May 10 2011 Trip to Ndanda Secondary School

Jen and her dirver Chogo picked us up at 9:30 for the drive to Ndanda. The drive only took two hours, and it was a much better drive than two years ago when we drove with Joseph's principal in the school car and the road was under repair.

We drove through the town and past Joseph's house, my heart sank. His picture on facebook is of him standing in front of the sign that stands in front of his house. In 2009 Joseph had been so proud and happy to show us around his school and his life; to be with his family and to show us his world. He had indeed thrived in a tough situation, and he knew the experience would be invaluable.

We drove to the Principal's office, where we were met the by the vice-principal, Mr. David. An assembly of the entire student body was called in the courtyard, and Mr. David, the president of the student body and the head of the FEMA club gave speeches. Ray, Jen and I also spoke. We then announced that the following students received full scholarships for the next two year:

1. Fadhli Juma Nawaje Nanyumbu (Eddie Fletcher wrote a recomendation);

2. Eurarist Morit Mkanrango Masasi

3. Nelson Omany Mnanje Nanyumboo

4. Rmadhani Saidi Chiwonge Newale

5. Castor Alfred Mangaka Nanyumubu

6. Abdallah Dadi Mikindani Mtwara

7. Ibaidi Saidi

8. Kassim S. Dadi Mnyeau Nawala

After the ceremony and the pictures, we treated the boys to a lunch at the nun's beer garden, which is quite a treat for them.

I don't think the boys really understood the implications of the award until Jen sat down with each one of them and explained in Swahili the financial details of the award. After lunch, each and every one of them effusively thanked us for the scholarship; Joseph has made their lives so much easier! Many of them had started school and still had not paid fees, they had no idea where the money would come from. Some had still not finished paying fees for their O level courses, and all this has been waying heavily on the family. In order to be at A level, they have already tested in the top 10% of Tanzania's students. These are deserving, hard working young men, who deserve a small break in life.