Family Honors Daughter by Supporting Tanzanian Community

Five years ago, high school student, Michela Harriman, was tragically killed in a car accident. In Michela’s honor, her parents, Rick Harriman and Kristen Wainwright, suggested that her friends, classmates, and family donate to our partner organization Focus on Tanzanian Communities (FoTZC) in lieu of sending flowers.

This was a fitting tribute in so many ways.  Michela had an ebullient spirit and a love for Tanzania, which actually began on a Thomson Safari. By working with FoTZC, Rick and Kristen were not only honoring Michela’s memory but helping fulfill her dream of one day assisting Tanzanian women.

The result of this collaboration was the completion of Phase I of Michela’s Room, a massive dining and community hall at Ganako Secondary School in Karatu. The celebration and dedication was held in the newly completed hall in August – with Michela’s family, community leaders and over 400 Tanzanians in attendance.

Rick Harriman, who has plans for additional phases of Michela’s Room added, “It really was a celebration about community and the future.”