Message from Penny Shiret

I have recently returned from my 7th visit to Babati to see the work of Mikuyu Tanzania (formally LTT).

We had a busy schedule beginning with a meeting with Babati Town council. This was extremely positive. The council showed their appreciation and acknowledgement of all the work Mikuyu has done to help and improve the schools in the area over the past 18 years and discussed future joint co-operation, which included a new farm school.

The following day we visited Chem Chem, a very remote school, with the need for a complete primary school with teachers’ houses being a priority as the distance to the school and the threat from lions and hyenas is prohibiting many teachers from working there. Some of the classrooms had no flooring and were dark and extremely dusty. The most common illnesses for the children are respiratory related due to the conditions they are having to be in.We were made extremely welcome by Masai warriors and leaders, and many parents and local community members who all showed an interest in their children’s education. The participation of the school community with all Mikuyu projects is a pre-requisite and one that the communities embrace. The level of appreciation is overwhelming.

The next school, Sendo, had different needs - six classrooms in which the roofs were collapsing due to termite infestation and the desks were huddled in what the students saw as the safe areas. Mikuyu wants to transform these classrooms into cleaner, brighter and most importantly, safer, places more conducive to learning.

The last school was Kiongozi. We were there for Mikuyu to formally handover six completed classrooms and a teacher’s office back to the school. The rooms are now beautiful spaces, creatively decorated with educational collages and were obviously of tremendous pride to the school.

The impact of the work of Mikuyu is plain to see - in the schools they have helped the exams results are outstanding, the children are eager to attend school, they are fed,and they have books. The vast improvement in the toilet facilities that Mikuyu have installed in schools has improved attendance with diminishing urinary tract infections. Village enterprise groups are initiating their own small businesses through the help that Mikuyu has offered. The trust and cooperation between the communities and Mikuyu is a reflection of the understanding that Mikuyu has of the needs and traditions of the area. There is always more to do - keep up the good work Mikuyu!