by Michele Torrey, OA Volunteer Secretary and Co-Founder
Our Voc-Tech College has always struggled to attract girls. Boys came aplenty to earn their 2-year electrical certificate, to learn how to drive, or how to start a business. But even though girls might want to learn those trades, they had nowhere to live on campus, and it was too far and dangerous for them to walk to and from the nearest village.
Earlier this year, we put this problem before you and asked you to help us build the girls a dormitory. You responded GENEROUSLY. First, we had someone step forward and offer a $25,000 matching grant! Then, the money started flowing in. $50 here, $100 there, sometimes $1000 or even $3500! It was amazing and humbling. What can we say? We love you guys! :-)
As soon as the funds came in, we sent them to Tanzania. You can see from the photos below that the dormitory is almost completed. Once the floor is tiled, we’ll be ready to pave the courtyard and install a gate. Then, with earmarked funds from a donor who generously stepped forward, we almost have enough to purchase bunk beds, mattresses, bedding, and mosquito nets for thirty girls. (There is also a bedroom for the “Dorm Mama,” a loving but tough matron who will keep the boys out and the girls in!)
Take a look at all the progress, and pat yourselves on the back.
Our college is now open for enrollment. Students are shopping around for the best school. Our girls’ dorm will be finished, outfitted, and ready for the new school term to begin in January.
We’ll keep you posted on the number of girls and women who enroll in our school.
Congratulations to all of us. We did it, once again.
(Photos from top left): 1) Inside the girls’ main dorm room. There will be fifteen bunkbeds, completely outfitted; 2) Outside of girls’ dormitory-- the landing and courtyard will be tiled and/or paved; 3) Tiling for the interior floor; 4) Most recent photo of the girls’ dormitory. The main dorm is the big building. To the left is their shower and toilet house. All will be encompassed by a privacy wall which will be securely gated. The brown structure to the right is a kitchen and small outdoor cafe. The kitchen and cafe are being funded and built entirely by our field partners as yet another way to earn income for the school.
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