American People Sponsor Cultural Preservation in Pangani

 U.S. Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt, (left), presenting a $106,249 (TSH 169,900,000 million) grant to the Uzima Kwa Sanaa - Alive through Art - (UZIKWASA) NGO, for the preservation of Bwanga House on "Old India Street" in historic Pangani. The grant was awarded under the U.S. Department of State's Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) program on September 18 2012. Receiving the grant in the picture are UZIKWASA Executive Director, Dr. Vera Pieroth (2nd from left); Director, Antiquities, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Donatius Kamamba (3rd from left); and Mr. John W.S. Kimaro (4th from left), from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. (Photo by the Courtesy of US Embassy)

On September 18, U.S. Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt presented a $106,249 (TSH 169,900,000 million) grant to the Uzima kwa Sanaa - Alive through Art - (UZIKWASA) NGO, for the preservation of Bwanga House on "Old India Street" in historic Pangani. The grant was awarded under the U.S. Department of State's Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) program.

 The ceremony at the U.S. Embassy was attended by UZIKWASA Executive Director, Dr. Vera Pieroth, UZIKWASA Vice Chairperson Ms. Mary Rusimbi, UZIKWASA Board Member, Dr. Frowin Nyoni, Coordinator of the Archaeology Unit at the University of Dar es Salaam Dr. Audax Mabullah, and Director of the Department of Antiquities at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Dr. Donatius Kamamba.

 The aim of the project is to fully restore and rehabilitate the Bwanga House while promoting tourism and raising local awareness on cultural preservation of Tanzania's national treasures.    Pangani experienced great prosperity as a major coastal trade hub in the second half of the 19th century.  In 2010, Pangani was placed on the 2010 World Monuments Watch List of Endangered Sites. UZIKWASA hopes to rehabilitate the Bwanga House and transform it into a mixed-use tourist attraction, contributing to the economic growth of the town.  UZIKWASA has identified a partner organization named "Getting Old is to Grow" (GOIG) to establish a handicrafts and heritage center in the house.  Through funding already secured from USAID, GOIG will work with Pangani artisans in the production and marketing of their traditional handicraft for sale in the house.  Proceeds will provide resources for future maintenance of the house and ensure the center's sustainability.

 In his remarks the Ambassador noted: "Culture reminds each of us of our origins.  It is a source of pride when rediscovered.  To promote that pride among Tanzanians you must preserve that culture.  As I travel throughout all parts of this country, I never cease to be amazed at the history, culture, and people of Tanzania.  That is why today's program has special meaning for me, because the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation gives us opportunities to demonstrate U.S. respect for Tanzania's unique cultural and historical treasures."

Since 2002, the American people have invested $1,090,000 USD (TSH 1.7 billion) in grants to preserve and support Tanzania's cultural heritage. These projects have included restoration of the 18th century Kizimkazi mosque in Unguja, publication of an archival guide of the Kaole ruins in Bagamoyo, restoration of the Shumba and Micheweni historical mosques in Pemba, digitalization of the historical slave trade records at the Zanzibar National Archives, preservation of cultural heritage in Pemba through opening of a museum in Chake Chake, and preservation of Taraab music as well as rock art in Kondoa. The U.S. Mission in Tanzania has also restored the palace of King Kahigi III in Bukoba, who ruled an area of what is now northwest Tanzania during German colonial presence.  

Established in 2001 by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation assists developing countries in preserving their cultural heritage by providing direct small and large grant support to government and nongovernment organizations.