The World Harmony Run began today at about 8:05 at the Aga Khan Primary School Assembly Hall. The Deputy Director Mr Khalid H. Khalid commenced the programme of the morning assembly. There were some recitations, followed by singing of the African National Anthem adapted to Tanzania in Kiswahili. There were about 350 children present.

Visiting the Aga Khan School, the Runners with Sports Development Officer Frank Macha and Deputy Head Mr Khalid H. Khalid.

The World Harmony Run team was introduced by one of the senior teachers and the runners did a symbolic 20m run to the stage of the Assembly Hall with the Torch.

This was accompanied by the playing of the World Harmony Run Song by a school pianist in the background. The Director of the school Mr Husein Teja was also present.

Manatita and Bijon - both WHR runners – interacted with the children including a brief explanation of the run and its founder Sri Chinmoy, as well as the teaching of the World Harmony Run Song with accompanying actions. The children were extremely attentive and appeared to be full of joy and happiness. Manatita then paid a tribute to the school commending them on their noble work.

As the school had an international gathering, The WHR team got some selected children to hold the Torch as part of the global spirit of friendship. The ceremony concluded with a presentation to the Director, Mr Husein Teja, before the Harmony Run left for another event at The Haven of Peace Academy.

Ocean Drive beach and the Indian Ocean at Dar es Salaam.

In the afternoon the Torch travelled some way along the shore of the Indian Ocean, and the team collected exotic shells on the beach, with its pale sands and warm turquoise waters. Further north about 30K from Dar es Salaam, in the stunning views of the coast, lay the next stop on the WHR Tanzania tour. The Haven of Peace Academy, (HOPAC) really lives up to its name and is situated in acres of lush grounds, containing what seems to be every exotic large-leafed African tree.

Bijon and Manatita beneath the logo of The Haven of Peace Academy HOPAC.

While also being a translation of Dar es Salaam, the nearby city and ‘Gateway-by-sea to East Africa’, the academy is respected for its education; higher ideals and its aspiration to ‘Give all to the Glory of God’.

The Haven of Peace grounds.

On arrival, Manatita and Bijon were very warmly received by Mr Richard Feather, Deputy Director, who took us to the open-walled gymnasium where the children were assembled.

Deputy Head of HOPAC’s Secondary division Mr Richard Feather with pupils studying the World Harmony Run Song.

The World Harmony Run ceremony began at about 13:50. After Bijon and Manatita were introduced, they gave the 300 students present a history and explanation of the run, and mentioned Sri Chinmoy, the founder and inspiration of the WHR. They then did an interaction with the students during which the World Harmony Run Song was sung. They seemed to enjoy it immensely and great fun was had by all.

Manatita made a presentation to Mr Feather and concluded with a photo shoot of all the children present. He also paid tribute to the school for their moral and spiritual values and their high standards of excellence.

A warm send off for the runners by some of the children at HOPAC.

From left to right: Bijon, The Director of HOPAC – Mr Steven O’Neil, The Deputy of Secondary Mr Richard Feather and Manatita on the steps of the school.

After walking back to the office building we were fortunate to encounter and be introduced to Mr Steven O’ Neil, Director of The Haven of Peace Academy. A photo was then taken with the Director, Deputy Director and the two World Harmony Runners.

The event being concluded, the WHR runners perused the reddish soil of the grounds and paid their respects to the enormous presence of the Baobab tree, (Umbuyu in Kiswahili).

With one of the wonderful Umbuyu (Baobab) trees in the grounds of the Haven Of Peace Academy.

After a Dulla Dulla - The local bus/van - ride back into Dar, the team were left reflecting on an unforgettable day.

Manatita and Bijon.

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