One man’s vision brings a new era of education

MOSHI: IN the heart of Moshi District, Mrawi Primary School has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the collective efforts of local community members, development stakeholders and the generous contributions of a dedicated diaspora returnee.

The school, which serves 332 students, now stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when a community unites for a common cause, the betterment of education and the empowerment of future generations. The transformation of Mrawi Primary School has been extraordinary.

Spearheaded by Fr Process Kiocha, a diaspora returnee who completed his primary education at the school in 1984, the school has undergone extensive renovations. Fr Kiocha, who serves as the Parochial Vicar for the Diocese of Columbus, United States, envisioned a space that would provide students with the necessary environment to thrive.

The renovations included significant upgrades such as new flooring in classrooms, the construction of a boundary wall and the replacement of doors and windows.

Additionally, the school saw the construction of new toilets for both students and teachers, a multipurpose hall capable of hosting more than 200 people and the provision of essential office equipment like photocopying machines, laminators and computers.

A key highlight was the creation of special provisions in the toilets for students with disabilities, ensuring the school is accessible to all. Fr Kiocha shared his motivation for the renovation project with his colleagues.

“The return to Mrawi Primary School and the investment in its renovation reflects my deep desire to give back to my community. It’s a testament to the power of individuals who are able and willing to help shape the future of education.”

His commitment to Mrawi Primary School has not only transformed the physical structure but has also inspired others to take action.

The renovation project symbolises the power of community, local leaders and development partners coming together for positive change.

Fr Kiocha’s ongoing support, alongside contributions from his colleagues, Permanent Deacon Reed Hauser and Mr Bob Lagnese, both parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Apostles in the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, continues to provide a solid educational foundation for the children of Moshi District.

Fr Kiocha recalled the moment he reached out to his community in the United States to support the renovation efforts at Mrawi Primary School. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many parishioners eager to contribute.

“I reached out to my friends and the support poured in. I began collecting small contributions from ordinary people and over time, we raised over 138 million Tanzanian shillings,” Fr Kiocha said.

Among the volunteers who answered the call were Deacon Hauser and Mr Lagnese, whose dedication to the project was driven by their faith and a shared commitment to giving back to the global community. Together, they have helped transform Mrawi Primary School into a symbol of hope and a lasting testament to the power of collective action.

He added that the total cost to complete the project will exceed 243m/-. Fr Kiocha shared the story of the project, acknowledging the vital support of Ms Shirley Tropea, a 90-year-old mother of five from Massillon, Ohio. He reflected, “Ms Tropea first joined me in 2012 and returned in 2013 and 2014.

Together, we began supporting the education of several children, many of whom reached high school, with a few even advancing to university. I distinctly remember a time when we were helping 18 children who were struggling, providing them with uniforms, tuition fees, pocket money and other essentials.”

He continued, “Little by little, we also began working on improving the playground and today, we have made significant progress. Last year we celebrated two graduates: One from Mlama High School in Moshi, who completed his Form Four studies and another from Mwenge University in Moshi, who earned his university degree”.

The power of giving back and hands -on construction efforts Once in Tanzania, both Deacon Hauser and Mr Lagnese jumped into action, offering their skills, time and expertise to ensure the renovation project was a success. One of the first ways the volunteers contributed was through physical labour.

They worked alongside local workers, painting classrooms, repairing desks and helping with the installation of electrical systems. Their hands-on participation was not just about completing tasks, it was an opportunity to connect with the local workforce and model the importance of teamwork and dedication.

Deacon Hauser emphasised the importance of support systems, both from the home and the community, to ensure students can succeed.

He also spoke about the long-term impact of the renovations, reminding the community that the efforts to improve the school would benefit future generations, saying the impact was seen in the students’ eyes.

“It’s inspiring to see these children so eager to learn. You can feel the energy shift when they see their school being transformed. They understand that this isn’t just about new classrooms but it’s about new opportunities,” said Mr Lagnese.

Both demonstrated the power of international collaboration and faith-driven service. Their willingness to volunteer their time and expertise helped not only to improve the physical environment of the school but also to inspire the local community to continue building a brighter future for their children.

“Fr Kiocha’s initiative resonated with me on many levels,” said Deacon Hauser, adding the opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape him as a young man felt like a natural extension of the work we do here living our faith by helping others in need, wherever they are.

“Education is the foundation of everything. By helping to improve this school, we are giving these children the tools to build better lives for themselves and their communities,” Mr Lagnese insisted.

The Education Officer for the Hai Eastern Division, Mr Denis Tarimo visited the site to assess the progress of ongoing renovations, a project that has greatly enhanced the school’s infrastructure and learning environment. He emphasised the crucial role of collaboration between the government, local communities and development partners in shaping the nation’s future through education.

The Need for Collective Efforts Mr Tarimo highlighted that while the government plays a key role in managing numerous schools, its ability to address the needs of all schools can be limited due to resource constraints.

“There are many schools that rely on government support, but due to the sheer number of these institutions it is not always easy for the government to address all their needs,” he explained.

This is where the involvement of the community and external stakeholders becomes crucial, he said. He expressed his gratitude for the work done at Mrawi Primary School, emphasising that such contributions serve as a powerful example of how communities can come together to support education.

“The renovations done by our community members are a great source of encouragement to the government. We recognise and greatly appreciate the substantial contributions made by the community towards improving the education sector,” Mr Tarimo said.

A Lasting Legacy of Generosity Mr Tarimo commended the efforts of Fr Kiocha and his team for creating a lasting legacy.

“The support provided by Fr Kiocha and his team has created a lasting legacy. The children here will forever remember this act of generosity, and as they grow older, they will be inspired to give back to their communities,” he remarked.

This spirit of giving has not only enhanced the school’s facilities but has also inspired a sense of pride within the community. The school now stands as a model for other institutions in the region, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the lasting impact of community-driven initiatives.

A New Beginning for Mrawi Primary School The Headmaster of Mrawi Primary School, Mr Ludovick Makundi expressed his deep gratitude for the renovations. He noted that the improvements had significantly boosted the school’s capacity to provide quality education.

“The support from Fr Kiocha and his team along with the continued involvement of the local community has positioned us to provide quality education for generations to come,” Mr Makundi said.

The school’s transformation has also sparked increased interest from the local population. “Before the renovations we only enrolled children from Mrawi village. Now, we are seeing children from neighbouring villages expressing interest in studying here,” Mr Makundi shared, highlighting the growing demand for education at Mrawi Primary School.

The lasting impact of their work extends beyond the renovations. Mr Makundi said the time spent with teachers, communities and students created an enduring connection between the people of Mrawi and the supporters from Our Lady Queen of Apostles (supporter).

The spirit of collaboration between these two communities will continue to bear fruit as Mrawi Primary School becomes a symbol of what is possible when individuals work together to invest in education.

“Fr Kiocha, Deacon Hauser and Mr Lagnese’s involvement has not only transformed Mrawi Primary School physically but has also sparked a renewed sense of pride and possibility within the community. Their actions have shown that when people come together, no matter where you come from you can make a meaningful impact when you work together for a common cause,” noted Mr Makundi.

A Student’s Perspective Students have expressed a noticeable improvement in their daily school experience. Fransiska Msoka and Glory Sangawe shared that they are thrilled to study in the new classrooms, explaining that before the renovation, the old classrooms were uncomfortable, making it difficult to concentrate.

Now, they find it much easier to focus on their studies. Melkior Mushi highlighted that the new toilets and multipurpose hall have made the school feel more modern.

“We now have a space where we can gather for meetings and performances,” Mushi said, adding that the new facilities are especially beneficial for students with disabilities, particularly the updated provisions in the toilets.

The excitement among students is palpable and many now feel more motivated to pursue their studies. With these improvements, they now have a learning environment that nurtures their academic potential and empowers them to dream big about their future.

These developments reflect the positive impact of collaboration between different sectors, contributing to the growth of local communities and aligning with the principles of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).