Desks, Desks, Desks

Doreen Stokes is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

My name is Doreen and I lead safaris in Tanzania along with raising funds for water and other projects for the Maasai Schools in Mto Wa Mbu. It was a great year for helping with their needs as I had some good donations and was able to supply 4 water tanks, tons of food, books and 90 desks. I thought I would be done with my fund raising efforts, but once again seeing the needs of these schools I cannot just quit. So, here is my latest idea.

Meet Joseph Meshack.

The 90 desks I had made were from the shop in Mto Wa Mbu where Joseph is employed. He was highly recommended from a friend and I ordered the 90 desks from him. Joseph did everything he said he would do when he said he would do it, including delivery. They are beautiful desks.

Joseph would like to open his very own wood working shop and needs the tools to accomplish this. I don't want to just give Joseph the money but to loan it to him and have him repay in Desks, Desks, Desks for the Maasai schools.

The Losirwa school now has 950 students and the Eselalei school 450. Both schools are very short on desks. One desk usually fits 3 to 4 students.

I feel like this is a good way to help Joseph start up his own business. He will also be hiring other local people to help and will be repaying the loan in a way that satisfies the local community and schools.

I included pictures of some of the tools he will be needing and the prices in Tanzania shillings, about $10,500 US

These Maasai schools are only for the Maasai children and do not receive funding any other way than donations. I have been with the Losirwa school since its inception when it had 23 students 15 years ago and I just took on the Eselalei school this year. All kids want to learn. These children walk to school .5 to 6K one way every day. Some times they have food for lunch and more often than not, they go hungry. They are from the poorest of poor families. Supplying desks for them is one good way to help keep the students comfortable while they try to learn.

Please find it in your heart to help me help them through my favorite desk maker Joseph.

Below is Zara, Ian, Doreen, Joseph and Salim.