We began today's run at the Arusha Declaration Monument. The Monument was built in 1977 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Arusha Declaration on equality, freedom and human rights. The declaration concludes with the words "To see that the Government works tirelessly towards world peace and security through the United Nations Organization"
It was great to be running with the torch on the streets of Arusha!
Arriving at the office of the Regional Commissioner.
Holding the Peace Torch was as popular as ever!
Peace runner Manatita Hutchinson with Bishop Nassan Ngoy Ngoy.
Holding the torch with Lula our driver for the day.
Martina thought the Peace Run should include a bit of tree climbing while we waited for the ceremony to begin!
Regional Administrative Secretary Richard N Kwitega received us and held the Peace Torch.
We love it when important figures who receive the Peace Run also join in by running with the Torch!
Reception with the District Commissioner - as well as holding the Peace Torch with us and hearing about the Peace Run he had some positive suggestions for how we can grow our event - possibly with an Arusha Peace Marathon!
Our next reception was at the office of Benson Maneno, Arusha City Sports Officer.
A moment of peace together...
We went on to the office responsible for schools and met with Omary Kwesiga, the City Education Officer. School visits are a key part of the Peace Run and we plan to visit at least ten during our time in Arusha.
Next we visited the local office of the Tanzanian Tourism Board.
A warm welcome for the Peace Run!
After our morning ceremonies we headed out of town to the Reheboth Victory Church where Bishop Nassan Ngoy Ngoy showed us around his church and told us about his organisation PSEDO - Peace Strengthening and Economic Derivative Organisation.
Bishop Ngoy Ngoy has received a number of awards for his peace work, which began ten years ago.
Next we were back on the highway heading to two schools on the outskirts of Arusha.
Arusha lies in the shadow of the impressive Mount Meru. Although not as high as Kilimanjaro this beautiful mountain is said to be a more difficult climb than its more famous neighbour and many trekkers take on the challenge of summiting this peak as a warm up.
After heading off the highway on to some rural roads we arrived at the Davis Preparatory School.
We were welcomed by the children and teachers who sang us a the Tanzania song - they sang beautifully and powerfully with some lively drumming to accompany the song!
The country guessing game was fun and brought home to the children how international our team is....
We sang the World Harmony Run song....
....and shared a moment of silence for peace with the school.
This was a great school to visit as the children are so joyful and cheerful!
It took us quite a while on some very bumpy roads to find our next port of call....there were a couple of wrong turns but we got there in the end!
For some of us this was our first time in Africa and the first time we've seen avocado trees!
We arrived at the New Life School where the head teacher led us in to meet the pupils...
Again we were welcomed with some beautiful singing.
And an impressive display of marching and acrobatics by the scouts.
We introduced the Peace Run to the students.....
....and heard what they feel about the true meaning of Peace.
There was a chance to share a powerful moment of silence for Peace.
The torch was passed from hand to hand among the students.
We were very lucky with the weather despite clouds gathering over Mt Meru.
Back in Arusha we met with our local Torch Bearer Andrew and a friend of his from the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. We hope to visit the Court soon on the Peace Run!
