Update from Jim Furner and the Kibaoni School Project

Hello all:

Because of the generosity of our donors, the new 14 seat (27′ by 10′) latrine is nearing completion. I hope to have pictures to share soon.  The school now has a water spigot so the children can now get fresh water while at school. This academic year in addition to sponsoring Thomas Malinga, who is in his final year of high school (and hopes to attend university in the fall), we found generous donors who are paying the tuition and secondary school expenses for three Kibaoni graduates who without your help, would not be in school today.  The three:  Wilfred Steven, Magreth Andrea and Pascalina Tiehema are doing well. I have received emails from each of them – expressing their love to those who have chosen to give them a chance to succeed in life.  They are touching.

Andrea Wim on ladder of Jungle Gym

I know that the economic conditions here in the states is not good, but I have a favor to ask. Madam Anna Mzava, the headmistress of the Kibaoni School, has asked if we could possibly help another of their graduates.  The young woman’s name is Shangwe Steven.  She was one of the early graduates of the school and recently completed her high school education.  She is applying for admission to university starting in September – but without our help, she will not be able to afford to go. She is a perfect example of what we as a group are trying to do … give young Tanzanians a chance to dream.

Below you will find an email I received from Shangwe this morning. She states her case better than I ever could. It is my hope to find enough co-sponsors who would be willing to commit to paying a part of her tuition (approximately $3,000 per year for 3 years).  I realize it is a lot of money, but without our assistance, Shanwge’s dreams of a college education will die.  I would appreciate any help you can offer.  Believe me it is an excellent investment. I know Shangwe will make you proud.  Note:  Items in bold I added to Shangwe’s email.

Habari nzuri tu baba  [How are things my good father].  I am very happy to receive an email from you, baba [father] even I can’t explain how happy I am. 

Oh very sorry, I didn’t know if you are staying with your mjukuu [grandson] EVAN while his parents are away.  I understand how children need to be cared,worr(ied) out about being busy….

Am happy also to hear that Madam Anna [Principal at Kibaoni School] has spoke alot about me to you and she’s very proud of me.

I also want to say sorry to you about the on-going economic crisis in US. I have heard about it in radio stations and many people are speaking of it here in our country. So, I understand how the situation is.

But am happy also to hear that you will hardly find other people to help me out – am glad because you care about me baba. I pray to God so that you can easly find those people.

Am with you in prayers, baba try your level best

About cost/year (kiasi kwa mwaka) payment is done after six months and costs US $1500.  Per year it will cost US $3000 (milioni 1 na nusu kwa miezi6 na kwa mwaka ni milioni tatu).

The first payment will be on 01.09.2009 (Sept 1, 2009) immeadiately after reporting.

About the University am going to attend, I am waiting for the response to my applications as in our system we have to apply first. So, I have sent applications to UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM, UNIVERSITY OF DODOMA, MZUMBE UNIVERSITY, and MAKERERE UNIVERSITY. These are all owned by the government, there is no application costs as in the private owned universities. 

I prefer to take the degree of  ”BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS”; I like this faculty because I want to become an ambassador and I want to be ambasador of Tanzania in US so that I can strengthen the relationship between my country and yours.

That is my dream since I was little kid (mtoto).

You also wanted to know more about me, but I promise to send you the informations about me in the next email, which I’ll send to you tomorrow.  I fail to send now because the time which they give me to write this email is over in this internet cafe till tomorow.

Hi to all

- Shangwe Steven

If you can help, donate on-line (there is a link on the right of this page) or drop a check made-out to: “H.E.A.L. – Kibaoni Primary School” and mail it to P.O. Box 13046, Chicago, IL 60613.  Do make certain to note your contrabution as Kibaoni Primary School or to Shangwe specifically.  I will be happy to group any contributions to help Shangwe meet her goals.

All my very best,

Jim Furner