MR: ELIADI MRANGO

 

Born in October 9, 1927 at Ndolwa-Vudee, Same- Killimanjaro Region in Northern part of Tanzania. His father was known as “Chief Mrango” as quoted from German books when they ruled Tanzania.

Eliadi’s father (Mrango), died when he was very young; he did not remember him.  Later on, his older brother Ghuhani died in Tanga where he was working, the family never saw him again. Altogether it was a devastating time to him, his dear mom Mbweza and his sister Nterindwa.

Chief Mrango had another older wife with children, so Eliadi had a half older brother, who inherited everything belonging to their dad and never shared or assisted Eliadi and family with anything. This will lead to Eliadi relocating to Gonja and start his own life later on. Chief Mrango owned many fertile lands and cows in Chome, which at that time was a wealth of the family.

His mother Mbweza, was the bread winner of the family with assistance from her daughter Nterindwa and himself. He grew up very fast as the man of the family.  Mbweza, a very hard working woman, did farming in a very dry land of Ndolwa where they lived at a time. Mbweza understood the value of education, so walked miles and miles to sell the farm products in order to send her son to school.

Blessed with a very high level of intelligence, discipline and trust in God, Eliadi excelled in school especially in mathematics and he was able to graduate as a teacher, after attending Ilboru secondary school and Marangu teachers college. He soon became a principal with a major in English and Math which earned him the nickname “calculator”.

Mwalimu (teacher) was gifted academically, but he had to stop his education at that level, as his mom was not able to continue to support him with his education financially. He was a teacher and principal to Ntenga, Nronga-Machame, Dindimo and Chome middle schools.

He was very grateful for his friendship with  Mr. Nsaghurwe Fue; who was his student very early on his career. He taught Mr. Fue at Machame, and later on he also learned from Mr. Fue.  

Eliadi met his future wife Haika Msumba, the daughter of prominent Lutheran pastor and his wife Nietiwe. When she was at Ashira boarding girls school in Moshi, they got married in 1950.

He continued with his education (correspondent) from Nairobi, and Wolsey Hall College in England, until he obtained his Bachelor of Education degree level equivalent at the same time when he was woking.

Eliadi and his wife Haika, assisted many children from all walks of life, especially those underprivileged. He took in relatives and friends to his home. He assisted with school fees, uniforms or just food and a place to stay while attending school.

With his passion in education and community development, he managed to do many things, which I will mention just a few: Mwalimu Eliadi Mrango managed to build two of the most beautiful middle schools of its time, which became the best schools of the same district and among the best in Tanzania of its type.

In 1964, Ntenga middle school was officially opened with a standing ovation from all over communities. Eliadi Mrango received an award from the president of Tanzania, J. K. Nyerere. Again, in 1967, Chome middle school was opened which he managed  to build as well; he was awarded for the second time by the  vice president of Tanzania,  Rashid Kawawa for his outstanding performance. He also managed Dindimo middle school, unfortunately he could not complete it as he was transferred  to another location.  He mobilized the construction of Mvaa road, Chome road (through what is known as “msaragambo”). Large irrigation project from Hingilili River, through Duma to Igoma, Ntenga dispensary were also some of his projects he managed to mobilize. 

In Ntenga and the neighboring communities, Mwalimu Eliadi Mrango worked tirelessly to bring better roads, clean water and electricity, to mention the few. He introduced a special bull–livestock to Ntenga School, so to assist surrounding  communities to change the type of livestock, which brought better quality of life to many, at the same time, assisted the school with funds to assist and promote better facilities, such as a library, lab, and nutritious lunch for students.

He arranged school learning trips to the capital Dar-es Salaam, where students were able to visit different sites such as: airport, harbour, state house etc . It was unheard of at that time, for things this great man was able to accomplish.

In 1972, Mwalimu Eliadi Mrango left his post as a principal and was promoted to become an education officer, at Same ( vifaa & takwimu), which was no surprise to anyone. He later on moved to regional level in Moshi.

After his retirement as an Education Officer in 1983, Mwalimu Eliadi Mrango joined politics, elected as  a member of central committee of CCM ( mkuu wa idara ya Itikadi & Uenezi).  He attended meetings to represent Kilimanjaro region at headquarters in Dodoma. He later on ran and won, becaming a chairman of CCM  for Pare district; the position he occupied for two terms until his death in October 11, 1997.

In the 1990’s he was very happy to be able to accomplish one of his dreams which he worked very hard, to bring a Secondary school to Ntenga area, which he knew will save children from all over the country. 

In a personal note, it is very important to learn the life of this giant of education and community development of his time. Mwalimu Eliadi Mrango, was a great husband to our dear mom Haika (late), an amazing father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and a friend to many.

His children remember him as tireless gentle soul, who taught them the fear of God, hard work and the importance of education. Mwalimu Mrango was not only a teacher, education officer, member of CCM central committee, CCM chair, but a farmer, and a business man. His close friends remember him as one of a kind.

His mind was always working on how he can better his family. Every evening he would sit down with his children and teach them reading and writing, English, Math-even algebra depending at the age of the child. The result of his trust in God and hard work, is very evident of the legacy he left behind.

He produced his own food, owned 2 milling machine-one in Ntenga and another one in Vudee, lorry, Landrover, grocery store, and butcher. For sure, this man was not just your average teacher.

We miss our dear father and our mother.  Their love and vision was second to none.

Until we meet again…

Dina Eliadi Mrango

On behalf of Mrango family