Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Lots of New Books for the Matipwili Community Library


Always in need of books the library in Matipwili this week received a large donation from one of the 'Friends of Kisampa'. Through him we were able to go to Dar es Salaam and buy various books to help stock the shelves in our growing library. Having been to three different shops we came back with a variety of school text books, dictionaries, novels, plays, poetry books, reference books, picture books of all levels as well as some maps and a large globe.

There was great excitement in the village when the books were presented to the village chairman, Mwinyikiti Mrisho, by our Community Liaison Officer, Bori.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

The President visits Matipwili Secondary School


The other day the President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete Mrisho paid an impromptu and unofficial visit to Matipwili Secondary School.
We were invited to be there for this very special occasion and set off full of expectation.
The secondary school is about three kilometres from the village which prevented many from being able to see their President.
However, there was a sizeable crowd gathered when the cavalcade drew up and the President and his wife arrived.
The village committee and elders were introduced to the President as were the secondary school staff. We were also introduced to him and he congratulated us and thanked us for the work we do for Matipwili especially in education. He told us that he had often flown over Kisampa and noticed our air strip and wondered whose it was!
The headmaster of the Secondary School addressed the President and gave him an outline of the achievements of the school and also the difficulties it is facing.
The President listened carefully and then addressed the gathered crowd.
Then, while walking around he chatted amiably to anyone who happened to be close after which he left.

We all agreed that his visit had been very special that Mr Kikwete has a very friendly manner and seems genuinely interested in the affairs of his people.


Shakila has operation to help her see straight


Four year old Shakila, the daughter of one of our Kisampa staff members, was born with a severe squint. With the help of one of the Friends of Kisampa she went to Dar es Salaam to have an operation to help her see better.
A fortnight later she came home totally recovered and with perfect sight.