Ambassador praises Nianjema Community
“We thank you for reaching across continents to create educational opportunities for Tanzanian students,” said Tanzanian Ambassador Mwanaida S. Maajar to the community of supporters gathered at the annual Nianjema Reception.
The 100 people attending had a chance to mingle, share good food and drink, and talk with Ambassador Maajari and her assistant Marian Mkama as well as other speakers including Nianjema school manager Charlie Sloan and Dr. Frank Manase, member of the Nianjema School Trustees, both here from Tanzania, and Pat House, who is coordinating January’s Classic Migration Safari. (For more information on how to join the safari, go Here.
Barbara Rose, executive director of Aid for Africa also participated, as did several students who have volunteered at Nianjema. (Nianjema, through it’s fund, is a member of Aid for Africa). Ms. Rose created Aid for Africa’s Girls Education Fund.
The students shared their experiences informally with other participants. Ben Stephen, a student at St. Louis University, set up a continuing program for others from his University to make volunteer visits annually. High school students Salvatore and Anthony Raynor and Molly Rose all aided in Nianjema classrooms. The elementary school now features many educational posters by Molly. The Raynor brothers followed up with their trip by involving other students in collecting supplies for Nianjema.
Attendees also viewed plans for the proposed solar power project, which will provide continuous electricity for the school once funding is raised. Haley Carney, a Georgia Tech engineering student, and Dr. Gary Koopmann, retired Penn State professor, described the projects developed by teams from their respective universities.
The annual silent auction was a hit once again. Successful bidders walked away with museum quality carvings and beautiful cloths, bowls and artwork from Tanzania.