SCAW BLOG: Tanzania, 2026: August 11
We travelled north of Dar es Salaam to distribute 700 bedkits at one of the older schools in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood. This school was established in 1961, the year of Tanzania’s independence. The school slowly grew to over capacity, so three other schools have been built in the area and a fourth is needed. This school now has 1895 students, from kindergarten to grade 7.
The School
Knapsacks waiting
Kindergarten
This information was given to me by one of the school’s teachers, Miss Diana. Miss Diana teaches grade seven and has a total of 206 children, 103 in each of two classrooms! We had a lovely conversation under a tree in the schoolyard. The team was interested to find out more about the life of a schoolchild and this conversation increased our interest.
Chalkboard lessons
Classroom
She does say that the children are usually well behaved even with so many together. Everything is provided for the children but they do ask for donations on a pay what you can basis from the parents for their food at lunch.
Cooking lunch
Teacher and his students
School friends
We also talked about the teacher’s fatigue at the end of a busy day and how a good nights sleep is important for her as well as for the children.
Empty schoolyard
The bedkits are so welcome and well-received, with thanks to our donors.
Team Tanzania, 2026
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