"I enjoyed watching the children respond to their teacher, hearing them sing, interacting with them. What a wonderful experience. Thank you."

Shirley Hijar—Denver, Colorado

Banjika Secondary School
Bashay Primary School
Kambi Ya Nyoka Primary School
Njia Panda Primary School

When we first began our partnership with the village of Karatu, Tanzania, in 2001, there were only three primary schools to support: Bashay, Njia Panda, and Kambi Ya Nyoka. Upon graduating from one of these schools, the students had nowhere to go to further their education. To address this need, Banjika Secondary School was built in 2004—thanks largely to the contributions of an OAT traveler named Susan Rickert.

In addition to the construction of this school, which has 550 students and 16 classrooms (including science and computer labs), we've made considerable improvements to the three primary schools that feed Banjika Secondary. At Bashay, we've built two classrooms, renovated four, and re-roofed two others; purchased desks for students and chairs for teachers; and built three water tanks. At Kambi Ya Nyoka, we've built six lavatories and a new classroom; and purchased desks and books. At Njia Panda, we've purchased desks, books, and school supplies for the students.

School in session:

Year round, with breaks from June 1 through July 15, September 15 through September 30, and December 1 through December 30

Gifts to bring if you're visiting:

• Inflatable kick balls
• Math sets (compasses/protractors)
• Dry-erase markers
• World maps