How EDK benefits many by spearheading development in Kilimanjaro

ONE of the priorities of the Sixth Phase Government is to improve education at all levels, by, among other things, improving the entire infrastructure needed t
SOME students who received aid in educational materials and school uniforms from » donors pose in front of one of the classrooms renovated by Human’ Isa from France.

KILIMANJARO: ONE of the priorities of the Sixth Phase Government is to improve education at all levels, by, among other things, improving the entire infrastructure needed to provide education in the country.

These efforts have been supported by various institutions, including private ones, through various donations that have led many children to wish to continue their studies to the highest levels possible.

The drive has seen even those who had already left their studies for one reason or another finding themselves returning to classes to continue with their education for betterment of their future lives.

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One of the institutions that have been at the forefront of making the contributions towards education development is the Education and Development for Kilimanjaro (EDK).

Since its establishment in the early 2000s, it has focused on contributing to the improvement of the education sector, especially for schools located in the Moshi district of Kilimanjaro region.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony of educational materials to students of Kiwalaa Primary School located in Old Moshi area, Mbokomu ward, Moshi District, EDK President, Ms Sarah Temba Marchand, said the institution was established with the intention of carrying out and supporting education in Kilimanjaro region.

“EDK has and continues to sponsor school children by providing them with the necessary education materials and financial help that will enable them to go to school or to continue with their studies for those who are already pursuing their education in different levels of education”, she said.

Ms Sarah said that EDK has also set up food support when necessary to ensure that the children have a balanced diet and food in sufficient quantity.

She noted that the institution, in collaboration with other stakeholders inside and outside the country, has been carrying out building works and restructuring of schools, including construction of new classrooms, as well as refurbishing of others and also by providing educational and computer equipment.

“Construction projects are being implemented through a programme known as Human’ Isa. Huan’ Isa is a group of students who participate in activities related to development in different countries every year; each group is identified by the year of its (group) year of operation; this year’s group is known as the Human’ Isa 24,” she added.

Ms Sarah continued to say that this year the Human’ Isa 24 group took part in the building of two classrooms and a dining hall for the pupils that can be hired for events at weekends and earn income for the school.

“Other activities included a school headteacher’s office, teacher’s toilets, the installation of two water tanks to preserve water, the creation of a complete terrace in front of the classrooms, the establishment of a vegetable and fruit garden,” she added.

Regarding the donation of the school equipment to students, Ms Temba says that, it involved a total of 33 students whom she said each was provided with two pairs of uniforms each (boys and girls) pairs of shoes, school bags, books and other educational materials.

“During their six-week stay to carry out their mission, the members of the Human’ Isa 24 group of students noticed the needs for the children that needed sponsorships for among other things school materials such as books and many others, therefore they decided to raise funds among them so as to support the students get the educational materials,” she said.

Ms Sarah expounded that apart from the school supporting programmes, EDK has also been involved in setting up the partnership between French and Tanzanian schools, whereby she says that, there have been support programmes for teachers and pedagogical exchanges.

According to her, EDK also is involved in programmes aimed at promoting Tanzanian cultures, the country’s tourist attractions among others, a move which she says will help increase the number of tourists visiting the country.

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The organisation is a nonprofit organisation. Our mission is to improve the educational environment in Tanzanian public schools by supporting local projects ranging from the provision of learning materials to the building of essential and safe facilities and amenities. It works hand in hand with local communities, schools and government to identify those projects so that the organisation can create the maximum impact.

Our team on the ground in Tanzania oversee execution of initiatives from beginning to end with support from the US team. Its volunteers and donors share in and impart not only our passion for children and the power of quality education, but also in our core values of collaboration, sustainability and empowerment.

Since Sir Thomas Browne, a British polymath and author, first coined in print the phrase ‘Charity begins at home’ in his work ‘Religio Medici’ (The Religion of a Doctor) in 1642 that became Europe’s best seller, bewilderment has never ceased over the expression.

It is against such background, Ms Sarah and fellow Tanzanian friends as well as her husband who hails from France, have been working ceaselessly to ensure development in education in Kilimanjaro region.