Introducing Mystery Class #10 Kigoma, Tanzania (4.866 S, 29.633 E) Map of Tanzania Greetings from Mystery Class #10 , located at Roots & Shoots Program in Kigoma, Tanzania! Roots & Shoots, Kigoma is part of a World Wide initiative supported by the Jane Goodall Institute. Kigoma is a small town in the Eastern African Continent on the edge of Lake Tanganyika in the northwestern part of The United Republic of Tanzania. Kigoma is the Most Westerly point of Tanzania. It has a twin city called Ujiji that is 10 kilometers south of Kigoma. Kigoma is one of the major ferry ports on the Lake Tanganyika and the major industry here is fishing. The official language in schools is Kiswahili, the official language of Tanzania. In the villages and homes we also speak Kiha, which is the traditional language of the Waha people. The people of The Village of Bubango 15 km from Kigoma Kigoma are related to many religions including Christians and Muslims. Roots & Shoots is an environmental and humanitarian program for youth which fosters respect and compassion for all living things; promotes understanding of all cultures and beliefs; and inspires each individual to take action to make the world a better place for animals, the environment and the human community. Children from dozens of primary schools throughout Kigoma Town participate in developing various Roots & Shoots projects and activities that help learn and care more about the environment and non-human animals. Roots & Shoots projects also have a goal to enhance understanding between individuals of different Children in Bubango school watching a documentary movie about the lives of chimpanzees in Gombe National Park cultures, ethnic groups, religions, socio-economic levels and nations. Deforestation is one of the major problems around Kigoma that led to land erosion, land degradation, lack of clean water, and life-threatening flash floods. Therefore a major part of Roots & Shoots projects are directed to reforestation. As part of these activities, students plant trees, establish tree nurseries, make composts, learn about plant uses, clean up the environment, and develop nature trails. Children also visit Gombe National Park, make model animals and fish in Lake Tanganyika. The ultimate objective of Roots & Shoots here in Kigoma is to help young people develop self-respect, confidence in themselves and hope for the future. Copyright 2002 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form