Our Pilot School
Ngateu Secondary School is a community built school near Arusha, TZ that serves 180 students. We chose it as our pilot school because the school and area are so poor and the need so great. Their entire school budget comes from student tuition. For most of the students, full payment is not always possible. The school is very reluctant to send home a good student who can not afford the cost. Our support is positively impacting their success.
What We Have Done So Far – 3/4/2011
Supported Students
- In 2007 we endowed 21 students entering their first year at Ngateu with full school support.
- In 2008 we pledged to support 47 students.
- 2009 Endowed 57 students with full school support.
- 2010 Endowed 77 students with full school support.
- 2011 Endowed 78 students with full school support.
- If you would like to help, $400 pays for annual tuition, books, supplies, uniforms, and lunch for one student.
Modernization of the School
- In 2005 rains flooded Ngetau. In 2006 Safi built a $5000 retaining wall. Swales (trenches) were also dug and planted with elephant grass to manage future excessive water. The grass can also help feed cows that supply fuel for the kitchen project.
- In 2007 we designed and began working on a water project so the school will have clean water. $10,000 is needed to complete this project.
- In 2008 we are continuing the water project, expanding it to include sanitation. We are also working hard to assure that all students have lunch. $60 pays for lunch for one student for the full year. With lunch, the students can stay for a full day of school.
- In 2009 we replaced the old cookstove with a more energy resourceful stove. The cooks had previously been burning way too much (green!) wood and breathing in the smoke equivalent to 40 packs of cigarettes a day.
- In 2010 the latrines have been completed, and the water project is moving forward.
- In 2011 the well is being dug and has now reached water.
Supported Teachers
- Since the school opened in 1995, Teachers were not being paid on time due to lack of funding. Since 2007, Safi support guaranteed they are paid on time.
- Safi has and will continue to send teachers and support staff to continuing education.
Supplied Volunteers
- 2006 and 2007 trips - Members paid their own way to help at the school, putting our planned projects into action.
- In 2007 we partnered with the community in school projects, such as cleaning the roof for the water project and creating movie nights to help pay the electricity costs of the computer lab.
- We continue to visit and support every year (sometimes more than one trip!).
- Volunteers transport needed supplies, school bags, auction items and good will.
Supplied Financial Aid to Ngateu
- Safi contributed $6,650 in 2006
- Safi contributed $18,800 in 2007
- Safi contributed $35,276 in 2008
With more financial support we can:
- Finish the water system
- Build a girls dorm
- Further improve the kitchen
- Buy books, desks and needed supplies
- Bring Solar Power to the classrooms