Lunch Program at Naurei Special Ed. Unit (built in 2006-2007 by Building for Generations with the assistance of Softpower Education of Uganda)

Teri and my recent trip to the project in Tanzania saw all of our hopes for the school unit realized thanks to our donors.  The interior and exterior of the school was re-painted, we brought supplies and bought over $350 in needed materials.  We also had a party the Thursday before Easter and again before we left.  We were able to buy 4 new uniforms for the children most in need and 3 pairs of shoes. The lunch program exceeded our expectations and has been a huge success these past two years.  The teachers found that several of the children were in fact suffering from malnutrition rather than a disability and they have now reentered the regular classrooms.  The other children have shown marked improvement with the nutrition they are receiving.  Tanzania is one of the poorest East African countries where many families live on one meal a day.  Thank you for the difference that you have made for these children!

  

Teri Smith with student

We enjoyed two weeks in the classrooms with the children.  Above is a photo of Teri Smith encourageing a student (Ramadan) who proudly shares his work with her.  The stigma of having a disability is profound in Tanzania and in the past they have not been included in educational settings.  In many rural areas this remains true for our children.  The fact that our unit has playground equipment serves our students in many ways, but one that I found most encouraging was that MANY students from the regular elementary school visit us to play on our equipment.  As I watched them play together I envisioned a different Tanzania for the next generation.  One in which our children were no longer hidden, abused or taken to the bush to die at birth.