SOMETHING new is in the air in tourism, as a dynamic group of nine travelers from Al Wakra Qatar Academy in the Gulf state arrived at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) early in the week for a highly anticipated start of their third ambitious expedition to attain Kibo Peak. That the group of travelers was received by senior Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation officials shows that the visit is significant. The group’s leaders says it comprises six students, one teacher and one parent, sharing the spirit of adventure “and a deep commitment to experiential learning,” perhaps in a repetitive manner, at times.

Reports said that running from June 16 to 25, this climb continues the Academy’s successful mountaineering tradition and is an integral part of a broader initiative focused on outdoor education. This orientation targets leadership development and fostering global citizenship among its students, the sort of values that in the country are cultivated by groups like Boy Scouts associations, Red Cross sense of voluntarism, etc.

educat It was also noted that the idea of ab expedition is a tangible result of a budding partnership between the Qatar academy and the country’s diplomatic mission there, geared towards a series of cross-cultural exchanges.

The group leader said the mountain challenges the students physically and mentally, but it also offers a profound educational and cultural journey. The teachers and parents are glad that the pupils return not only with memories of the summit, but with new perspectives that will shape their lives and broaden their understanding of the world. It is also part of the reason for appealing for local tourism from schools and elsewhere, to get a slightly different picture of reality.

The mountain climbing is peppered with cultural visitations in and around the place, which tourism officials say it highlights a deep engagement with Tanzania’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry. 

Basically their excursion, outside the mountain, is within the Tarangire National Park, a vibrant Maasai Boma cultural village, the picturesque Materuni Waterfalls and local coffee plantations. That in a way provides a holistic appreciation of Tanzania beyond the mountain, angled at global connection and community service, etc.

 Looking at the sort of inspiration that the young people demonstrate as well as their teachers and a couple of parents on this expedition, it is well worth picking up a note on the idea of world citizenship. It is something that all countries need to learn and it can’t be said that it is easy, as that means having observable bearings, knowing what one will see when visiting place, etc. 

With numerous outbreaks of devastating warfare at the moment, this avowal can’t be slighted, as we need more visitations, including our youths going outside the country, to buttress those values as learning to appreciate others makes one a better person.