It is said that during 21st century, humankind and its negligence of the environment poses a biggest threat to its own existence. It is because of this threat, I try to reach out to the children whenever I get chance to explain to them my mission to spread the message of peace and protection of our environment. I believe each one of us must take the responsibility to love, inspire and educate our future generation of leaders to become aware of their environment and teach them how to create a sustainable world.

I had an opportunity to visit theInternational School of Tanganyika (IST) in Dar es Salaam on 30th March 2012. IST is a leading international school in Africa founded in 1963 and has teachers and students representing more than 50 countries. I am very grateful to Mr. Arun Raj Joshi, of the World Bank Office in Tanzania and Ms. Mike Connors whose precious efforts made it possible for me to be there.Ms. Ilana Locker, the librarian at IST nicely arranged the program and I had the opportunity to interact with many students and attend their assembly with over 500 students, teachers, and some parents.

In the AV Theatre of IST, I presented visually my journey and mission. The presentation greatly helped to confer my message for world peace, social harmony and environment protection among the students. It was very gratifying to see so many students excited and asking questions to me about the various facets of my journey. Most of the curiosities were about why I started this journey? How I travel across continents and over oceans ? Who sponsors my travel expenses? Do I miss my family? Which country do I like the most? Where did I have problems getting visas? Did I ever face life threatening situations? Do I sometimes think of discontinuing my journey? Some of them also wanted to know whether I had been to their countries and if I carried their countrys’ flag with me and if I speak their language. If the answer was in the affirmative, they became verycheerful and excited. They also carefully looked at my bicycle and the flags I carry and asked many questions.

Presenting Princial Mr. Thomas Pado of IST in Dar es Salaam with the Picture of Mount Everest.

It was a real honor for me to be at the assembly at the secondary campus at IST . I was delighted as they enjoyed watching the documentary of my mission. I was a bit emotional when the whole assembly greeted me with a standing ovation, providing great encouragement to my journey for peace and environment. At the assembly, I received a certificate of appreciation from Mr. Thomas Pado, the principal of IST and I presented him with a memento, a picture of Mount Everest. I also got some financial contributions from the IST principal, teachers , and students, which will help me for my ongoing travel.

I see my IST visit as an additional milestone for spreading my message of peace and environment to the rest of the world and an inspiration and encouragement to accomplish my mission.

PEACE AND HARMONY TO ALL!

Furtemba Sherpa