Secondary schools in rural Tanzania often lack science laboratories that foster a deeper understanding of biology, chemistry and physics. The students we work with in the villages surrounding Kigoma town often lament that they don't have the same opportunities to learn science as their peers in larger towns and cities, who have access to fully functioning labs. Hands on experience with scientific knowledge will increase educational and career opportunities for these bright students.
There is no denying the important role of science and technology in the world today. For the youth of Tanzania, access to science laboratories is essential for grounding science knowledge in practical experience, promoting critical and creative thinking, and providing access to higher educational opportunities. Learning chemistry, biology, and physics from textbooks alone greatly limits their potential. This project will bring hands-on science to students from 5 villages in the Kigoma Region.
In 2015, Project Wezesha launched the opening of Amahoro Secondary School. The school, located in Mgaraganza Village, serves students from 5 incorporated villages in the region. The school has 13 classrooms dedicated for general study, and 3 additional spaces to accommodate science laboratories. It is the aim of this project to support the local Ministry of Education in the Kigoma Region as they strive toward their goals of equipping all village secondary schools with laboratories.
The majority of students in village secondary schools have limited access to textbooks and no access to labs. As such, they often fail secondary exit examinations, meaning education stops there. Access to labs will increase their STEM knowledge and help reach higher education and career goals. Ultimately, this will build capacity for Tanzania as it continues to compete as a developing country seeking greater involvement in a global economy. At least 500 students will benefit annually.
