Much of Tukae's work in Tanzania is with the local schools and our UK Co-ordinator, Althea Stevens, recently attended a graduation ceremony at one of them. She writes:

Primary School in Tanzania covers seven years, from age 7 to 14. It became free as part of debt relief programmes, and the schools are full as a result. Amani now has 587 pupils and an average class size of 85 pupils rather than the 45 that it should be. There are currently not enough teachers in Tanzania and the country is working hard to rectify this. The classrooms are poorly equipped with little else but a blackboard and some desks. Tukae's volunteer programme provides a valuable service to the Amani school by supplying TEFL teachers and many of them have also helped by preparing educational materials such as posters or donating materials. Tukae itself has provided funds for picture rails, posters, books, and even desks, to supplement the school's existing facilities.

Despite the lack of resources, this school has excellent examination results, and is one of the higher-achieving schools in the district. Pupils have to pass the exams at the end of one year before they can go on to the next one, so they have to work hard. Graduation from Standard 7 at the age of 14 is therefore an important point in a student's life, and the school makes it a real celebration. On November 30th I joined with Stephen Valentine (Tukae's Director of Operations), Caroline Johnston (Manager of the TEFL programme), local politicians and other important members of the community, to attend the graduation. At the last minute, we learnt that the Guest of Honour could not get to Amani - a common occurrence here, due to transport problems and other difficulties - and I was asked to step in! Of course I agreed.

The Headmaster, Mr Bazooka, had told me about the challenges the school faces with overcrowding, lack of teachers, insufficient funds, and the difficulties of caring adequately for the 75 orphans in the school. Half of these are AIDS orphans, coming back from elsewhere to live with relatives, which is an additional strain for those who, in many cases, have no cash income. Despite this they must still find 1500 Tanzanian shillings for school lunch - just a few pence by UK standards, but very difficult for people here.

As Guest of Honour I was treated to singing and dancing by pupils of different ages, but especially the leaving group. They work on their routines themselves and perform so well. People here are much less self-conscious than I'm used to in the UK and are more prepared to perform like this. I have to say that the girls are very much in the lead, just as they would be in the UK. It was especially interesting to see a singing and dancing section by MEUSTA, which is the club in schools which talks about AIDS and ways of preventing it. They are very active and the subject is addressed very seriously.

Eventually I had to make the necessary speech, ably translated into Kiswahili by Fr Baruti, Catholic priest at Amani and co-founder of Tukae. I addressed some of the concerns of the community and the need for parents, teachers and pupils to work together for the good of all. No different from schools in the UK, but here in Tanzania it can literally mean that the parents help to build new classrooms, raise money for books, and generally compensate for the lack of Government funds to complete the work that needs doing.

In Amani there is a desperate need for new latrines and more classrooms. One new classroom is nearly finished; when completed the school can apply for Government money for another one, but it won't be enough. Part of yesterday's proceedings included a Harrambee, where the Headmaster invited people to offer items to help - this included sand, cement, lime, bricks, money, and a new long drop latrine and toilet door. Labour will also be given by local people. The school really does belong to the community.

Most of Tukae's volunteers teach English and in recognition of this Tukae gave two books as prizes for performance in the subject. I presented all the prizes and certificates. A lot of the other prizes came from Tukae as people send exercise books, pencils, and other items to us and we make sure they are distributed.

The celebrations for the leavers included presents and garlands - some of these were biscuits and sweets threaded on string - and a lot of delight from parents and others present for this occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, and the final lunch in the late afternoon, paid for by parents and others to finish the day. As Guest of Honour I really did feel honoured to be part of such a special celebration.