Boma Mbuzi Secondary School……. Home of Goat.

onelovetanzania
Jul 26
3 min read

Updated: Jul 29

A newly constructed secondary school offering a new beginning to students in one of the poorest areas of Moshi, Kaloleni.

Opened this year, with an intake of just 94 form one students, under the supervision of newly appointed, first time, principal Mr Titus, the school is aiming high to bring a better level of education to these kids from family backgrounds where education needs are not well understood.

With classes of just 47 students, well below the average 60 to 80 students to one teacher, staff at Boma Mbuzi are experiencing firsthand how much more effective their work can be in more manageable class sizes.

Interest levels and classroom engagement of students are noticeably higher than usual in Government Secondary Schools in Tanzania, with students eager to participate and display their knowledge of the subject topic.

Academic results however remain a subject of discussion with many students struggling to achieve worthwhile results in assessments.

For my sponsored local Teacher, Lembris, the move to Boma Mbuzi at the commencement of the school year was both unexpected and challenging.

For One Love Tanzania, understanding this unfamiliar arrangement where a new school is built, only two classrooms resourced, students moved from nearby schools to create classes and surrounding schools all requested to “donate” a teacher to create a new staff, an unusual concept, and exceedingly frustrating seeing an excellent teacher’s hours reduced from 24 per week, to just 6.

On visiting Boma Mbuzi recently and experiencing firsthand how teaching staff, under the guidance of their new principal, have identified this new beginning as an opportunity to connect more with students, make education more meaningful, and, with limited students, work closer to understand the individual needs of their students, and address those needs.

A welcome change in a country where education is merely a task, not a journey of hope.

My most recent trip to Tanzania, has been very much about Boma Mbuzi. Sitting in on classes. Meeting Staff. Experiencing the environment. Sharing time with teachers who know they are part of a team where results matter.

A dedicated parent body has been established, and regular meetings are held to discuss with, and involve parents in the education of their children. Small steps, but in the right direction. Caning of students is banned at Boma Mbuzi.

This week, One Love Tanzania joined the charge by acknowledging 9 students with outstanding academic results. Reinforcing the message, hard work can bring results with each student receiving a bundle of school materials including exercise books, writing materials, mathematic apparatus, socks, and for the sweet tooths, a few candies.

For those with a more creative flair, we hosted an art workshop where 15 students were treated to an opportunity to express their individuality by creating an artwork on canvass.

Hosted at the school and conducted by a local young artist, the student discussed the various environments around them, the colors and textures of the environment and then create their chosen environment on a small canvass.

A selection of the completed artworks chosen to brighten the schools administration offices, potentially remind students everyday that individuality, creativity, and emotions are all strengths which make us who we are, and reinforce hope that we can make our own futures better.

These sorts of initiatives are desperately needed in Tanzanian Government schools where 7 out of every 10 students drop out of secondary school. Only 3% of students satisfactorily complete their advanced secondary education.

Our next workshop with Boma Mbuzi will address menstruation, preventing unwanted pregnancies and of course avoiding HIV. Girls will be guided on personal hygiene, and receive a reusable sanitary pack free of charge.

If you would like to be part of these exciting initiatives supporting locals and delivering opportunities denied these young adults, please donate today. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you.

And that name…Boma Mbuzi.

Home of Goat. The most valued and cared for item in all African Cultures.

Great name for a school!

How You Can Help!

We invite you to be part of this journey in providing higher education. We have a variety of ways you can be part of the journey and help with donations.

Our donation vouchers allow you to choose which core area best fits your passion to help (From as little as $100).

View Donation Vouchers

Thank you. Together, we are making the world a better place for all.

Cherie Smirl

OneLoveTanzania.com