Education Tanzania, United Republic of Project #33055

Orkeeswa School Scholarship Fund

by Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania

Project Report | May 7, 2020
Orkeeswa School Scholarship Fund Update

By Lisa Heinert | Director of Operations

Orkeeswa Alumni Mobilizing

Orkeeswa Alumni Spring Into Action

Dear Orkeeswa family,

In the last few weeks, Orkeeswa alumni have educated thousands of community members about COVID-19 and how they can prepare and protect their community from this imminent threat. They have also distributed hundreds of pounds of food and other necessities to vulnerable families. As educated leaders of their community, they are on the front lines of this crisis. I am proud that the work we have done over the past 12 years is paying off in this moment, as our alumni step up when their community needs them the most. This is why community-based education is so important -- because our communities need leaders who are ready and willing to act in a time of crisis. We need critical thinkers who have the courage to do what is right and demonstrate through action their deep sense of responsibility toward others.

As this pandemic continues to evolve daily, we are thinking of our global community and hoping for your health and safety during this time.

In solidarity,

Peter Luis
Co-Founder/Executive Director

Orkeeswa School and the COVID-19 Situation

Orkeeswa School Campus

Orkeeswa School has taken the following steps in response to the threat of COVID-19:

Closed the school on Monday, March 16 in anticipation that cases would soon be confirmed in Tanzania
Educated staff and students about the virus, social distancing, and other preventative measures they could start taking immediately
Created and distributed Swahili informational materials to share with families and community members

COVID-19 in Tanzania

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 was announced in Arusha, Tanzania on March 16
To date, there have been 480 cases confirmed in Tanzania
The government mandated that all schools, universities, and related activities shut down

Orkeeswa Alumni: Community Education and Support

Orkeeswa Alumni are working with Orkeeswa School's leadership to bring education and resources to the community. Specifically they are:

Distributing Swahili materials about COVID-19 in the community
Making phone calls and home visits to provide additional educational information and to assess needs in the community to respond to the situation
Distributing food and other necessary supplies for families in need

Links:

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