Learning Beyond Borders:
A Memorable Experience at DUCE
by Ruusa Ndangi and Paulus Hangusu
From November 13 to December 22, 2025, we embarked on a life changing journey to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to participate in FUTE student exchange. So, in this blog we are going to reflect on our journey from Namibia to Tanzania.
The thrill of flying
Our journey began in Windhoek, it was our very first-time leaving Namibia and, the thrill of the unknown filled us with both joy and nervousness. We were picked us up from Khomasdal campus and we felt a wave of gratitude wash over us. The driver’s warm smile and friendly demeanor made the start of this adventure even more special, and we made sure we had our passports ready plus our tickets and just making sure our things are all well prepared.
As we arrived at Hosea Kutako International Airport we were stuck by the energy of the place. It was bustling with travellers, each with their own destinations. For us this was momentous occasion our first experience at an airport. The sheer size of the terminal, the sounds of announcements, and the sight of planes taking off and landing filled us with a whole different feeling. Taking a deep breath, soaking in the atmosphere of excitement.
Boarding the plane was surreal marking the beginning of an adventure we had long dreamed of. As we settled into our seats, we couldn’t help but feel a mixture of emotions, excitement, anxiety, and wonder. When the plane finally took off, we felt a rush of exhilarations as we ascended into the sky. Looking out the window, we watched as the landscape of Namibia faded away replaced by a blanket of clouds. It was a beautiful sight, and we realized that we were embarking on a journey that would change our perspectives forever. While we were there, we got special treatments drinks and food were supper good. After a few hours in the air, we landed in Addis Ababa airport for our layover.
Our arrival in Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam
Our journey took an unexpected turn when financial challenges emerged, but luckily project people helped a lot. We helped each other at that moment and we went out to find Mr Dereva raising a piece of paper written our names. He took us to DUCE and upon our arrival we were immediately captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of the town. We quickly settled into our accommodations that we found already well prepared which was in the postgraduate’s blocks. Around 10:00 AM one of the SRCs Mr Boniface Ludovick and the president Mr Kennedy of the DUCE college of education came to welcomed us with warm energy and shown us where we can buy food and other stuffs and we really felt welcomed and we felt at home.
Engaging at DUCE College of Education
We were immersed in a rich academic environment. The lectures were insightful, and the faculty was incredibly supportive. We attended various classes that broadened our understanding of education in Tanzania. The students welcomed us with open arms, creating a sense of belonging that eased our initial worries. Firstly, we started attending our majors (Ruusa, Linguistics and Paulus, Math). Based on the purpose of the programme was sustainability, we decided to change and we both started attending lessons for introduction to educational psychology which was a bit aligning to what we wanted since they do not give lesson about sustainability exactly.
The lecture was very much crowded that if you don’t come early, you won’t find a space to seat. And something that was special about their lectures was that even the people living with disabilities were not left out there’s always a translator for them. But one thing was that we never really understood since they respected their language which is Swahili and they feel so much comfortable teaching in that especially when giving examples they will give it in Swahili which made us to be a bit lost but regardless of that we would usually ask other students that were next to us to translate for us, and after all it went really well and we really increased our understandings on most things.
The translator for special students translating for them (deaf)
Visit Changombe primary school
One of the most impactful experiences was our visit to Changombe primary school, where we had the opportunity to assist teachers and interact with them. This hands-on experience allowed us to learn about the challenges and triumphs of education in Tanzania, deepening our appreciation for the dedication of educators everywhere. The learners report cards are in a form of books covering all years from grade 1-6. From grade 3 teachers do not use CAs they write exams and their final score is the one to go at the report. But regardless of teachers using too much Swahili, the learners are good in writing English and since we helped with marking English we noticed that grade 6 learners are good in English since only one learner with a C the rest got Bs and As. From grade 1-7 are called class or grades, and 8-12 are called forms. One thing again is that the school prepares lunch for teachers every day for free, they have a chef.
The report book inside.
With the Changombe primary learners.
Visit to Dr Rehema’s in-law house for a family reunion in one of the deep villages
We truly had a wonderful time. They welcomed us warmly, shared their stories, culture, and delicious meals with us. The visit was full of laughter and meaningful conversations, helping us learn more about Tanzanian life and traditions. Their kindness and hospitality made us feel like part of their family.
Dr Rehema, her student, and us.
How everything was looking.
Our visit to Bunju region at Madam Stella’s house
Mr Zephania and madam Stella were the post graduates that were sent to Namibia by the FUTE programme, and they planned to take us out so we enjoy Tanzania, but it was sadly that we found madam Stella not feeling well, but we really had a memorable day, regardless of that she really made sure we ate and drank well. Mr Zephania then took us to Dynasty Beach Res, which was a surprise to us seeing the blue water since we only see such things in movies but instead our dreams come true. It was the best day ever.
Us with Madam Stella.
Us at the beach.
Culinary Delights and Local Transportation
During our stay, we enjoyed exploring the delicious local cuisine. The food was full of rich flavours, and we especially loved the fresh fruit juices, which were a refreshing treat in the warm weather. Getting around Dar es Salaam was an adventure on its own, whether we used Bolt rides or hopped on motorbikes. Navigating the busy streets was thrilling and gave us a true local experience, including enjoying seafood such as octopus, crabs, and many other dishes.
Mr. Zephania took us to Kariakoo, a vibrant and very large local market, as well as to the open fruit markets. He always made sure to bring us fruits whenever he visited, including bananas, mangoes, grapes, and many more. One interesting thing we noticed about Tanzania is that there are no bars around the campus, as alcohol is not sold near the college.
The bolt.
Some activities we attended
We attended a meeting that was conducted mainly about the FUTE project and we met with the members from Finnish national agency for education. They asked us questions related to the project and the recommendations to what should be improved, so it can be taken into consideration. They also wanted to find out about the reasons we applied for the exchange, and how we are finding the program. We were able to learn more about this collaborative initiative and explore potential avenues for future involvement.
On the 29th of November 2025 we attend the 18th graduation ceremony that took place in the university of Dar es Salaam College of Education. It was very interesting and we learned that when they are graduating, they don’t get their degrees there, they come later to get them at the college centre. So, what happens there is just them being called based on their majors and each phase will go when called, e.g. linguistics secondary. They all go in front and they will dance just a bit of celebration and they go back to their seats. The parents brought gifts and flowers just like how it is done in Namibia.
We also went to visit the main campus of Dar es Salaam and Dr Kalinga prepared everything including lunch. We were taken around by Mr Boniface. It was a chance to soak in the vibrant energy of the student community and gain deeper understanding of the academic heart of this East African nation. Our gracious host Mr Boniface and Dr Kalinga ensured we enjoyed a wonderful final lunch, allowing us to savor the flavors of Tanzanian cuisine one last time.
Trip back
Our journey to Tanzania and our time at DUCE were not just about academics; they were about connections, resilience, and growth. Day time we went to give a little we had to everyone who took part in the programme, who helped us. Later evening the true highlight came. It was emotional encounter, as the old man who sold us sugarcane juice Mr Bakari Ramadhani Mchome, remembered my fondness for mangoes, he insisted that I take the mango since he couldn’t get anything more for me. This heartwarming gesture left a lasting impression and underscored the deep bonds we had formed, it deeply touched me as I realized the genuine connections we had forged with Mr Bakari Ramadhani Mchome who always served us sugarcane juice and we always made sure we always had to support his bussiness. He then quickly left despite the fact that he wasn’t yet done finishing his daily sales which really broke me so I ended up crying since he was like our own father.
At exactly 00:00, our driver arrived to take us to the airport, and that’s when the bittersweet feelings kicked in. We were tired, a little emotional, but very grateful for all the unforgettable memories we had made.
The journey went smoothly all the way back home to Namibia. No drama, just long hours and tired smiles. Looking back, the entire trip was truly a blessing. It was a life-changing learning experience, and we are deeply thankful for the opportunity to be part of such an unforgettable journey.
