We believe education is the key to building a better future for the children of Tanzania. It is becoming increasingly difficult in this country to obtain a decent education. This is particularly true in rural area where schools are few,poorly equipped and overcrowded (often there are 100 students to 1 teacher). Many children in rural areas don't go to school - sometimes due to lack of space or because the nearest school is too far away.
Our goal is to build a school for these children. We have started our primary school in one of the poorest communities in Arusha to provide education for families in and around Murieti sub-village in Sokon I ward. With small classes, good resources and well-qualified teachers we aim to give children in this slum area a better start in life.
The name of our school is 'Shinda' which means to win. Our aim is to give our children a chance to win, a purpose in life, increase their self-confidence and teach them self-initiative. With the help and involvement of the parents we will illustrate and emphasize to the community
the importance of education. Our school will be an example of how education can and should work - first at a primary level and eventually at secondary level.
We began our project in 1998 teaching children in any available space e.g. in churches.In 2000 we were able to move into our own small building which has two rooms. So far we have one hundred and fifty seven children - from nursery to grade six (aged 4 to 14). We are in the process of developing a second site for the school. We hope this will eventually accommodate seven grades of primary school children (up to age 14).
The parents of the children pay (if they can) only eight thousand Tshillings (6.40 US Dollars) a month - this helps fund the refreshments we provide the children with during break-times. Within the school we teach English, Maths and Swahili, and we are developing the curriculum to include Science and Geography for the older children. Thanks to donations we have a small
children's library within the school. Through education we will help children build a belief in themselves.
We will assist in their emotional, mental and physical well-being. School will help shape them into well-adjusted people who can contribute to the development of their community. Through education we will give them a choice, and a chance of a better quality of life, both for themselves, their families and their community.
We could not exist without the help of donors. So far we have managed with the help of friends and some organizations (The Friends of Tanzanian Schools, the South African Foundation and Mondochallenge). To realize our goals we need continual funding. We have suffered many setbacks but we will persevere, and through determination, optimism and enthusiasm we believe that Shinda School will succeed!
