Amsterdam again (Day 18: June 6th)
We are on our way back and had an amazing time in Tanzania. We are very grateful for all the NGOs that hosted us for our adventure. They have been so generous in giving their time to teach us about their missions, and through these NGOs we have learned deeply about Tanzania.
Banjika Secondary School
Banjika Secondary School is a rural government day and boarding school serving hundreds of students from low-income farming communities around Karatu. Menlo students have the opportunity to experience firsthand what the daily journey to school is like, including the long walks and after-school responsibilities many students manage. Many Banjika students walk over an hour each way to school, and in their final year, students live on campus so they can focus more intensively on their studies.
Banjika has wonderful girls’ dormitories that were built a few years ago and is currently in the process of building dorms for boys. At present, the boys live in classrooms. They are very grateful to the Menlo families who donated the roof for the boys dorm. The head of school shared that her greatest wish is for all students to be able to live at school so they don't have to walk for over two hours a day and have more time to study and a greater chance of continuing on to A-levels (11th and 12th grade). Currently, only about 50% of students at Banjika Secondary School pass their exams and are able to continue to A-levels. You can learn more here.
Ujamaa Children’s Home
Visiting Ujamaa Children’s Home in Tanzania, we saw a home for 25 children filled with love and care. From the birthday calendar on the wall to the joy we saw in the children, the house truly felt like a home. While we were there, we learned that it costs about $5,000 USD per year to support one child. The children in this home are not just given a home but a chance at a very bright future and the ability to positively impact Tanzania.
Tunza Africa
The founder of Tunza Africa spoke with us, and it was inspiring to hear from someone so deeply committed to their community and to making a difference locally. We also had the opportunity to join a lesson with local students focused on nutrition and healthy living, which made the experience especially meaningful. We learned how Tunza Africa has supported Banjika Secondary School by improving water collection systems and starting a school garden to promote healthy eating.
FAME
We learned that FAME is a low-cost hospital based in rural northern Tanzania. It is a modern hospital, laboratory, and outpatient clinic that serves more than 27,000 patients each year. They provide maternal care at very low cost, even though the actual cost of care is more than ten times what patients are charged. The difference is covered through donations. FAME does not receive government funding or major NGO support and instead relies on many small donations to make its services possible.
We had the opportunity to visit the Hidden Hope Foundation over two days. This is a very small, grassroots organization that is still in its early stages. They are dedicated to helping people with disabilities have employment by making and selling crafts. We learned that in Tanzania, people with disabilities often stay at home and do not attend school. Because many jobs in rural areas rely on physical labor, even everyday tasks—like washing clothes by hand—are physically taxing, it can be hard for people with disabilities to find jobs. Their current goal is to expand the types of crafts they can produce by purchasing a cutting tool that costs $375. We also learned that after returning from last year’s trip, a Menlo student created their website, and with support from Menlo families, they have been able to pay their rent. Of all the NGOs we have visited and learned from, this one is very much still getting off the ground, and we hope to continue working with them and see them grow over the next few
