On October 14, 1999, Tanzania’s first president, Julius K. Nyerere, passed away at the age of 77. He is regarded as the Father of the
Nation — and more affectionately, everyone called him "Mwalimu" meaning
"Teacher." He taught Tanzanians to be a nation. But who taught the "Teacher"?

    When little Julius went to elementary school in Musoma —
grades one to four — he was taught by Mwalimu Daniel Chagu who later in life
became the head teacher in Kishapu, a village in Ndoleleji Parish in Shinyanga
Diocese where I served as pastor from 1988 to 1999. Daniel was a wonderful man
who certainly had a great influence on his famous student. They kept in touch
through all the years. During my time at Ndoleleji, every second Sunday of the
month, Mzee Chagu (meaning, "respected elder") would wait for me along the road
near his house (built for him in gratitude by President Nyerere) to take him to
Mass at Mhunze Center. After Mass he habitually accompanied me to whoever’s
house we were going to have lunch. Despite his advanced years, he was always
full of lively conversation and many strong opinions about the state of the
nation. He beamed with pride when he spoke of his student Julius.

    Wherever Mzee Chagu went, he carried an ebony cane with an
ivory handle that was engraved, "Dr. J. K. Nyerere" — a prized gift originally
to the president and later given to the teacher’s teacher. Mzee Chagu died a few
years ago. I know that he is welcoming his beloved student now at the pearly
gates.