A FRIENDSHIP link between the borough of Redditch and the municipality of Mtwara-Mikindani in Tanzania, East Africa, was forged 25 years ago and the relationship between the two is now stronger than ever.

Since 1994, exchange party visits have been held between Redditch One World Link(ROWL)/Friends of Mtwara and its Tanzanian friends, the most recent being in August.

Eight people from Redditch area enjoyed 11 days in the town, staying in a beach-side guest house. The aim was to help develop the friendship links and learn more about life in this southerly coastal town and port on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Many visits were made to organisations in the area, such as schools, including meeting some of the many pupils sponsored by the Redditch group, clinics, offices, industries, community groups and a tropical coral beach.

A spokesman said: “The visits provided a superb opportunity to discover the area and strengthen existing twinning links such as schools and churches, and forge new partnerships, for example an embroidery group and football clubs.

“Over the past 17 years since the first venture, we’ve noticed the area’s expansion and development. There is now a reliable electricity supply powered by natural gas from a site we visited near Mnazi Bay. This is close to the Mozambique border, and the area has been designated a marine park.

“The natural harbour and port that was developed initially by the British administration in the 1950s, are set to be a base for off-shore oil and gas exploration in the Indian Ocean.

“One feature that has not changed much is the rough earth roads that dominate the area. Most motor vehicles are 4x4 and the new three-wheel bajaji – tuk-tuk taxis from India, but most people rely on bicycles. Even road humps have appeared, but no traffic lights as yet.”

From Mtwara, the group travelled to Kilwa to visit Kilwa Kisiwani, an island World Heritage site noted for its medieval Arab ruins, followed by the spice island, Zanzibar, and finally Dar es Salaam.

The spokesman continued: “The most abiding memory of the venture must surely be the hospitality and friendship of many folk in Mtwara who cared for us so wholeheartedly and generously.

“One of the most special experiences was sharing meals of local food, such as fish from the nearby ocean, in people’s homes. The advent of mobile phones and e-mailing will render it much easier to keep in touch with friends and facilitate further the development of links.

Over the years, ROWL has been able to assist with sending over school text books, stationary, computers and other equipment. But the main ongoing joint venture is the sponsoring of secondary school pupils from disadvantaged families. Secondary school education in the country is still fee-paying.

Anyone who wants more information about the Redditch-Mtwara link or would consider sponsoring a pupil’s fees can call Jackie Morgan, ROWL secretary, on 01527 893408.