School Improvements
The Tanzanian government helps to build a community school's basic structure by supplying building material. Then it is up to the community to construct and finish the project. The community's "finish" point is often at a point that is economically feasible but not at a point of completeness. The paint, desks, labs, books, shelves, clean drinking water, lighting, sanitation, kitchen facilities, etc. are all the responsibility of the community. The desire to complete the school is there but once the structure is up, the economics of paying for their children's school fees takes precedence. (The TZ government does not supply teachers so school fees are needed to pay for teachers. Paying for teachers takes precedence over completing the project.) Economics drives the gap between what is wanted and what is done.
Safi School Project works with communities on existing schools to design and complete projects that have been left undone. Each school and community will work with Safi to find the best fit of what is needed and what Safi will assist with. Our goal is to turn each school into a model school that considers the needs of the whole school, its students, teachers, volunteers, infrastructure, and the community. We will:
Safi School Project works with communities on existing schools to design and complete projects that have been left undone. Each school and community will work with Safi to find the best fit of what is needed and what Safi will assist with. Our goal is to turn each school into a model school that considers the needs of the whole school, its students, teachers, volunteers, infrastructure, and the community. We will:
- Partner with sponsors to bring water, sanitation and other large projects.
- Visit schools to paint and bring supplies for improvements.
- Assure that the community has a voice.
- Assure that sponsored projects are supervised locally.
- Support our on site project manager who assures that the project is completed to agreed upon standards
Our Current Project
Safi School Project enhanced the infrastructure of Ngateu by installing a well in 2012, solar power for the well in 2014 and solar power for the computer lab.and one classroom in 2015. There are discussions going on currently to define the next steps for Safi and Ngateu.
Ongoing Projects
School Desks and Classroom Repair
Desks, supplies, paint are always needed.
Ongoing Projects Transferred to Other Organizations
There is so much to do. Sometimes other organizations wish to partner with us and sometimes they are inspired to take over responsibility for an ongoing project.
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School Library
In 2006 Ngateu Secondary School only had text books for teachers. Work was written onto the blackboard and students copied the work into notebooks. Today the school has appropriate text books supporting all classes. Growing libraries and replenishing school books is continuous a need. We are pleased to tell that TanzaniaRead4Success has taken over the very important task of purchasing books for the Ngateu library. The goal of TanzaniaRead4Success is to improve the academic outcome for the students at Ngateu by providing textbooks at every level. |
Completed Projects
There was a time when water was gathered in buckets from a nearby ditch or stream for all school needs. The water was not clean. There was no community well. Students would go thirsty while at school. Water is not abundant in the community, especially during drought.
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Water and Sanitation
It took several years support from individuals and partnering with other organizations to dig a deep well. The Ngateu school and community now have a source of clean water. This project was and is life changing to the area.
In February 2011, at a depth of 110 meters, clean water was reached. |
The benefits of clean water go beyond thirst, health and sanitation. Many hours were spent every day gathering water. This chore is done by everyone. The well will ease this burden. There will be more time for studying. |
The Science Lab
Chemistry is a required subject and the test includes lab work. Learning must be hands on, not just copying notes from the black board. Thanks to a generous and thoughtful donor this classroom opens more doors for the student's futures.
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Solar Power
Purposeful Travelers On the January/February trip had the pleasure of overseeing the installation of the solar panels for the computer lab and a classroom. This solar is in addition to the earlier installation of solar for the well. It is not uncommon for power to be out for days on end. It is also very common to have power out during school hours. NOW, thanks to Safi supporters, Power is reliable and available for school and student needs. The bonus is that the computer lab is now guaranteed a power source during class time. Graduating students can easily apply for their further studies.