We received an email from Cathy describing the schools (Have I told you about Cathy? She is an amazing woman and the reason we are going on this trip!). I thought I would share information from the email as well as our thoughts, which lead to some interesting conversation over dinner....
We are partnering with an organization called TanzCare for our work with the schools. They are working to provide rural public schooling with the essentials for a good education.
There are two types of schools in Tanzania – private and government run. Typically, private schools are for the few children of affluent families. Most of these schools are based in urban areas. These schools are well appointed and over 90% of students who pass the graduation exams are from these private schools. Owners of private schools are individuals, religious institutions, and other organizations such as charitable groups. The majority of children go to government schools. Government schools lack the essentials conducive for learning such as textbooks, basic supplies, teaching aids, and desks. Typically there is a lack of classrooms and a lack of toilets in schools, as well as, a lack of teacher housing. Most children have to walk several hours to attend the closest school. It is estimated that 65% of adult population in Tanzania is illiterate and over 73% of the children between 7-18 years can’t read and write (Tanzacare.org).
Cathy's email excerpt:
There are 3 schools all with great need. Each school volunteer will help with English lessons with the kids, setting up fun things like the volleyball nets, teaching the kids games and any physical projects the schools might have.
For those of you who are looking to have a very emerged experience at the Gunge school there are primitive quarters you can stay in at the school or you could stay with one of the TanzaCare families for 3 of the nights. We would still give them a donation for housing, but it would be a new experience.
I thought that sounded cool, but Owen was completely against staying at someone's house. After talking with Cathy, it was agreed that he would need his space at night to relax and process the events of the day.
GUNGE PRIMARY SCHOOL (7-14 YEAR OLDS)
School Info: There are approximately 180 students and 5 teachers at this school. A kindergarten class was just added. We have been working the longest with Gunge. This is the first school TanzaCare partnered with. The teachers are very engaged. The students are used to volunteers and visitors coming. They have 7 classrooms, some textbooks, and supplies. Since partnering with Gunge – their ranking on the end of year test has moved from 80 to 24 out of 180 schools. The improvement has been greatest here because we have provided the most support to this school.
Living Situation: the school is in a rural area. There is no electricity or running water. I may have mumbled past that information when I read this to Owen! We do have a hostel for volunteers. There is a stall to take a shower with a solar bag and a polytank for water. There is also a propane stove for cooking. There are third world toilets. Do we even want to know??? Because of the location of the school there is a possibility for a home stay or hotel stay. Unfortunately, the hotel is a 30-minute drive each way. Hotel! Owen votes for hotel! Hopefully he isn't picturing the Hilton...
The Needs: the needs are less at this school because of the support we have already given. However, teaching English is always something that is needed as well as exposure to different teaching methods. Teachers and students are used to working with volunteers.
My immediate thought was that Owen would have the most to do at a school with this age group.
KWACHIGE PRIMARY SCHOOL (7-14 YEAR OLDS)
School Info: There are 350 students with five teachers and one village volunteer. There are two small buildings that house a small office, and 3 small classrooms. An organization has donated many desks but they have no classroom space to put them in. They have them piled up in one room. They have a toilet building, but the outer wall has collapsed. The school and community engagement is very high. There is an alkaline water source that is 5km (3 miles) away. Tanzacare has built a building that houses 2 classrooms.
Living Situation: This school is extremely remote making commuting to and from the school everyday inefficient and costly. Therefore, volunteers will have to live on the property during their volunteer stay. This is an extremely poor village, so there is no possibility of a home stay. To stay at Kwachige, volunteers will need to camp. A tent and cooking gear will be necessary as well as bringing water and food in for the stay. The ability to bathe will be minimal and toilets are a hole in the ground. I don't think my experience camping (glamping??) with my friends Karen and Karen last summer prepared me for this level of roughing it! Cathy didn't recommend this location for those of us that have never been in a 3rd world country, and especially those of us traveling with a 14-year-old.... I look forward to hearing about the experience from those in our group that will be at this location!
The Needs: Because this school is so remote and the village so impoverished, there are very few teachers and supplies. We will still be helping these students with the supplies we are donating! The need here is greatest of all three of our partner schools. This school has never had volunteers teach in the classroom. English training is greatly needed, as well as, exposure to different teaching methods.
MABILION SECONDARY SCHOOL
School Info: Mabilion is our newest partner school. There are 500 students age 14-19, and 33 teachers. They are the equivalent to a high school in the United States. There is a hostel for girls who must travel far from home. There is a tuition cost and a boarding cost for the girls. Mabilion has the bare essentials for teaching. As in all of our schools, there are limited supplies and textbooks. There is some solar power.
Living Situation: Living on campus is not allowed. There is an opportunity to live with a host family or to stay at a hotel. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from the school.
The Needs: The school expects that volunteers will teach English as well as specific subjects. Volunteers who are comfortable teaching and confident in working with higher levels should work here.
I wondered if there would be as much for Owen to do at this school. After speaking with Cathy, we found a group of volunteers will stay at a hotel located in between the Gunge and Mabilion. Some will be setting up volleyball nets and organizing games. That would be perfect for Owen. He can help that group and I can work with kids inside teaching. He was happy that we would be at a hotel, even with the 30 minute drive in either location!!
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