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Sylvester Satuu Dedicated Sylvester has worked at Sightsavers for 10 years. © Sightsavers
Saving Money in Tanzania
In these worrying financial times we are pleased to crown Sylvester Satuu of Sightsavers in Tanzania ‘Employee of the Month' for his quick thinking that saved $1,000.
In these worrying financial times saving money is more important to Sightsavers than ever. We are therefore delighted to report that Sylvester Satuu of Sightsavers in Tanzania, has managed to save Sightsavers $1,000 (£600). Thanks to Sylvester's quick thinking we were able to avoid paying import duty on low vision devices being shipped from Hong Kong to Tanzania. Sylvester, who previously worked for Tanzania's Ministry of Health, knew that medical equipment was exempt from the Tanzania Revenue Authority's tariffs, and after he visited the Pharmacy Board the charges were written off.
The money saved will be used to buy more equipment for the Muhimbili Childhood Blindness Prevention Initiative based at Muhimbili National Hospital in the country's largest city, Dar es Salaam. The project covers both the city and the nearby Mkuranga district, providing eye care to children. This year the project intends to renovate its paediatric theatre, and develop their resource centre.
Sylvester, who has worked for Sightsavers as both and administrator and a driver for 10 years, was named ‘Employee of the Month' for his quick thinking.
"I am very proud to be nominated," says Sylvester. "It encourages me to continue working hard to achieve more for my organisation."
The financial crisis has hit developing countries like Tanzania countries hard, Sylvester explains that it has created unemployment in the country, while Sightsavers Tanzania has sadly had to reduce its programmes.
Sylvester has lived in Tanzania all his life and currently resides in Dar es Salaam with his wife Tumaini and their three children, Abson, Vanessa and Joan. Outside of work Sylvester tends a small farm and has a passion for gospel music, watching movies and reading books.
"Tanzania is one of the most peaceful countries in the world," Sylvester says.
"Most of her people are very poor and live in rural areas where services such as clean water, electricity and transport are either very poor or completely unavailable. But it has natural attractions such as Mount Kilimanjaro: the highest mountain in Africa! As well as beautiful national parks with all kinds of wild animals, birds and reptiles."
