UDASA Bonanza 2024 picks up vibes
The University of Dar es Salaam Academic Assembly (UDASA), on Saturday, October 26, 2024, hosted a vibrant bonanza – which underscored the impact of positive workplace relationships on mental health and academic achievement.
The event, themed “Better Relationships in the Workplace: A Path to a Healthy Mind and Strong Academic Performance”, brought together UDSM staff, partners, and friends for a full day of sports and recreation.
UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof. William A.L. Anangisye commended UDASA leadership for organizing this event and reaffirmed the University's commitment to supporting events that foster good relationships within the academic community such as this bonanza.
“Healthy workplace relationships are fundamental for mental well-being. When staff members feel valued and connected, they are more productive, which benefits our academic mission,” said Prof. Anangisye.
He expressed his gratitude to all participating institutions for enriching the event with their presence and contributing to the sense of community.
Meanwhile, UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Finance and Administration, Prof. Bernadeta Killian, said the event was very important in many respects and urged members to continue promoting values of unity, health, and a shared commitment to national progress.
She called upon the broader UDSM community and valued partners present like the U.S. Embassy, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), Azam Media, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to support initiatives of promoting mental and physical well-being.
The bonanza comprised diverse recreational activities, inviting staff and guests from various UDSM divisions, including the Academic Staff Assembly, UDSM Supporting Staff, and Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE). It also included representatives from Azam Media and participants from the U.S. Embassy, TPDC, and NSSF.
Dr. Armstrong Matogwa, the organizing committee chairperson expressed heartfelt gratitude to the participants and supporters for the successful bonanza, urging them to take part in similar sport practices more often for the betterment of their health.
“We are very impressed and grateful for taking part in this bonanza; we are very thankful for the teamwork that brought everything together. We encourage our colleagues to join us in future events like this one, as the benefits far outweigh any challenges”, said Dr. Matogwa.
Participants enjoyed various activities, including football, netball, volleyball, bucket water challenges, sack races, and traditional games such as draughts, cards, and bao. All participants were awarded medals for enthusiasm, while standout performers received notable accolades.
UDSM emerged as the overall winner in categories such as volleyball, basketball, and football, while TPDC secured the top spot in netball. Key individual highlights included Ndasile Chamkunde and Shila Matente in volleyball (male category), Agnes Lupenza from TPDC and Christina Chulla from UDSM in volleyball (female category), and Baruan Muhuza from Azam Media in football, with special recognition to Juma Ally from the U.S. Embassy as the best goalkeeper.
One UDASA member, Dr. Flora Nyaki, shared her reflections: “This bonanza was exactly what we needed. It reminded us of the importance of connecting beyond our daily responsibilities. I am leaving with a refreshed mind and new friendships to enhance my work environment.”
UDASA Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neema Msuya thanked the university leadership, event participants, sponsors, and athletes for their support. “UDASA aspires to make the bonanza an annual tradition, nurturing a culture of unity and collaboration within the academic community”.