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Help us make a difference in the lives of the people of Tanzania.

Education • Upcoming Project

Building a Primary School in Lerangwa

Transforming Education for 928 Children in Rural Tanzania

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Lerangwa Primary School Project
Lerangwa, Olmolog Ward, Enduimet Sub-County, Longido District, Arusha Region, Tanzania
928 Children Will Benefit
Status: Upcoming Project
Category: Education

Project Overview

This project aims to construct a new (second) primary school in Lerangwa, Tanzania, to reduce overcrowding and improve the quality of education. The existing Lerangwa Primary School is facing major challenges, including too many pupils, limited classrooms, shortage of desks and chairs, shortage of teachers, and serious sanitation problems.

By building a second school, we will be able to split the number of pupils, improve learning conditions, and also motivate and encourage children who are currently not attending school to join school and receive proper education.

The total budget required for this project is USD $105,000, which will cover land purchase, construction, sanitation facilities, furniture, teaching materials, and essential school equipment. Sustainability will be supported through community involvement, partnerships, school farming activities, donations, sponsors, volunteer programs, and fundraising.

The Story Behind the Project

The idea for this project began during a long-distance running journey. During an 8-day run, we overnighted in public buildings such as churches, schools, or hospitals for safety and rest.

On one of the nights, we camped with our tents at Lerangwa Primary School. This experience gave us the opportunity to see the real situation of the school and the community. We were deeply touched by the conditions and challenges facing the children and teachers.

After witnessing the situation, we realized that repairs alone would not be enough. A long-term solution is needed. That is why we are proposing to build a second primary school to reduce the pressure on the existing school and improve access to quality education in Lerangwa.

The Challenge

The existing Lerangwa Primary School is overwhelmed by the number of students and limited resources. The school currently has:

  • 928+ pupils enrolled in the school
  • Only 7 classrooms in good condition
  • 3 broken double-room classrooms, with 2 still being used despite being unsafe
  • Very few desks and chairs, forcing many students (especially younger children) to sit on the floor
  • Only 9 teachers (6 government-employed + 3 part-time) for more than 928 pupils
  • Serious sanitation challenges:
    • Boys do not have their own toilet
    • Girls have a toilet with only 13 drop holes
    • Poor hygiene and lack of privacy affect student health and dignity

These challenges negatively impact learning outcomes, student attendance, classroom management, and overall safety. Some children are discouraged from attending school due to the poor learning environment and overcrowding.

Building a second primary school is the most sustainable solution, allowing the community to split the students, improve learning conditions, and increase enrollment by motivating children who are currently not attending school to start going to school.

Our Solution

We're building a new (second) primary school that will transform education in Lerangwa village. This sustainable community school will:

  • Reduce overcrowding by splitting the student population between two schools
  • Improve teacher-to-student ratio for better learning outcomes
  • Motivate children who are currently not attending school to enroll and attend regularly
  • Provide safe classrooms, proper sanitation facilities, and clean water access
  • Ensure every student has a desk, chair, and learning materials
  • Create a sustainable school model that supports education and long-term child development
  • Promote equal education opportunities for both boys and girls

Proposed School Facilities

This comprehensive project will include the following facilities:

Classrooms & Administration

  • Enough classrooms for Standard 1–7 (all grade levels)
  • Administration block
  • Head teacher office
  • Staff room and teachers' office
  • Store room / library room

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

  • Separate toilets for boys and girls
  • Staff toilets
  • Water point (rainwater harvesting or borehole)
  • Handwashing facilities

Furniture & Equipment

  • Student desks and chairs for all students
  • Teacher tables and chairs
  • Office furniture
  • Blackboards / boards for all classrooms
  • Basic learning materials (books, stationery, teaching aids)

Outdoor & Play Area

  • Playground and sports area
  • Safe open space for children activities

Sustainability Activities

The school land (6 hectares) will also support vegetable gardens and plantation farming to help reduce running costs and support school meals in the future.

Expected Outcomes & Impact

The new school will create lasting positive change for the Lerangwa community:

  • Reduced overcrowding in the existing Lerangwa Primary School
  • Increased enrollment and attendance, including children who previously did not attend school
  • Safe classrooms and improved learning environment
  • Improved sanitation and hygiene facilities with separate toilets for boys and girls
  • Better teacher-to-student ratio and classroom management
  • Improved academic performance and long-term opportunities for children
  • Stronger community development through education

Target Beneficiaries

Primary beneficiaries: Children aged 6–13 years in Lerangwa and surrounding villages (estimated 400–600 pupils in the first phase, with future expansion)

Secondary beneficiaries: Teachers and school staff, parents and guardians, and the wider Lerangwa community

Fundraising Progress

$105,000

Total Goal

$0

Raised So Far

0%

Progress

Fundraising Progress 0%

Raised: $0

Goal: $105,000

Budget Allocation

The total funding of $105,000 will cover:

  • Land purchase (6 hectares)
  • Construction of classrooms and administration buildings
  • Toilets and sanitation facilities
  • Water point installation
  • Playground and outdoor area
  • Furniture (desks, chairs, office furniture)
  • Teaching materials (blackboards, books, stationery)
  • Construction contingency and miscellaneous costs

Note: We plan to begin construction once we secure the first $50,000.

How You Can Help

Your support makes this project possible. Here's how you can help:

Financial Support

Every donation brings us closer to our goal. Support the construction and operation of the school.

Donate Now

Volunteer

Join us on the ground in Tanzania or help with fundraising efforts in your community.

Become a Volunteer

Spread the Word

Share this project with your network and help us reach more supporters.

Project Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Planning & Mobilization

  • Community engagement and approvals
  • Land identification and purchase
  • Design and costing
  • Fundraising and partnership building

Phase 2: Construction

  • Ground preparation
  • Classroom construction
  • Administration block construction
  • Toilets and water point construction
  • Finishing and safety inspections

Phase 3: Furnishing & Setup

  • Purchase and installation of desks and chairs
  • Teaching materials and office setup
  • School readiness assessment

Phase 4: School Opening & Operation

  • Student enrollment and allocation (splitting from existing school)
  • Teacher recruitment and coordination with government
  • Start of learning programs and monitoring

Sustainability & Long-Term Operation

After construction, we will remain involved to ensure the school runs properly and provides quality education. We aim to strengthen the school system by promoting English as the main language of instruction, giving children better opportunities in the future.

Operating costs will be supported through:

  • Donations from individuals and groups
  • Sponsors (NGOs, companies, and organizations)
  • Friends from abroad and well-wishers
  • Collaboration with international schools
  • School farming activities (vegetable gardens and plantations)
  • Volunteer programs (local and international volunteers)
  • Fundraising events and campaigns
  • Project awareness and promotion
  • Long-term planned giving (gifts through wills)

Monitoring & Evaluation

To ensure transparency and impact, monitoring will include:

  • Regular construction progress reports
  • Financial reporting and accountability
  • Student enrollment and attendance tracking
  • Teacher performance monitoring
  • Hygiene and sanitation inspections
  • Community feedback and improvement plans
Building the Future Together

Help Us Build a School and Transform Lives

We're building a new primary school in Lerangwa village to give 928 children access to quality education. Every support brings us closer to our $105,000 goal.

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