9/23/23: Because nothing ever goes to plan, right?!?!?! The school building is basically complete. The toilets are just awaiting the floor tiling (a correction to our previous update). So, a few odds and ends left prior to scheduling the inspection with plans to open in January 2024. Two teachers are hired, with one having completed training in Montessori methods and the other scheduled to do so in November. BUT there is now a challenge with the living accommodations for the teachers. Fr. Hugo had coordinated with the nearby dispensary, which has space to house the teachers, for them to live there. However, we have just learned that the dispensary accommodation is no longer available because a nurse is living there. This means that we need to build a house for the teachers to share. We put out a call to action within the village, and they contributed by making the bricks for the building. This cooperation and willingness to contribute in ways they can demonstrates how badly the local community wants and needs this kindergarten. We still must purchase other supplies like cement and pay for the skilled labor to build the house. And that is why we have increased the fundraiser by $4,000. Fr. Hugo’s Silver Jubilee celebrating his 25 years in the priesthood is scheduled for October 26. Would you consider making a donation in honor of that to help us build the teacher’s house?

ORIGINAL POST:

Mateka Parish in Tanzania is hoping to open St. Joseph Kindergarten located in Ndirma Litembo, a village 10 miles from the town of Songea in Tanzania. Fr. Hugo Lungu in Tanzania is leading the project, with Nancy Young and Fortunata Chipeta providing fundraising support.

People in this village are far behind in education, which is why it is also far behind in economic development. We need to start by educating young children to grow the community.

People in Ndirma Litembo depend on simple farming activities of growing corn, beans, and vegetables. The area is suitable for coffee production, but people have stopped growing this cash crop because of the poor price they earned through selling their produce to the processing companies. Life in the village is difficult because people earn very little from selling their crops.

As far as education, this community has been left behind. There is a small elementary school but no high school nearby. Our mission through this project is to provide a kindergarten to plant the seed of a love of learning, with a long-term goal of enhanced economic opportunity in this village and improved educational access for all.

Kindergarten is so important because it provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and study skills they will use throughout their schooling. The goals of kindergarten include self-esteem (helping children feel good about who they are and confident in their ability to tackle learning challenges) and cooperation (working, learning, and getting along with others). Most children are naturally curious, but some do not know how to focus or use this curiosity. Kindergarten is a time for sparking and directing children's curiosity and natural love of learning.

To make this come alive, we seek $5,000 to help finish the building's construction and to purchase materials like desks, chairs, books, and other classroom supplies. As you can see in the picture, our first funds will go to installing glass windows. We will then focus on the toilets, kitchen, and office. We have a teacher who will be paid from school fees.

We ask for your support - big or small - to help us help this community. And we hope that all of our donors may one day be able to visit Ndirma Litembo to see how you have impacted this village.