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Gijedabung Primary School, Tanzania

Children living in the remote Tarangire National Park travel very long distances, across miles of bush, in order to attend school each day.  In order to improve the school facilities for these students, Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy and Sanctuary Swala (our camp located in the Tarangire) established Gijedabung Primary School in Mamire Village twelve years ago.  

When the project began, the school catered for 90 students aged 6 to 14.  Students were taught in a single mud brick classroom or outside in the open.  The first part of the project was to build two new classrooms and the project sourced skills and materials from the local community allowing the local people to earn income and learn new skills.  Following this, Sanctuary Swala built a kitchen, dining area and toilet facilities to improve the overall school experience.

As the local population has grown, the ongoing commitment to the school from Sanctuary Retreats and our guests has led to the construction of another ten classrooms and the school now educates over 600 students.

Our work with Gijedabung Primary School continues.  Guests at Sanctuary Swala can visit the school as part of their stay, and the project facilitates the donation of funds, books, supplies and equipment. Ongoing needs include reference and exercise books, pens, pencils and sports equipment.  

Download more information here. To find out how you can help this project during your Tanzania safari, contact us.