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The Story So Far...
Five years ago after completing his education, Nicas decided to move back to the rural Kiboriloni village where he grew up, in Moshi, Tanzania, to build a safe space for children in the community to learn and play. From what started as an empty shed surrounded by red soil, with help from his community, Nicas Education Centre (NEC) has now developed into a pre-school, community centre & agricultural project.
Pre School
The pre-school offers the kids an introduction to Maths, English & Swahili, preparing them for primary school. However NEC lacks basic school supplies, play equipment and funding, creating multiple challenges for the school such as teachers going unpaid for long periods of time and minimal engaging resources. NEC relies heavily on volunteers and donations to help equip the school and teach new skills. The kids receive porridge in the morning sessions which for most, is their first meal of the day. However ensuring this happens daily can be a struggle due to the running costs of water, porridge and gas.
Community Centre
During after school hours NEC is used as a place for kids of all ages to come and play, complete homework and/or develop skills through activities and workshops. Again, resources are limited and the sessions are primarily run by volunteers and Nicas' family.
Art Studio
NEC is also used as a creative space where local artists create paintings and jewellery. This art is then sold and all profits go towards funding NEC and supporting the artists. If you are interested in supporting NEC through purchasing some local artwork please check out this website https://kilimanjaroart.afrikrea.com/en?fbclid=IwAR2dm0bSgx6Ut5lmS3YVIQpzspv6P3AwST1b0a4FTbymmln2s0UQtk3u900#
Please bare in mind that as a result of COVID-19, post offices have closed in Tanzania resulting in shipping costs increasing substantially. This has been one of many challenges NEC has faced during this pandemic.
Farming/Agricultural Project
Moshi, Tanzania has nutrient rich soil which is perfect for growing organic and healthy foods. However due to a lack of agricultural knowledge many members of the community don't know how to take full advantage of these conditions or cant afford farming maintenance. Nicas saw this challenge and responded by using the NEC to grow a wide range of foods, while also teaching the locals how to farm for themselves. All produce that is grown at NEC is used to either feed the local community or is sold to fund the school.
Ambitions for the Future
With the use of minimal resources and recycled materials, Nicas has done an amazing job in building this community project. With the money raised so far we have already managed to achieve the following;
1) Install a Water Tank - We have successfully purchased and installed a water tank which will be used to gather rainwater. This will then be purified using moringa seeds grown from the garden, providing clean and sustainable drinking water. Water collected will also be used for cleaning, cooking & farming.
2) Build Bathroom Facilities - While we are still overseeing the construction of the toilets, we have already raised enough funds to complete their construction and will update further upon completion.
While we have achieved so much so far with your help we believe we can do so much more while we remain in Moshi. Our aim is now to address the following issues we have identified throughout our time spent volunteering and collaborating with Nicas.
1) Classroom Renovation - There are several aspects of the classroom that need to be addressed but the main areas of development will be; tables for the younger classroom (they currently use their laps to write on), learning materials and painting/decorating classroom.
2) Playground Construction - This will mainly consist of leasing and building a playground that can also be used for football. We will also rebuild current play equipment which due to poor quality and wooden structure, has substantial decay from termites (swings & see-saw)
3) Gardening Equipment - We will buy gardening tools that can also be used by the children, to allow them to be more involved in the farming/agricultural project.
If you have any questions about how your specific donation will be spent, please send us a message and we will be happy to provide more information.
If you are able to donate anything at all please do! No matter how big or small, your donation will go a long way towards sustaining and bettering the lives within the Kiboriloni village.
Five years ago after completing his education, Nicas decided to move back to the rural Kiboriloni village where he grew up, in Moshi, Tanzania, to build a safe space for children in the community to learn and play. From what started as an empty shed surrounded by red soil, with help from his community, Nicas Education Centre (NEC) has now developed into a pre-school, community centre & agricultural project.
Pre School
The pre-school offers the kids an introduction to Maths, English & Swahili, preparing them for primary school. However NEC lacks basic school supplies, play equipment and funding, creating multiple challenges for the school such as teachers going unpaid for long periods of time and minimal engaging resources. NEC relies heavily on volunteers and donations to help equip the school and teach new skills. The kids receive porridge in the morning sessions which for most, is their first meal of the day. However ensuring this happens daily can be a struggle due to the running costs of water, porridge and gas.
Community Centre
During after school hours NEC is used as a place for kids of all ages to come and play, complete homework and/or develop skills through activities and workshops. Again, resources are limited and the sessions are primarily run by volunteers and Nicas' family.
Art Studio
NEC is also used as a creative space where local artists create paintings and jewellery. This art is then sold and all profits go towards funding NEC and supporting the artists. If you are interested in supporting NEC through purchasing some local artwork please check out this website https://kilimanjaroart.afrikrea.com/en?fbclid=IwAR2dm0bSgx6Ut5lmS3YVIQpzspv6P3AwST1b0a4FTbymmln2s0UQtk3u900#
Please bare in mind that as a result of COVID-19, post offices have closed in Tanzania resulting in shipping costs increasing substantially. This has been one of many challenges NEC has faced during this pandemic.
Farming/Agricultural Project
Moshi, Tanzania has nutrient rich soil which is perfect for growing organic and healthy foods. However due to a lack of agricultural knowledge many members of the community don't know how to take full advantage of these conditions or cant afford farming maintenance. Nicas saw this challenge and responded by using the NEC to grow a wide range of foods, while also teaching the locals how to farm for themselves. All produce that is grown at NEC is used to either feed the local community or is sold to fund the school.
Ambitions for the Future
With the use of minimal resources and recycled materials, Nicas has done an amazing job in building this community project. With the money raised so far we have already managed to achieve the following;
1) Install a Water Tank - We have successfully purchased and installed a water tank which will be used to gather rainwater. This will then be purified using moringa seeds grown from the garden, providing clean and sustainable drinking water. Water collected will also be used for cleaning, cooking & farming.
2) Build Bathroom Facilities - While we are still overseeing the construction of the toilets, we have already raised enough funds to complete their construction and will update further upon completion.
While we have achieved so much so far with your help we believe we can do so much more while we remain in Moshi. Our aim is now to address the following issues we have identified throughout our time spent volunteering and collaborating with Nicas.
1) Classroom Renovation - There are several aspects of the classroom that need to be addressed but the main areas of development will be; tables for the younger classroom (they currently use their laps to write on), learning materials and painting/decorating classroom.
2) Playground Construction - This will mainly consist of leasing and building a playground that can also be used for football. We will also rebuild current play equipment which due to poor quality and wooden structure, has substantial decay from termites (swings & see-saw)
3) Gardening Equipment - We will buy gardening tools that can also be used by the children, to allow them to be more involved in the farming/agricultural project.
If you have any questions about how your specific donation will be spent, please send us a message and we will be happy to provide more information.
If you are able to donate anything at all please do! No matter how big or small, your donation will go a long way towards sustaining and bettering the lives within the Kiboriloni village.