Day 16

Today Pete and I planned to visit Jamhuri Primary School where we would donate 3 computers and The Mawenzi Teacher Resource Centre where we would donate another 3 computers and a printer. This turned out to be a very busy day so I apologise for the long post!!

We set off from ACTT before 11 and it was only a short drive to the school. Ally came with us to do the installation. On arrival we were met by a teacher who took us to meet the Head Teacher.

First off we went through the loan contract with the Head Teacher and some of the other teachers.

Then we unloaded the computers and took them to the computer room. Some of children wanted to help.

Then while Ally installed the computers, 2 of the teachers showed us around the school.

This was the staff room.

And these are some of the classrooms.

In this Standard 1 class it was all too exhausting for one little girl. She didn’t stir even when her friend shook her.

Once we had finished our tour, we found Ally had sorted out the computers and some children were now in the classroom.

We also gave them 2 footballs.

After this we were treated to an impromptu song. We really liked this school, they were so enthusiastic about the computers and also so friendly. I am sure they will use them well.

Then it was time to say goodbye.

By now it was lunchtime so we went back to Mama Irene’s before going to the Teacher Resource Centre. They had said not to come before 3 so Pete and I made a quick visit to the Union Cafe to buy some coffee beans and obviously to drink a cup of coffee as well.

Once we had finished we walked to the Centre where we met up with Ally and Robert.

The main teacher running the Centre used to be the Head Teacher at JK Nyerere School which we supported a few years ago, so it was good to catch up with her. The Center has a library and a computer room. They are a Resource Centre for teachers and run courses for teachers as well as teaching “adults” who have left school without passing their exams but who now wish to get these qualifications and they also support 2 local primary schools with ICT including the school next door.

Ally unloaded the computers and then as usual, we went through the contract with the teachers whilst Ally installed the computers.

Once the computers were installed a few children from the school next door came in to have a look.

This afternoon we had also arranged to go and visit Ally’s family so after we left the Centre, Robert walked back to ACTT and we took the car. Before we went to the family home Ally took us to show us how he is getting on building his own house. The house is in Shabaha and the road from central Moshi is not good and was very wet and muddy. It took a while to get there but we made it in the end.

The house now has a roof which is new since our last visit.

The next step will be to put grilles on the windows and add a door but these are expensive so it will be a while before Ally will have the money to do this.

After a short visit we left before it started to got dark. However on the way back we got stuck in the mud.

Pete and Ally spent quite a time trying to get the car out of the mud, much to the amusement of the local children.

Unfortunately Robert doesn’t have a shovel in the car. Eventually a couple of local guys came by and offered to help. They went off and got a shovel and came back and dug us out. We were all very grateful.

So by the time we reached Ally’s home it is dark and much later than we had intended. However, as always, they were very welcoming and greeted us warmly. At present the family rent 2 rooms and share a bathroom and kitchen with 5 other families. It will be lovely when they can move to their own home. We chatted and had sodas and nuts while we handed over a few gifts we had brought for them.