A month in Dar es Salaam
Alana Kipnis managed survey data for a health study, worked on ESRF's social media strategy, and began researching Maasai land disputes.
Walking out of the airport my future felt tangible; I was about to spend a month living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Throughout my time working with the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), I would come to learn about a fascinating country and culture, hard work, problem solving, and myself. I hope you enjoy a little slice of the life I lived this summer.
The bustling streets of Dar es Salaam invigorate all the senses. Smells of roasting mishkaki waft through the air. Boda bodas and bijaji weave impossible paths. The sun and heat wrap you in their embrace. People laugh and chat in large groups. I would take all this in with my window rolled down on my way to the office each morning.
When I first arrived, the ESRF was getting a large scale survey up and running. I learned that many people in Tanzania are distrusting of healthcare, so a creative solution was proposed: running a radio drama. The survey in question would measure the impact of the radio drama on the public’s perceptions of healthcare. For me, this meant becoming adept in spreadsheets and tracking data about radio stations, health care facilities, district medical officers, etc.
With all preparations in order, the survey commenced. I moved onto my next task, assisting ESRF’s communication department with their social media and outreach strategy. I would regularly meet with higher ups to discuss how to drive up engagement, overall brand renewal, and to review content.
Delving deep into Tanzania’s legal history, I researched a land dispute involving the Maasai tribe. In an interview with a Maasai radio journalist, I learned about how an indigenous group that has been historically exploited by the tourism industry are being forced off their land with little compensation or resources to survive. In speaking with a human rights attorney, I heard first hand experience of how lawyers are using trials to advocate for a more representative constitution
On the weekeneds, I swam in crystal clear waters, listened to live music, and travelled to surrounding islands. I credit some of my best memories to my colleagues and friends Benjamin Risley, Saira Ali, Alex Brown, and Isabella Tang. Together we created a sense of unconditional companionship and a home away from home. I’ll never forget playing cards on the roof of our hotel in Zanzibar, exploring the Kariakoo Market, and laughing until my chest hurt.
8,398 miles away from home, I gained a sense of independence I had never felt before. This experience left an imprint in my head and on my heart, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Global Media Lab.