As a school assignment, the Kisa Scholars we sponsored through GIRLS WHO ROCK were asked to write to their sponsors about the clothing of people in Tanzania. Please take a moment to give them some feedback — they’re curious to learn about clothing culture in the US and elsewhere around the world, too.
Elizabeth David
From Elizabeth David:
Hello, Today I want to talk about clothing in Tanzania. I wear skirts because they make me feel confident and free, also makes me look decent and feminine. Also it shows that I come from a decent family which has morals. I also wear dresses, them make me look and feel that I am a big girl who can tackle any challenge and a confident, respectful girl.
Grace Lyimo
From Grace Lyimo:
Hi Tammy and She’s the First,
This month we are talking about clothing in Tanzania.
When someone wears clothes you can identify who is this person and where did she/he come from. For example, here in Tanzania we have many tribes and a good example of tribes is Maasai. Maasain have their own culture of wearing their own clothes so when you see someone dressed like them you will directly know this one is a Maasai and he or she is coming from Arusha where the Maasai are originated and also when someone wear Khanga you could know this is an African girl or woman and due to that you will know where she comes from (that is Africa).Also, I am Chagga in tribe. My culture clothers are a Khanga. By wearing a Khanga I will be indentified as Chagga in tribe even though its real hard within Tanzania to recognize I am Chagga in tribe because Khanga are used by many tribe so someone could know that I am Chagga by observing the way I talk, my favorite food, etc. But, when I will go outside Tanzania, especially outside of Africa, its easy to recognize I come from Africa when I wear a Khanga.
Love Grace
Happiness Monyo
From Happiness Monyo:
I want to write about clothing to you today.
The way one dresses represents who you are and where you’re coming from due to the following reasons:In African societies every dress code one has represents your tribe. (Ex) The Rubega is the identity of the Maasai. Bulk clothes are the identify of West Africa, etc. Also taking consideration of occupation. (Eg) In the army, soldiers have a uniform which represents them as soldiers. In the hospitals, the nurses and doctors have an identity of wearing white coats, etc. In schools, students have different uniforms that distinguish them from other people, other schools, etc.
It is important to dress in a respective manner because what you wear identifies you to the society you’re in and classifies you according to behavior.
I am Happiness, the clothes I mostly wear are uniforms. My school uniform represents me as a student of Arusha Secondary and as a prefect of the school government. My other clothes code is a khanga which represents me as a Tanzanian.
Now, we invite you to write them back and tell them a bit about your favorite outfits and what they mean to you. Go for it!
