A CHAT FROM LONDON: Mwanyika: Prize-winning Tanzanian with Down syndrome

Lately, London has been overflowing with dramatic events. The London Bridge attacks, the Grenfell Tower blocks fires and Finsbury Park mosque assault. Add national elections on Thursday, June 6, 2017.

Constant queries equally slither down WhatsApp and text from home. Are you guys okay? And then, in hops an 18-year-old Tanzanian winner.

Winner in the sense of not just Africa but, hold on, worldwide.

There were 18 entrants, so proudly, chimed High Commissioner Asha-Rose Migiro, congratulating the young man in her office last Friday. Could you be getting fed up with our Embassy in London as we reported something from there in the most recent past edition of the Chat—June 16?

This is special nevertheless. Listen. Samuel Mwanyika has Down syndrome, which most of us teases and calls “utaahira” in Kiswahili. A word with Arabic origins signifying “retarded”. How cruel!

Down syndrome is a condition that affects functions of the brain. Slows things down. Children with DS will have certain physical characteristics. Shapes of their eyes (smaller and identical, “sura mfanano”, in Kiswahili), head, fingers and feet equally with certain texture and form i. e. shorter and speaking slowly.

Some like our winner might stutter as well. I personally used to think DS is the mother’s fault. That she was smoking during pregnancy. I was told by some Europeans and believed it because, simple. Ignorance. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere once said there is a difference between an ignorant and a stupid person. “If one is stupid, that is it. But if one is ignorant, one can be taught and learn...”

So, on meeting Samuel Mwanyika at the London High Commission I learnt basics. That DS is called “mtindio wa ubongo” in standard Kiswahili.

It should be noted that not only is the actual condition a problem, but also our perception and the way we use language to describe it.

Caused by an extra “chromosome in a baby cell...not inherited but a result of genetic change in the egg or cell” according to the National Health Service (NHS) UK definition, the condition happens rarely.

Sam used to be beaten, pinched and punched at school. His mother Sophia Mshangama told how her son would return home with swellings and bruises.

Philip Edward Mwanyika, the father, narrated how they persevered.

Tanzania has not developed formal equipment and institutions for, not only disabled (in general), but places for young children.

The Mwanyikas soon learnt that Sam was a talented artist. Could easily play music instruments like the guitar and the piano. Very well.

A gifted child, subsequently.

He was also a keen photographer and that is where horns really blow.

They were in Ngorongoro during holidays and Sam snapped photos of animals, which according to Baba Sam, is nothing extraordinary. We live around these creatures. The zebra picture was just one of them. Not necessarily for a competition. Just a snap.

And this is where we learn of another exceptional Tanzanian. The community worker, mother of a child with DS as well. Mony Teri Pettite. Mony’s daughter, Penina Teri Haika has been at the root of her mum’s straggles. Mother started a Foundation which (to date) boosts at least active 25 members in Tanzania.

Mony is a diligent, tireless campaigner for the rights and progress of children and people with DS in Tanzania.

Although she is based in Kent, UK, she shuttles between home and second home, footing bills from her pockets, representing the nation in several international meetings as far as New York.

“People think I have money. No. I am just sacrificing...” Kilimanjaro-born Mony told Ms Migiro last week.

And it was Mony who mentioned the international competition to the Mwanyikas. Sam entered the Zebra picture, and the rest is history. The prize is called Stefan Thomas, in memory of the Down syndrome exceptional, cameraman, who died tragically in Canada, 2014.

Sam Mwanyika’s journey to London was however, not easy.

The visa took a while. But thanks to patience and the assistance of Ambassador Celestine Mushi, Director of International Development, Foreign Affairs in East Africa, they managed to beat the time and make it to London. The sermon went well and Sam Mwanyika has his award, which he proudly brought to the High Commission.

Apart from congratulations, the winner did hang out with a DS pal, Penina Teri Haika, and were both presented with the national flag badge by Dr Migiro. Pictures taken, water and fruits eaten, the brief ceremony did prove that it is not huge things that pump our morale. Simple, well done tasks, do.

This is also a promising journey for persons with disabilities, not just in Tanzania, but in Africa too.

Well done to the Mwanyikas and the High Commission for turning this into a unique event.