I have had the
pleasure to serve as the Project Manager for the Tampere-Mwanza Co-operation
project for the last 3 years and 2 months. And I’m grateful for all the
wonderful moments, inspiring people and amazing success stories I have
witnessed during this time! Sadly, this period has come to an end and it’s time
to say goodbye and move on to the next challenges ahead of me. For now, at
leas.
As a thank you, I
listed the 5 most exciting moments I had during this journey:
1. Getting to know and
work with our extremely-excited-and-forever-helpful Project Coordinator Mr Amin
Abdallah. We have shared some great memories and good stories and pushed
through some pretty difficult times in the project, as well. Thankfully the
work lies in good hands in Mwanza! 
2. Travelling to Mwanza
with the Tampere Steering Team chair lady Ms Kaisu Anttonen and finally seeing
the long-lost fire truck finding its way to Mwanza, where it was received with
a big event and a lot of fuss! One of the most rewarding days in this project
for me.
3. To witness the
enthusiasm of the Tampere and Mwanza teachers and their schools and the great bonds
created in the school co-operation. The schools in both Tampere and Mwanza have
absolutely dazzled me over the years! The connection is so strong and both
teachers and pupils are so excited to be part of the project. It has been a
great source of motivation for me!
4. The moment when the
two mayors finally met. This was secretly a dream come true for me and I’m so
happy that it happened and I was able to witness it. The bond between the two
sister cities grew stronger and I’m confident that it will stay forever!
5. Our project steering
teams have brought so much support and long-learnt-experience in this
co-operation that it has been absolutely heartwarming. I can’t thank enough all
the members of the teams and their availability and interest for this project.
I’m confident that all
these people that I have had the chance to meet over these years will continue
building the co-operation stronger and stronger and with the new funding
possibilities the possibilities for the continuation are endless! From my part,
I want to thank you all for the trust and support you have given me and most
definitely, we shall meet again!
Asanteni sana, kiitos paljon!
With gratitude,
Ruusa Gawaza
