A preschool for children living in remote villages in Tanzania

In Issenye, Tanzania, the Daughters of Charity were able to acquire land to start building a preschool called Marguerite Naseau House* 3 years ago. The sisters look after very young children from poor families living in many of the surrounding villages, far from the towns. 

"School attendance is really low because of the poverty of the parents, who are unable to pay the required fees. The fields, the main source of income, are experiencing a lot of stunted growth due to climatic disturbances. Children are often poorly supervised or left to their own devices while their parents are away in the fields." Sr Domitienne

The ‘Load-bearing walls’ project enabled the sisters to buy materials to finish the construction of the school buildings and start fitting them out: paint, cement, wood, tools, kitchen utensils, gas cooker, freezer...

However, they had to face unforeseen expenses following new building requirements from the Ministry of Education (repair of a platform and the floor of a classroom).

"Because of all these compulsory additional expenses, we have not been able to finish the work on the outside walkway alongside the buildings, as we would have liked. 
What's more, the authorities are still demanding that we make access ramps in advance for children in wheelchairs or with mobility difficulties. They're absolutely right. But we don't have the financial resources!" Sr Domitienne

Project: Completing the school's equipment and furnishing the classrooms

"We have already been able to welcome 20 children who have been able to start lessons since February. They are learning well and are very happy. The parents are also really proud to see their children's progress. There were two teachers, but unfortunately one has had to leave and she will soon be replaced." Sr Domitienne

A little stroll around the school in the footsteps of little children... click here

We also still need tables, desks and cupboards to equip the classrooms, as well as a fridge and play equipment in the school playground.

Salle de classe et future cour d'école

 "We have asked for a small contribution from parents towards school fees and plan to create a vegetable garden to provide fruit and vegetables for the 2 meals of our little pupils." Sr Domitienne

The government has just ordered that the pupils be fed from the start of the new school year in January! The sisters are really caught off guard, as many parents have already been unable to pay their children's school fees, and the school is expecting to take in 40 to 50 extra children.  

Cuisine et salle de réfectoire

"We are asking for your precious help to create the right conditions for these 60 to 70 4-year-olds to go to school." Sr Domitienne

Thank you so much!

With them, thanks to you!