Frequently Asked Questions
Who is involved in Safi?
We began as a small group in Lacey, WA but our membership has grown beyond local boundaries. Safi School Project emerged word of mouth from one friend talking to another and so on and so forth; from one person visiting and seeing and then others doing the same. Tanzania is a beautiful place, an ancient place, a poor place. We have been touched by the place and the people. More then touched, we have been moved to action. We are compelled to act. We can do something and have chosen to work with secondary schools one at a time. We have had over 10 years experience in Tanzania, positively impacting people. We formed the foundation to sustain our activities and to welcome others to join us. We believe that although it may not be possible to help everyone, it is vital that we help someone.
Where is the Safi School Project working?
Ngateu Secondary School is located in Arusha, Tanzania, Africa. This is our pilot school because we know the school and the headmaster, Seth Laiser. We have built a five year plan to improve Ngateu's current situation. The goal is to assist the school and community in making this a place where students can be successful. All activities are done in collaboration with the local school and community so that after five years the school can thrive on its own. Several years into our pilot school we will accept applications for the next school to focus on. By focusing on one school at a time, we give the biggest bang for the effort. We also assure that we are not duplicating efforts of other organizations.
What is your mission?
Safi School Project exists to encourage the pursuit of excellence in Tanzanian secondary education with a goal of creating model schools, one by one. We work in partnership with existing communities to:
- Maximize efficiencies of existing facilities
- Support committed teachers
- Support students
- Supply volunteers
- Provide financial aid
What does "Safi" mean?
*Safi! { English: Great! } [derived: Arabic] interjection
Swahili Example: habari zako? safi!
English Example: how are you? great!
When everything is pure and clean and great, it is Safi!
Is the Safi School Project a non-profit?
We are a Washington non-profit corporation, registered as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization as of March 3, 2006. All contributions are tax deductible.