Tricia Mortimer - personal statement

It is hard to believe that it is now 12 years since I first had the privilege of visiting Tanzania, following an invitation given to our church congregation by Rev Canon Isaac Mgego, the Director of Berega Hospital. The formation of Mission Morogoro on our group’s return marked the beginning of a life-changing personal journey for me and has led to many challenging, but also immensely fulfilling, experiences over the past 12 years.  Our charity’s decision to focus on the poor rural community of Tunguli, with its small Health Centre linked to Berega Hospital, has led to close partnerships with trusted Tanzanian partners. Those partners, who we now know as friends, have advised us and helped us navigate Tanzanian culture, while sharing our vision for our projects in Tunguli.  With regular self-funded monitoring visits, we have been able to ensure that donations from our generous supporters has always been wisely and appropriately used on our projects. These have included the provision of safe water, encouraging improved sanitation and providing maternal health education in the community.  On our visit in 2024 I was very moved as I realised that, after several years of working in close partnership with the community, we are now very much a part of the ‘Tunguli family’.  The satisfaction that comes from our work, as well as the joy of many friendships we have developed, are wonderful blessings.  And as for Isaac, who first reached out to us in 2012, he does not let us forget that the value of the friendship and moral support we offer him is immeasurable, giving him strength to face the enduring challenges of his work day by day.  Long may it be so.