March 2018

As Programme Director I have the amazing opportunity of visiting our schools in Tanzania when the chance arises. Last month I headed over to Mikindani to catch up with the EdUKaid team there and see how our projects were developing. 

Day 1 - It's quite a journey from the offices in Salisbury, United Kingdom to Mikindani, Tanzania. The trip involves a train journey to the airport, followed by the first flight which stops at Istanbul, Turkey. The second flight arrives in Dar es Salam in Tanzania. The third and final flight is a small internal one which takes us from Dar to the small town of Mtwara in South Eastern Tanzania, where we are met by the Tanzanian team. Day one we were lucky enough to see the locals gathered in the village, dancing!  

... what a perfect start to the trip

Day 2 - The EdUKaid team travelled from their rural villages to Mikindani today so we could all meet up and share challenges and successes. Another warm welcome and very productive meeting. 

Day 3 - Met with representatives from the Mtwara branch of SHIVYAWATA today to discuss how we can improve access to education for children with a disability here in Tanzania. 

Day 4 - This morning we got to meet the excitable Mkunwa pre-primary class. This school was renovated last year and the primary class has only just been introduced.

Day 5 - I felt honoured to meet a group of inspiring students at the Shangani Primary School today

95% of children with a disability in Tanzania will never have an education

But these children are defying the odds. It's one example where I feel proud to see how EdUKaid, by supplying them with the necessary resources, has allowed them to learn and flourish.

Day 6 - Our partner schools often surprise us with thank yous, sometimes a sign, or cashew nuts, once we even got a clay cooking pot.

This trip I was asked to plant a coconut tree at Likonde school- what an honour!

 

As ever, time flew by too fast but I’m left buzzing, and can’t wait to feedback how well things are progressing and share new ideas with the UK team.

Teresa Wells

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