Canadian Educator Spearheads Fundraising Effort for Boys' Dormitory in Tanzania

Chris Harker, the director of the Canadian Harambe Education Society (CHES), has embarked on an ambitious mission to raise $90,000 for the construction of a dormitory that will house 150 boys at Mwahu Secondary School in Katesh, Tanzania. This project comes on the heels of Harker's successful completion of a girls' dormitory at the same school, which he led from 2019 to 2022.

The current living conditions for the boys at Mwahu Secondary School are dire, with the students residing in a temporary dormitory that was built nearly two decades ago. The structure is in a state of disrepair, plagued by rusty metal, lack of proper lighting, and an overall unhealthy environment. Despite the challenging circumstances, Harker marvels at the boys' resilience and positive attitude, stating, "It's just amazing that these kids have nothing and they're so happy and joyous and friendly and warm."

Why this matters: This project highlights the importance of providing adequate educational infrastructure to support the development of marginalized communities, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. By investing in the education and well-being of these students, we can empower them to become agents of change and contribute to the socio-economic growth of their region.

Four students from the school penned a heartfelt letter titled "Importance of Having New Boys Hostel at Mwahu Secondary School," in which they shared their daily struggles. The boys described the dilapidated state of their current hostel, with rotten iron sheets, walls, and roofs riddled with holes and rust. They are forced to sleep on thin, worn-out foam mattresses on the cement floor, sharing their space with unwelcome creatures such as cockroaches, spiders, and mosquitoes. The lack of proper lighting hinders their ability to study effectively, while the inadequate toilet and washing facilities pose significant health and hygiene concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Chris Harker aims to raise $90,000 for a boys' dormitory in Tanzania.
• Current living conditions for boys at Mwahu Secondary School are dire and unhealthy.
• New dormitory will house 150 boys and provide a safe learning environment.
• Project supports marginalized communities and empowers students to drive change.
• Four students shared their struggles, highlighting the need for a new hostel.