Children's Education in Arusha, Tanzania

‘Mambo!’, Hi in Swahili.

We are four students who have spent the last few weeks volunteering in Arusha, Tanzania. We loved it and would have never left!

What did we do? How did we help? How can you help?

Let us tell you all about our trip and our effort to keep providing support.

Our African Culture Experience:

We spent our mornings and early afternoons teaching in two schools, Ebenezer and Heda, and afterwards, dedicated the rest of our day to integrating ourselves into the local culture: learning their language, our first task; to then start arguing over ‘muzungu’, white man, prices; negotiating for thousands of shillings, only a few euros; visiting their stunning galleries; dancing to their rhythmic afro-beats; or photographing the mesmerising African landscapes. We were then offered multiple cows by the Masai, to take the girls up for marriage, but this time the negotiation ended with no agreement, not enough cows.

‘Ndio’, yes, witnessing Tanzanian culture firsthand was truly unique and thrilling and exceptional, yet, jumping into the children’s lives was what truly drove us to wake up each morning. What we want to do, our goal, is to fundraise in order to keep helping the two local schools we volunteered at!

Our personal experiences and how you can help:

Ebenezer School:

Hi! We are two Italian students, both called Federico! We taught Maths to Standard 5 and 6 at Ebenezer Primary School, two classes of 10 students which ranged in age from 9 to 13. We spent most of our day at the school where we would either be directly teaching or would spend our time correcting homework and helping professors.

The students were amazing. They all have tiny desks which they hide behind, use as shields from us teachers, demonstrating a mix of shyness and respect. But when we entered the classrooms, they all stood up united, and greeted us: ‘Good morning teacha’.

At first, they were all closed up, very reserved, but after a few break times together they opened up to us. They would smile big and hug bigger, they would play, run and dance with joy! This was only at break, when teaching, they remained focussed and disciplined. Indeed, they were brilliant. We were teaching algebra and geometry, and they were quick in learning. Us ‘teachas’, like the kids, were a bit insecure initially, trying to teach for the first time, but we slowly started to open up as well, speak more confidently, and eventually it became normal. And when they properly understood topics, when they clicked, or even when we were simply filling small gaps of their knowledge, and we received the usual ‘ohh, now it all makes sense’, it was one of the most gratifying and touching sentiments.

But they don’t have many pens, they fight over rulers which they share, they write and do all calculations on their hands not to waste paper. There is a clear necessity for supplies.

As volunteers, we did make a difference! Not only by teaching Maths but also by bringing the world outside Arusha to them. We tried to inspire the children, and we did do so. And at the end we brought loads of supplies for our two classes, and they were thrilled, but we do want to try and do more.

Any funds donated would go towards supporting the children’s educational environment, bringing to them adequate amounts of school supplies. The smiles on their faces when we simply gave them a notebook remains an indelible memory.

Heda Primary School:

We, two Belgian students named Charlotte and Julie, had the wonderful opportunity to lend a hand at the Heda Daycare Center and Pre-Primary School. Our focus was on children aged 3 to 14 years old. Specifically, we worked closely with the two youngest classes: a group of 20 children aged 3 to 5 and another class of 21 children aged 6 to 8.

What were our responsibilities? We covered a few different roles, all equally interesting. During class hours, we mainly concentrated on teaching English and basic mathematics. It was truly mesmerising to see how eager the children were to learn, with their eyes lighting up when they grasped new concepts.

Outside the classroom, we also spent time with the children at lunch and break. Their ‘asante teacha’ after each plate of food, carried warmth and genuine appreciation. After eating, we formed a circle which we then filled with songs, dancing, and lots of laughter. Many pupils from different ages joined, creating a sense of unity and togetherness, a truly heartwarming sight. Witnessing even the shyest of kids gradually opening up and expressing themselves, dancing, singing was beautiful.

The teachers and the school's director were incredible people who exhibited exceptional dedication and motivation. Despite their limited supplies, they went above and beyond to provide the best possible education for their students.

Inspired by their passion and commitment, we recognized the importance of enhancing the children’s possibilities and opportunities. We tried our best to contribute as many basic supplies to the school and its pupils. Tools which we all took for granted at their age: pencils, pens, books, rulers, plates, ... But there's still a significant need for more.

Donations:

Our aspirations extend further, we seek to secure funds for the combined 230 pupils at the Heda Primary School and Ebenezer Primary school. Additionally, we have two other projects close to our hearts:

1. The first one is the construction of a dining room for the children of Heda, aimed at providing them with more organised and comfortable meals. Unfortunately, this project had been previously paused by the school due to a lack of financial aid.

2. Secondly, we also aim to sponsor 4 children from Ebenezer: their school fee, their accommodation, food and medical care. This transformative opportunity costs 700$ annually and has the potential to change a young life forever.

Asante Sana from Federico Galli, Federico Berlucchi, Charlotte Taeymans and Julie Nadjmi!

We do personally oversee the organisation and are looking forward to receiving updates from the school.

Your contribution directly impacts these students, fostering a brighter future.