When I first came to Canada I felt like everybody kept to themselves; everyone minds their own business. I didn’t grow up like that. In Tanzania you can go to anyone any time you want, any time you need anything. If they happen to be eating then you are invited. It was kind of strange to me to find out that you have to phone your neighbour to go and visit and most of the time there isn’t any time to visit. That’s how I felt.

At home every ten houses they would choose the oldest person in the house who has the most experience. Say if a couple have problems, instead of going to court they go to this person and he will call neighbours. Then they talk about the problems - because there’s no such thing as divorce. If they can work it out, fine. If not, then they separate without any divorce papers. The women are usually left with the kids.

Say someone stole something and he got caught, they would do the same thing. He would sit down with this older man and the other people and they would talk. If he admits it, he’ll be fined and dismissed and warned not to do it again.

Here they don’t talk to you - just straight to jail.
Just call the police and they’re gone.
Sometimes people do things for a different reason. Someone might steal food because he’s hungry.
Of course, there is a prison. If you do a big crime you will be punished and sent to prison. Of course, if you kill someone you’ll be in prison for life.
Both systems work for both sides. Also, the system here, I don’t mind it. It’s just that here people come with a gun if they come to rob you.
It’s more scary.

Ima Crossley
Small business proprietor

Update: Ima’s shop is still in business, though I’m not sure if she is still actively involved.