The Rufiji Lighthouse was officially opened to the residents of MLOKA Village, within the Rufiji District, just outside the Great Selous Game Reserve. Built at Baker & Sons Safari Company, Tanzania, the opening was met with much celebration – dignitaries arrived to mark the occasion, including the Honourable District Commissioner; a cow and goats were served with spiced-rice, enough for the whole village; and national media were on hand to document the event.
Also attending the event were visitors from Cosperville, Indiana. Years earlier, these same visitors, through their church youth group raised donations with East Africa River Mission (EastARM) to help build the Lighthouse, which stands proudly today at the village boundary on the banks of the Rufiji River as a symbol of hope and opportunity. English, the language which is taught by EastARM volunteers at the Lighthouse, is needed at every demographic in the nearby village. The native language of the village and country is Swahili. For the primary school children, their proficiency in English as a second language means the difference between their acceptance into secondary school education or their premature exit from formal studies as early as grade 7. For adults in the village, many whom did not receive an education or hireable skill, learning English opens the doors for employment where previously no opportunity existed.
Through East Africa River Mission, Baker & Sons Safari Company is proud to host The Rufiji Lighthouse for their Mloka Village neighbours, together with the English education and future hope inherent within its walls.
