Abubakar Sikievu

Name: Abubakar Sikievu

Location: Mweka, Tanzania

Role with World Unite!: Program instructor

Nationality: Tanzanian

Languages: English, Swahili, Chagga

Mzee Sikievu is a retired biology teacher who comes from the Tanga region of Tanzania but has been working as a teacher in Mweka in the Kilimanjaro region for decades. In 2011, he founded a community tree nursery in Mweka, run by 35 local families, and launched environmental education activities for children, adolescents and adults.

Mzee is now a permanent team member of World Unite!, you professionally directs the program activities at our Mother Nature Conservation Camp on Kilimanjaro and acts as a spokesperson and facilitator between the local community and World Unite! volunteers.

What degree(s) do you have?

I have a teacher's certificate, environmental certificate and a secondary certificate.

What did you do before starting your work at World Unite!?

I have been working as a teacher since 1977. I have also been working with Mali Hai Clubs in 1991 as a patron. I have also been a regional coordinator in Kilimanjaro region doing tree planting with International schools from different countries.

What is your role at World Unite!?

I am a coordinator for the World Unite! Mother Nature Environmental Conservation Camp Mweka, Kilimanjaro.

What do you enjoy the most about working at World Unite!?

I enjoy to work with different people from many countries, and experience different cultures.

What place at your location do you find most enjoyable to spend your leisure at?

I like to spend time feeding my cows, goats, chicken, and then I like gardening at home.

What is your favorite local food, and where can it be found?

My favorite food is rice and beans, which is found around the village.

What should participants coming to your location make sure not to miss?

They should definitely learn more about our location – especially our kindness, good language, working together, peacefulness, and well organized work. They should also make sure to taste our traditional food and see traditional dance. We can also learn from them.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests, and where can you do your hobbies at your location?

My hobbie is that I am an environmental teacher working with students in school and at the community site.

What is the most memorable episode that you have experienced with a World Unite! participant?

I remember the episode where participants were working with the community in picking coffee with the community. Also, they were planting trees with the community, upcycling – they did a good job. They have also made our camp environment attractive by planting grasses, flowers, seeds, doing paintings and drawings.