Tumaini - in swahili this means hope

First of all - I don't not why, maybe all the mosquitoes are on vacation, but I have not been bitten so far. Regarding the holes in my mosquito-net this comes close to a miracle. 

The first night in our home -for me -was surprisingly pleasant. Not for Eva yet who looked a bit tired the next morning. The sounds of wild nature around us kept her up all night. Tumaini definitely is in the middle of nowhere - a very beautiful nowhere, nevertheless. 

 

Our day begann at 7am with a morning prayer beautifully led two students. Assembly afterwards gave us the chance not only to address the students (and apply mambo hayo for the first time: great success) but to give them the presents we bought as well. It was so good to see we just bought the right things- just the same day the boys had to try their new balls and jerseys. Talking to David and his stuff gave us a great insight in Tanzanian educational system as well as in the work and life at Tumaini Lutheran Seminary. Besides the compulsory subjects (mathematics, English,chemics, biology, physics, kisuaheli and civics) Tumaini also educates students in Biblical studies, history and geography. Last year 100% of year 2 AND year 4 students passed their examinations and 70% went to higher education. What a success. 

 

The major problem for Tumaini is that its main budget comes in via school funds - this is hardly enough to keep the school going. Without the donation from the international partners, salaries couldn't be payed, the buildings cannot be maintained and necessary school- material cannot be purchased. To rise the fees is not an option for already now it is a burden to the families they hardly manage to handle. To lower the running cost David has bought 65 acres of land to grow rise, bananas and vegetables. To ensure the safety of his students he is planing to build a fence around the compound - it is clear that David is a headmaster with a big vision and a clear concept of what to do.

 

 After the meeting we had a guided tour around the compound that gave us a good impression of school life in Tumaini - the dininghall (supposed to be done this october), the classrooms, dormitories, the kitchen and of course the bible school. All together it shows that Tumaini is on an extraordinary high level when it comes to education but still needs much support in environmental and structural issues. 

In the evening we were able to meet the students that are supported by our deanery. Having such a good education they all have big dreams about their future (we've got future doctors, lawyers and engineers with us) - May God bless you on your way to success, my friends.