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Tales from Tanzania: First Week Impressions

Though the school grounds are quiet, not a student to be seen, I can imagine the hustle and bustle of girls and boys as they arrive and enter their classrooms.  It's my first week in Tanzania, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to see Ibiri Secondary School, where Connect To Learn helps girls and boys pursue their education.  Ibiri is located a half hour's bumpy, roller-coaster drive from the Millennium Village Project office in Tabora.  It feels very remote,  and I'm reminded of the many-miles-long walks or bike rides that students must take every day to attend school. 

Students are on vacation for the month of June, but there are signs of continued activity.  A dorm is being constructed that will house 48 girls-- many of them Connect To Learn scholarship recipients.  The dorm will relieve these girls of the burden and danger of traveling from their homes to school every day, and will hopefully foster a sense of support and community.  Ibiri also has a beautiful new computer lab, with a carpet and desks ready for the laptops' arrival later this summer. 

The facilities look great... now I'm eager to meet the teachers and students who use them!