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| The late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere |
TANZANIANS have been called upon to honor the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, through practical actions, especially by embracing his philosophy of self-reliance as a way to promote patriotism and achieve sustainable development within communities.
The call was made on Sunday in Butiama village, Mara Region, during the conclusion of the popular bicycle race known as Twende Butiama.
Speaking at the event, Athumani Mlinga, one of the officials representing the sponsors of the race, said that self-reliance is a key foundation for community development. He noted that citizens can actively participate in implementing various development initiatives.
“This is the eighth year we are organizing this race, and our aim includes honoring the legacy of the late Father of the Nation. Through this bicycle caravan, we are encouraging citizens to be patriotic and to put the philosophy of self-reliance into action.
“We are also raising awareness about the link between cycling and good health,” he said.
He explained that the race, which began on July 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, passed through 11 regions, during which various community activities in the sectors of health, environment, finance, and education were carried out by the cyclists in collaboration with different stakeholders.
According to Mlinga, some of the initiatives included donating desks to nine primary schools, benefiting around 15,000 pupils, as well as providing 562 items - including bicycles and mattresses - to children with special needs.
“Additionally, more than 250,000 people have benefited from healthcare services, including screenings for various diseases - especially non-communicable ones - through special health camps organized and coordinated by this caravan,” he added.
Receiving the caravan, Madaraka Nyerere, spokesperson for the family of the late Father of the Nation, said that Twende Butiama is a meaningful way to honor the legacy of public service that Mwalimu Nyerere championed during his leadership.
“For the year 2025, the caravan focuses on supporting children with special needs by providing them with 562 items and constructing 62 latrines in primary schools. This is no small feat. Each stop the caravan makes spreads Mwalimu's message - this is a powerful way to honor him,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the cyclists, Frank Lawrence urged youth to reduce their dependence on motorized transport such as cars and motorcycles, and instead embrace bicycles as a means of improving health and physical fitness.
He said that the Twende Butiama caravan, in addition to promoting health, continues to be a key vehicle for preserving the values and philosophy of the Father of the Nation, while also contributing to community development and fostering patriotism.
He emphasized that honoring the Father of the Nation should be done through both written and practical means to help generations that did not witness Mwalimu during his lifetime understand and appreciate his contribution to the Tanzanian nation.
- The Guardian
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