AHEAD & PAZI: Purpose in Partnership

The recent collaboration between AHEAD and PAZI Basketball in Maruku, Tanzania, marks a milestone in our shared mission to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen communities.

At the center of this effort was the inaugural sports camp at Maruku Secondary School, where PAZI coaches—Moses Gunda , Karim Mbuke, Evarist Mapundu, and Shomari Shomari—travelled across Tanzania from Dar Es Salaam to Mwanza to Bukoba and worked side by side with AHEAD volunteer coaches Carl Mayfield and his 15-year-old son Cam Mayfield. Their immediate connection fostered not only athletic growth but also leadership and cultural exchange. For Carl, it was a return to service—first volunteering with AHEAD in 1992 and later serving as a board member—now passing that spirit on to the next generation.

Coach Karim, Coach Evarist, Cam and Carl Mayfield

Meanwhile, AHEAD’s 3rd Annual Free Health Fair at the Maruku Health Center brought together local and international medical professionals who served over 700 patients in just three days. This health outreach was led and inspired by Dr. Winnie (Mpanju) Shumbusho, founder of AHEAD-Tanzania and former WHO Assistant Director-General, whose advocacy and deep ties to Maruku continue to drive long-term community health efforts. Despite her global responsibilities, she remains fiercely committed to her home village. Through advocacy, direct patient engagement, and behind-the-scenes negotiations with local and regional health dignitaries, she honors the Mpanju ancestors as she ensures the needs of the rural community —especially that Bukoba and Maruku—stay front and center in AHEAD’s mission and the governments commitment.

The week also uncovered meaningful personal stories—like the reconnection of Moses Gunda (PAZI) and Onesmo Mpanju (AHEAD board member), who reunited after Moses supported the Mpanju family during a recent loss. Gunda, who grew up in AHEAD’s hometown, shares deep roots with the organization—his brother a longtime friend of AHEAD’s founding family.

One especially powerful moment came when Coach Karim met his paternal grandmother and aunts in Bukoba for the first time—a life-affirming reminder of how service and connection can open doors to unexpected healing and discovery.

Conclusion

This partnership proved what’s possible when shared history meets shared purpose. Whether on the court or in the clinic, AHEAD and PAZI are working together to build stronger futures for Maruku and beyond.