MARCH :
The refurbishment of the Library last year was unavoidably delayed but the work has now been completed and look how smart it looks! Just the sweeping and putting the books and little tables back in and it’s done.
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MAY :
MAINTENANCE : The school buildings are in need of some care and attention. Following the repairs to the Kindergarten and the Library we moved on to the classrooms. We started with the windows and having the glass replaced by wrought iron and mesh has made a big difference and will definitely save on replacing broken windows in the future.
Our “fundi” (expert), preparing the new wrought iron windows . . . . .
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After fitting the mesh the new windows were installed.
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The next step, when funds allow, will be to repair and paint the buildings. The weather and the sandy red soil takes its toll on the classrooms.
JULY :
MAIZE : The drought in East Africa has reached crisis point and most of the worlds big charities have raised urgent appeals for help. Tanzania is struggling and the price of maize, when it is available, is almost out of reach of the villagers. Thanks to our supporters we were able to provide some much needed maize to the school this month (July) and the children gathered waving their plates. . . .
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Towards the end of this year, when maize supplies have dwindled and price increased, it will be much more difficult to obtain without some more help.
SCHOOL VISIT : Having missed two annual visits to the school because of Covid it was very exciting to take a tour this year. With my brother and I on this trip were two American families and five ladies from UK who all had a very exciting introduction to life in Tanzania, including our visit to the remote village where the school is situated.
On arrival at the school we were, as usual, greeted by hundreds of excited children.
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On our last day at the school a wonderful celebration was arranged for us. It took place in the school grounds. Firstly, we were welcomed by the Wagogo traditional dancers and drummers who came up from the village.
We were then entertained by the school children who had rehearsed and perfected special routines to perform for us.
We presented the donated gifts we had brought with us : books we had ordered and picked up on our way through Dar es Salaam. Footballs, skipping ropes and other sports equipment including a basketball hoop and balls which had travelled with us in our suitcases.
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Speeches were made and some local officials took time to thank all the Project donors for their help in supporting the school children. This year the supply of maize was especially appreciated.
The teachers presented each one of us with a traditional “kanga” . . . . .
The celebration continued with lunch for everyone (children, teachers, school board members and village officials) funded by the visitors from UK and America. A great day was had by all.
SEPTEMBER:
ANNUAL SCHOOL TRIP TO MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK:
The most exciting event of the school year took place on 2nd September. The buses arrived at the school at 6am to pick up the 84 children and 6 teachers for their journey to the National Park for a weekend of adventure.
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On arrival at the Park the children visited the snake park and the tortoise enclosure on the way to their lodgings for the overnight stay.
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Then on to the motel for their overnight stay. Swings and a covered area for dancing were provided for them to let off some steam after their long journey.
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Then a meal and a good night’s sleep before a full day driving in the National Park to view the animals.