By Rai Farrelly | Co-Founder
Dear Project Wezesha Supporters,
We are so thrilled to have you on this journey with us! I just got off the phone with Lucas. He's in Tanzania and I'm in Armenia and together, we do our very best to keep this project up and running ... racing to the finish line! I love hearing his voice because his smile comes right through with words. I'm (we're) the luckiest to have such a loyal, capable local partner.
In my conversation with Lucas, I learned that four of our classrooms and two offices are completely finished!! That means that not only do they have walls and roofs, they have windows, doors, completed floors (the expensive part), and plaster on the interior and exterior! The final touch - blue paint for the exterior - is coming soon. But structurally - they are complete - ready for desks, chairs and students.
In addition, as promised, the Tanzanian government is installing latrines for the school - obviously required amenities before a school can open.
I told Lucas that our supporters (and I) would love to see pictures, so those are coming soon and I'll send another update with them when they reach me.
Also, I'm starting the planning for my next trip to Tanzania - in late June/early July. It always helps me feel connected to the project, the community and you when I can be there in person. It allows me to keep the relationships strong and give you the honest, transparent updates that you absolutely deserve for all of your support thus far.
US-based members of the Board of Directors for another nonprofit in the area paid a visit to our school recently. They were in disbelief when Lucas told them that since 2010 we had raised 16 classrooms, plus 4 offices. They were in disbelief because their project has only completed 4 classrooms since 2007. They insisted that Lucas take them to our site so they could see for themselves. They really couldn't believe their eyes. It gave them the confidence they needed to make some organizational changes within their own nonprofit - including replacing their director and installing more 'checks and balances' for the allocation of funds and labor on their project. This made Lucas and I very proud - because we knew what was happening in the other project. Now, that organization can continue with integrity and serve its community better. You know what that makes us ... a successful model and 'Agents of Change' - we couldn't be more happy about that!
In terms of completing our entire project, we are still in need of financial support. We're not there yet. The exact budget to completion is not precise because the government is helping us with some components (raw materials), while we're covering the rest - including the most important parts: skilled labor, a watchman, and Lucas' salary ($100/month). The Government is moving rather slowly on their contribution of materials, but they are making it happen.
The part that is in our control, is that which we raise - so if you want to help us cross the line even sooner, then please consider giving us a little boost. As you know, every dollar counts and they all go straight to to project and the people needed to complete the project.
Thank you for all your fabulous support and continued interest in what we're accomplishing in Tanzania!
Cheers and Asante Sana,
Rai Farrelly & Lucas Lamek
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