CKI Community Knowledge Initiative NUI Galway

Tanzanian Village Renewal

NUI Galway’s ALIVE programme in partnership with Tanzanian Village Renewal announced a new initiative whereby five graduates of NUI Galway Commenced work as volunteer teachers in Suji Malindi Secondary School, Tanzania from January to December 2011. The initiative was conceived by Lorraine McIlrath of the Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) and Maureen Mescall, formerly of the Discipline of Economics, NUI Galway and founder of the registered charity Tanzanian Village Renewal.

The five graduates; Aine Staunton, B.A., H.Dip, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo, Aisling Mitchell, B.A., H.Dip, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, Belinda Crossan, B.A., H.Dip, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Aaron Cunningham, B.Comm, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal and James Lovett, B.Sc, M.Sc, Newcastle, Galway accompanied a group of builders to Tanzania on October 31st 2010 where they assisted in the construction of a large extension to Suji Malindi Secondary School. Once the builders returned to Ireland following their two week building blitz, the graduates began teaching English to local adults.

The five graduates teach a variety of subjects in the school and are endeavouring to set up a library and find computers so that they can teach children how to use them. Due to their commitment many pupils who had left the school early have returned with a huge increase in the numbers of first years enrolling, and for the first time there is now a fourth form in the school.

For further information on the Tanzanian Village Renewal Project contact Maureen Mescall at mpmescall@gmail.com