Meeting Exchange- Tanzania

On December 10, 2026, the Chester Cultural Arts and Technology Center had the pleasure of meeting Reverend Emmanuel and Ether Shilakale from Arusha, who work closely with the

Datooga people living in the remote wilderness outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The evening began with a shared dinner prepared by an African restaurant in the Marketplace, setting the stage for a meaningful exchange of culture, stories, and purpose.

Following dinner, Reverend Emmanuel and Ether shared powerful insights into their work

supporting tribal communities through education, advocacy, and sustainable development. A central focus of the conversation was the growing need for access to technology resources and digital learning opportunities in these remote regions. Through this dialogue, we collectively explored ways technology could be used as a bridge connecting tradition with opportunity while honoring cultural integrity.

Inspired by the alignment between our missions, we agreed that the CAAT Center would be

honored to work with them soon to support technology access and educational initiatives. This introduction was made possible by Tucker Rodkey of The Artis Commission, who has

collaborated with Reverend Emmanuel and Ether for decades and encouraged this connection.

We are grateful for this meaningful meeting and look forward to exploring a global partnership rooted in mutual respect, cultural exchange, and the shared belief that access to knowledge and tools can transform communities, near and far.