Coming Soon - Our web pages are moving

Jambo - Safi School Project will soon move to a new web server and the pages will look different.  It will still be brought to you by Safi Foundation.  It will still be found at www.safischoolproject.org We have a new year and will have a new face. 

Other January Happenings

The school year will begin in a few days.  If you sponsor a student you should have received request for payment.  If you wish to sponsor a student, now is the time to contact us.  We do not sponsor all the students at Ngateu Secondary School and there are still students with unmet financial needs.  Please reach out and say YES!

A group will be heading to Tanzania later this month.  If you have made school bags or baby hats with the intention of sending them to Arusha......NOW IS THE TIME TO GET THEM TO US.  Or, they will have to go with the next group later this year.  

Purposeful Travel Opportunities!

Our Next trip is from Jan. 25 - Feb. 15, 2013.  The trip will split time between the Ngateu Secondary School Project School and Safaris to view to the migration, with options for "add-ons"  There is room on this trip ~ but you'll have to be quick.  Please email mdi09nelson@gmail.com for more trip information.

Members of Safi School Project travel periodically to Tanzania to work at Ngateu School, other projects and to experience the culture of Tanzania. Trips include safaris and your stay can be extended to If you wish to go to Zanzibar, climb Kilimanjaro, visit a remote Hadatze tribe, work longer at the school, sit by the pool - you can add the time between groups. (Or you could add on at the end.) Here is a taste of our "periodic" schedule.

Sept - Oct.  2013  - fact-finding group of previous travelers - if there is sufficient interest in another trip for 'newbies' at this time, we'll do that too.  

June- Aug. 2014 - possibility of 3 trips

Jan, - Feb. 2015 - this is the time of the great migration, as well as the regular school work.

SAFI SCHOOL PROJECT AUCTION OCTOBER 6, 2012

LACEY COMMUNITY CENTER

5:00 

Watch the website for more complete information.

Mary Nelson

Solar Power, Computers and a 7 Day Cruise

Jambo! You can win a 7 day Holland America Line Cruise for two that is a fundraiser Safi School Project. One of our members graciously donated this trip and we want to make the most of it. Click here or click the About Us\Fundraising tabs to see the details. Our goal to raise up to $10,000 towards getting computers and solar power for Ngateu Secondary School. Solar power is needed for the classrooms, computer lab and the pump on the new well. Every ticket sold will help and we know that somebody will win a great trip.

Maasai Steven's Response to Safi School Project

Jambo!

My name is Steven Kimbele, and I am Dennis Douglass’ Tanzanian son. I live in Arusha, with my wife Elizabeth and our four children; Sarah (16), Bryan (12), Shania (10) and Ronald (6). I became involved with Safi Foundation, when they enabled my wife to attend a computer skills course, as she works in the school that the foundation supports. After seeing the improvement in my wife’s IT skills, I wanted to contact the foundation to thank them. I am Maasai, and it is tradition to give the local brew, ‘honey beer’, as a gift to someone who has helped you. However, this was not possible as I could not send beer from Africa to the States! So instead I brought a traditional honey jar which the beer is kept in, so that I could send it to the foundation in the U.S.A. When the foundation was in Tanzania, seven months later, I invited them for dinner at my home to show my gratitude and gave them the honey beer jar. A special friendship was formed and I now see Dennis as my American father and Safi group as brothers and sisters. It was then arranged for me to visit Dennis at his home in America.

I have recently returned from the most amazing three weeks in America. I received excellent hospitality and was welcomed with open arms by everyone that I met. I enjoyed experiencing the culture, although Jello is the one thing that I will not miss about America! We traveled through Washington, California and Oregon, and I was amazed by Dennis’ driving skills, my goodness that man can drive! I wish the roads in Tanzania were as good as the roads in America. Whilst in America we drove to see David Nelson’s house. Even though he was in Tanzania at the time, I liked seeing where he lived and saying hi to his house! .We as well visited Nancy and her husband in Washington.

This incredible trip was the result of the foundation supporting my wife with her computer skills course. This is just one example of the many ways in which the foundation is helping the people of Tanzania, and raising living standards here. They have also funded tuition, and provided a reliable water supply for both the school and the wider community.

I would like to say thank you very much for all the work that you are doing in Tanzania and enabling me to travel to America.

You are all welcome to Tanzania.

:Peace be with you:

Asante  sana!

Tonight is the last night in Arusha all together. My parents Jackie and I are all going too Zanzibar for a week but it won't be the same without our big group. I am so amazed by how much I learned about people that I have just met this trip but I am even more amazed by how much more I learned about people the people I already know. This is so sad because you become so amazed by these people that when I go back home it will almost feel boring without those people around to amaze me. I have met such interesting and smart people and that reminds me that Africa is special because it can bind people together in fantastic ways. That's why I have a love for Africa because it has given me such great friends.

By Dorree

Tonight is the last night in Arusha all together. My parents Jackie and I are all going too Zanzibar for a week but it won't be the same without our big group. I am so amazed by how much I learned about people that I have just met this trip but I am even more amazed by how much more I learned about people the people I already know. This is so sad because you become so amazed by these people that when I go back home it will almost feel boring without those people around to amaze me. I have met such interesting and smart people and that reminds me that Africa is special because it can bind people together in fantastic ways. That's why I have a love for Africa because it has given me such great friends.

By Dorree

picture please

so we have been here for over 2 weeks and Mary has been begging me to post pictures on the blog. Here you go Mary!

Love,

Desiree :)

The Tarangire terrace inclusive service, 15 July 2012

Whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is just, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on/do these things.

God's beloved people.

On our first Sunday here, we went to Ngateu Lutheran Church ( Christian worship), then a Muslim home off our friends, Saif and Farida, and shortly after, at dinner, we had a Jewish prayer/ grace, in Hebrew.

I really like that. It reminds me of my friend Rich Caemmerer's painting of Father Abraham with Moses, Mohammed and Jesus sitting on his lap.Right on.  Very cool.

And then we go to Oldupai Gorge.  I am always moved to be there ( And not only because of the fact that they are some of the few people i can feel technologically superior to.)

But, because that is most likely, almost for sure, that is the closest we will ever get to the beginning of us.  That gets to me.

There are all sorts of images and pictures that bubble up in the juices of our minds, like a carbonated soda or a Serengeti beer.

The first look at Ngateu, the Sakina road, Doree's boma, Crispin and the orphan project, Khan's barbecue, sunset on the Serengeti, giraffes, lion in the tree, jumping/dancing with the Masai at elizabeth and Steven's at the Ngateu staff party, Tarangire's view - etc., etc.

For me , Oldupai and Abraham images embrace them all. I love that image of Father Abraham.  I kind of live from and out of images.  That image of Moses and Mohammed and Jesus on the lap of Abraham, I want to share with the world.  In a small way, for awhile, we were there - sitting on the lap of Father Abraham

Then we go to Oldupai Gorge.  When I go there, I'm always somewhat disappointed in the lecture I hear there. what could I do with that crowd, I wonder ? ( I can't help it, I'm an old preacher).  and I'm not very interested in the gift shop.  I do two things there - i go straight to the cast of our earliest footprints and look into the gorge.  That image of Abraham, bursts like a painting of light on a classroom wall to include all peoples from way back to the beginning to now and into all tomorrows.

My imagination strains to see and feel and wonder what it would be like to walk beside Mama Lucy?

And we have been there!!!

I do not pretend to explain all these experiences we've shared, I cannot put into words the images in our minds and cameras, but there is some hint, some glimpse, some pulse, some quiet --WHATEVER- that is close to the heart of creation.And it seems to me to be good, true, just, lovely and gracious.  And I am greatful that I was along to share it with you.  DIN

I am sitting at Freedom Lodge and it is afternoon.  The first departure of our group took place this morning.  We have begun the process of returning to our homes.  This is an emotional time.  While we will be glad to return to our families and friends, we are also sad to leave this place where we have bonded as a group, made new friends with the people of Tanzania, enjoyed the beauty of the landscape and the novelty of the animals in their natural habitat, and most of all were rewarded by the connections we made at Ngateu school.

I do not feel that my journey has ended but has just been temporarily interrupted.  I look forward to further connections with the school, its students and teachers, and the people of Tanzania.  I have great hope that the girl I sponsor will succeed in the future and know that her instincts to help people will enrich her life and mine.

I thank my family for sending me off with good wishes and will be excited to see them in a few days.I am truly blessed to have a foot in two continents.  Earla

14 of  us left here.  Barbara and Harrison return to Mass. , via Milan, this afternoon.  We will miss them!!!! It doesn't seem possible that 3 weeks ago we didn't know each other - it's amaziing how bonded we become after 3 weeks of sharing lives.
And - we've been very tired every night, hot and dusty, cold ( like wearing fleeces and sweatshirts), bounced around on the very rough roads ( African massage, it's called) and many suffered from colds and sinus.
But-we've eaten very well (new excellent chef at Freedom Lodge), finished many tasks at the school - new painting in the Form 1 class, complete with abstract sunrise by david, books taped and catalogued, volunteer house furniture ordered, students "classed" in art, soccer, dance and reading, pictures taken , new students with sponsors ( Barbara and Hal, I'll give you a list), pineapple and oranges for all the students, Pascal to tutor students until he finds work or a school - and another great party with the staff at the Freedom Lodge.
We've loved it!!!
Mwangaza meeting this morning - very good, more info to follow.
priorities for the school from Mwangaza, Seth ( headmaster) and us.
Shopping until we dropped.
Selma's for lunch many days
Maasae Girls School, Moringe, Orphan Project, Plaster House, Dorree's boma ( Dorree is the Hosokawas daughter), church at ngateu, church at Tarangire, more animals than I could count.
Friendly, happy, loving people on the way to school,, at school, at Freedom Lodge.
And now I have to eat my lunch. Salama, Mary

Well, its the last day. It's that feeling that I miss home, but I love it here in Tanzania. The adventure was amazing. From working at the school to helping at the orphanage and plaster-house and going on safari and seeing many animals, everything was incredible. When I first came I didn't know what my experience was going to be like, but it was different than I expected. I worked with the students on soccer for the first week. It was much different the American soccer. Many of them played barefoot on the dirt full of garbage and rocks; I was amazed that none of them got cuts on their feet. Working with the school was a great opportunity for me and it showed me that at my school in New Hampshire that I have so much.

The plaster house and the orphanage was mixed feelings. I was so happy that these children had a place to stay and a place that looked after them, but I was also sad that some of the children had absolutely no family.  They were so happy to see us; all of the Wazungu. These children that I was were really being watch over and taken care of. I met this little boy named Thomas at the plaster house. He was about three or four years old. All he wanted to do was be played with, he just wanted to throw a small ball back and fourth with me. I really didn't want to leave, but I knew that he was in good hands.

This will be short, but safari was amazing. There were so many animals that were out in the wild and in their natural habitat. It was so much different seeing lion in the wild than in a cage at the Bronx zoo. Watching the giant elephants walk slowly and peacefully along, the lions stalk zebra for their dinner, and the giraffe eat from the tall acacia tree. That was all amazing to watch and see.

But the real part of the trip tat was amazing was the people that I net along the way. Our amazing drivers: Adam, Agnol, David, Luther, and Emani. They became our friends and traveled with us. The teachers at the school, so happy and gracious that we were there to help them. And lastly, the people in the group. There were young who really brought the energy, and there were old people that brought wisdom and their own type of energy to the group. I will never forget the members of the Safi School Project summer 2012 trip that made my experience amazing.

Signing out,
Harrison Newman
Andover, NH

This has been a wonder of a trip. Hard to believe that Harrison and I leave today, and that a few days shy of three weeks has gone. Each day surpassed the one  before, if that is even possible. To see Tanzania through the eyes of the people who live and work here is truly a gift. To learn, first hand, about the customs, the music the dance the SPIRIT, the LIFE, through invitations to homes, bomas, parties... words cannot describe how magical it was and the KARIBU ("welcome" in Swahili) feeling we had. We were honored guests, and it was an honor to be in the presence of these beautiful people.

The volunteer aspect at the Ngtaeu School was a joy. Seeing the children so grateful for our help, sponsorships, painting, dancing, reading,drumming and connection to their daily life and education filled my heart. They need to know and feel that there are caring people in the world, people like The Nelsons and all the others affiliated with Safi who support their growth and future. The faculty is impressive, the infrastructure and supplies improve each year, and they are proud to teach there.

 I will miss walking up the dusty hill, saying Jambo to the villagers and returning the smiles of the children who greet us so eagerly.

I will miss the comaraderie of our group of 16-- who I now feel are friends for life. Each has a gift which they shared with such great generosity-- humor, kindness, creativity, youth, wisdom, spirit. I thank David Nelson for so eloquently creating a Sunday service in the most beautiful setting, the synagogue/church/mosque of Nature, with god's land spreading before us. It was like a warm embrace. And including Harrison's Torah portion as part of the cloth he so beautifully wove was so very  appreciated.  To Mary, I thank her for her intuition, insight, and lovely way of being. Grace under pressure-- I don't know how she does it.

It was a gift to spend three weeks with my 16 year old son who was a delight in every way. A wonderful and rare opportunity to connect, and see before my eyes the man he is becoming. I will hold this time in my heart forever...

Safari was spectacular. A first time for both of us.  Loved every moment-- great guides,safe drivers, gorgeous accommodations... I cannot believe how much we packed in. I am also stunned by how little the trip cost relative to all that we got. ( I thought I would lose weight because I was warned by overcautious doctors.... hah! Every meal was delicious, authentic, and very nice to my body!!!!

I will be a lifelong Safi supporter and ambassador of the wonderful work you all do. Asanti Sana for bringing me into the fold.

With love and huge respect,
Barbara

First Timer

Okay so this is my first time in Africa.  At first I was a little scared to be honest, but it was an adventure that I was excited for.  The first day at the school was a little disorganized, as kids were being herded around and new people being orientated to the school grounds.  Mary had a line of people with questions and a list of things to do more than a mile long.  There was a dance group, a reading group, a soccer group and an art group.  There were volunteers running every group and the kids were enjoying themselves.

After a week at the school we took off on Safi Safari and that was great. There were tons of animals and the different environments were amazing.

This is a trip that I will surely remember for the rest of my life and I am not even halfway done yet!

My journey continued on Wednesday with a day spent with the orphan girl I have been fortunate to know and sponsor for several years.  She is now 13 and will complete primary school this year.  She lives with an uncle and her mother and siblings died of aids.  She came to Ngateu and joined us in activities there and traveled with us as we visited Tamiha, an orphans project that finds foster homes for children found on the street and gives them shelter, nutritious food, education and love.  At the conclusion of the day I asked her what she had learned.  She replied, "to help people".  To hear this from a child who we would think needs the most help brought tears to my eyes.  We have returned from safari and you will hear lots about that as others blog.  Earla

My journey continued on a new road as we accompanied Dorree Hosokawa, an adopted girl from Tanzania who is a member of our group, as she visited her birth family.  Her family lives in the bush on a boma(a group of huts where extended family live with their cattle in the Massai tradition).  It was very emotional but also heartwarming to see the birth and adoptive families join together.  We were served a delicious meal of roasted goat and rice with a broth that was very flavorful.  On our way to the boma we saw a group of Massai boys with painted bodies who were preparing for circumcision.  It was a truly remarkable day.
In closing I will relate a comment made to me as several of us were returning on foot to the Lodge.  A young man on a bicycle said to me "It is a good day when white people are walking"!  Earla

It's so hard to know where to starat or even where to continue.  Every moment of every day has been a new joy for the senses and for the soul.  Monday was our first day with children at Ngateo School.  I was excited to be part of the reading classes.  the best part was when Jonathan and Jackline and I read about pandas... just the three of us.   I, also, met a young man named Samuel who is quite communicative and such fun to talk to.  But, better yet, the second day, Samuel wrote my name on  the blackboard when I came into the room without any prompting.  Again,  I had an opportunity to listen to children read  Wednesday, I moved over to art.  The creativity of the children is such a joy to experience.  Each of them has his or her individual talents.  One student spent the bulk of the time sketching, even though the lesson was in putting paint to paper.  His shading and detail were wonderful.  But the best part was when David Nelson instructed the class to "draw big," using a still life as a model and a student in the front row drew and painted an elephant.  Perhaps sometimes what we say looses something in the translation.
Our afternoons were wonderful, too, though differently.  Monday afternoon we had the honor of visiting the boma of the family of a young lady two of our group have adopted.  We were served goat and chai, and it was excellent.  We were given a tour of the boma.  many pictures were taken.
Tuesday we shopped at the market.  My what an experience???  I was so glad to have David and Mary and Elizabeth.  I'd still be shopping, or lost in one of the wonderful booths.
Then, on Wednesday we went to an orphanage.  The children sang to us and counted to one hundred.  They were adorable.  One little boy, younger than the others, was crouched in front of me while the "students" were singing.  I could only resest the urge to pick him up for a few minutes.  What a joy to be holding and snuggling with this beautiful child...  and what mixed emotions realizing that all of these beautiful children are orphans.
We have eaten at most interesting places...  all good food and better conversation.
All in all....  to date, the best part still is the children and an increasing affirmation that one must count one's blessings.

5th July
Last day at the school this week - tomorrow starts safari.  Our 4 rotating groups  - dance, art, reading and football"  have been a great success!  We've adjusted lots of things each day, depending on the number of students , but it's been great fun.  The students and staff get lunch each day and that is a big draw also.  Our friend Elieshi came Tuesday and joined in the dance class and was great!  We had a drum -off yesterday to choose the drummers for the day, today we'll have a keyboard from elizabeth Stephen, the bursar.  The readers love the books that Rosemary brought and ask lots of questions.  Art projects are beautiful and will grace the walls of the school - and maybe the auction.  And soccer has been a huge hit - Harrison brought a net, the goal posts are up at the primary school, he brought jerseys and balls.
Yesterday we started the day with red, white and blue socks from rosemary, a history lesson from the students on America's Independence and Tanzania's independence and patriotic songs!  ( Luckily, Earla and Barbara knew the words.)  We celebrated Bev's birthday, visited the orphanage and ate at Khan's bareque!  Once again we slept well!  What a great groups this is!!  Mary

I now understand when people say, "Africa calls me." It is shouting out loud in a voice that resonates deeply,
vibrating long and strong. David, our wonderful guide, is gathering us to board our van for our visit to the orphanage, but just enough time to write a sentence about the morning we spent at it school. SAFI  IN ACTION is a remarkable thing. Students eager and newly sponsored by the generous hearts of the formidable Safi group. It is a testament to vision... to following the path that one step at a time can lead to extraordinary places. And this place, this school, this spirit is truly something to be proud of. Many more  details to come...it is a blessing to be here.

Barbara

I AM IN AFRICA!!!!  I can't' believe it.  AND, it is wonderful!   Every moment has been amazing.  It's so hard to know where to begin.  The scenery is beautiful from the tiniest flower in yellow or red or....  to the ferns, to palms to the mountains in the distance.  Our accommodations are quite nice.  We have a comfortable room with bath.  Everything is unpacked, but gifts I brought in m with my stuff are still all over the couch which is quite fun, but I'm anxious to see them combined with those of everyone else.
 \\ and, then, see where they go.  The roads leave a little to desire, but are a great workout, for the van and for our bodies.  Food is wonderful.  Shopping is so much fun.  Church was spirit-filled and just simply amazing.  BUT, the best part by far is the people.  We are greeted with hugs whereever we go, smiles, joy,, and this morning before anyone else came over for breakfast, I had a mini language lesson.  OH, how patient the staff was...  and how they laughed at my attempts.  I'm having such a hard time putting into words just how incredible this experience has been already, and we have just begun.
Bergel

"Roads Less Traveled"    There are many roads that we travel in life.  Some roads are super-highways that we use to rush thru our daily lives.  Some roads are paths that we use to wander and dream of our future or remember our past.  My favorite road is the road we use to walk from the Freedom Lodge where we stay, to the school/church where leave our hearts.  Today we walked to Church and were treated to a service in Swahili with great music and lots of enthusiasm.  On the walk we were greeted by smiling children shouting out "Hello" or "Good Morning".  The road was lined with fields of corn, small gardens next to cement block homes that housed large families, chickens scratching for bugs, goats grazing wherever they could find grass, and families walking to Church.  I was lost in memories of other journeys up that road and looking forward to more journeys in these days to come.  Earla

sunday-
early morning clouds and cool.
church at Ngateu. new walls, new roof, 2 1/2 hour service - great singing, many offerings.
lunch at Farida and Saif's - delicious!!!!!  Great pilau and great salad and gread samosas , avacado pudding, tea and cake.  shopping in the living room for tanzanite, wooden carvings.
Grandpa and grandma with us - a magical day - again.
organization meeting - what we do when.
what a good group of people we have.  we laugh a lot.
Sun comes out by noon and then gets warm and comfortable.
"kids" are playing soccer.
I'm going to bed.  Mary

Day One

Today has concluded my very first day in Africa. I arrived with my group in the middle of the night and quickly found my way to bed. It was noon before we roused ourselves and made it to breakfast. By one in the afternoon we had began our journey to the city of Arusha. Beautiful art work, immense ebony carvings, jewelry, masks and countless other wonderful things left me speechless. Until the sun began to set I roamed about, drinking in the unbelievable cultural shift. Everywhere I looked there was incredible beauty, culturally and physically. While the changes and nuances were more than I could hope to completely take in during this trip alone, I already feel changed and am eager for every experience to come. I can't wait for tomorrow!

-Bradley Blansett

I am happy to report that the group who traveled via Frankfurt, Germany arrived safely after their flights that landed in Kartoum, Sudan-Addis Abba, Ethiopia and Mombasa, Kenya before arriving in Tanzania.  It is great to return to this wonderful place and greet friends that we have make thru the years.  It is now dinnertime and the table is surrounded by a generational mix of first time travelers as well as a few seasoned returnees.   We are still trying to get over jet lag.  More later.   Earla

Today was an adventure. I took a ride in the back trunk of a Toyota SUV up this extremely bumpy road. On the paved roads, it wasn't so bad, but the stopping short was not very helpful. i also was wearing a basket on my head as a helmet. This boy riding on a bike saw me in the back going over a few bumps, and he started laughing and laughing. Then came the long trip up the hill to the Freedom Lodge on this very, very, very, bumpy road. I was thrown around the trunk like a rag doll. The cases of water that we bought fell on me while I try to hold my basket helmet on my head. Kids are looking in the back and pointing and laughing and I was laughing too. Honestly, it was a great experience and it was a very African thing, as many Africans ride in the back of pickups. It was a good day.

Harrison Newman

So many first impressions... but I think what has struck me the most (on this first full day) are the smiles of these beautiful people. There is a joy and a curiosity, and what appears to be an open heart. It is Safi Sana--a very good thing! The Safi group are lovely to be with. I feel as if I have known them a long long time. Their work here is quite remarkable and they are very loved. When they arrived, Harrison and I could hear the cheers of the villagers as they welcomed them to Freedom Lodge.I can't wait for tomorrow... and the adventures to come!

Barbara Newman

Friday, 29 June
We're here!  Chris, David, Sarah, Barbara, Harrison and I, that is.  The rest arrive tonight, tomorrow a.m. and tomorrow night. It's the "trip to the airport" year for Elizabeth and David.
Plane trip was looooong - no surprise.
Weather is perfect - no surprise.
Company is great, Freedom Lodge staff was over the top excited to see  us and our rooms are great.
I've managed to get onto the blog site on the Safi computer - thank you Kristina - and the mouse works MUCH better for these fingers.
Ngateu today where everything is looking very clean!
Bank to "discuss" wire transfer with manager - ( not a surprise and not fun - little or no progress.)
Then to lunch at Selma's - GREAT, no surprise.
Shopping with Elizabeth, of course.
And the hysterical trip up the Sakina road - if you've not been on it, it is the worst road ever - with 7 of us in Elizabeth's little car - Harrison with his basket helmut and all the people on the road laughing and waving.
(other descriptions will follow, I hope)
It feels like home.  Mary

Pig Roast Alert!

The almost annual PIG ROAST will be held on Sat., June 16th at Mary and David's.   We'll start anytime after 4:00, but dinner will be served about 5:30.  The "procession" will be between 5 and 5:30.
Appetizers will be available at 4, then dinner and dessert.
Need directions, call Mary at 360-413-0246.
We can sell a few more tickets, so if anyone wants tickets, call Mary.
 ( tickets are $50)  ALL proceeds go to Safi school project.

Lola's friends from Shaw visited Ngateu today

They were very impressed with the retaining wall, kitchen, chemistry lab, library/books, well, latrines and toilets, volunteer house, the murals on the wall }: etc. They were also impressed as we dropped into classes that the students were very responsive and wanting to be called upon in MATH of all things :}:}:} From the back ( because of their short hair)  Zora was worried that not many girls were in the class but I knew there were. I asked all the girls who were interested  in math to stand . 40-50% of the class stood.

The two men were biology profs at Portland State and Clark College in Vancouver. They saw the one microscope and so I asked them if they could get some scopes ; they will definitely work on that so that Lola and the group can bring some in January sans their heavy wooded cases.

AND of course they loved the 70 kids at TAMIHA, particularly when Mtui was playing soccer with them!

Salama, Elizabeth

Don't miss the opportunity to send messages to your students

Dear Sponsors,

 

Thank you so much for your continued support of the students at Ngateu Secondary School.  We have a group traveling to Arusha in a few weeks.  They will gladly hand carry any letters or pictures you would like to send to your student/s.  The mail needs to reach Safi by June 20, 2012. You may mail the letter to:

Your student's name

c/o Safi School Project

PO Box 8275

Lacey WA 98509

 

You may, of course, send letters or postcards directly to your student at school.  Currently the price for an airmail letter or postcard is $1.05.  Students always love to receive mail.

 

If you have any questions, please contact me.  Again, thank you for your support of these students!

 

Barbara

Sponsorship Committee

Explore Tanzania, Share the experience,

Explore the potential of Tanzanian Travel, see what we have done, and share the hopes of Safi.
2012 Calendars are now available. A great way to introduce yourself or others to what we do!

Calendars are $12. Order forms are available here

Memories of Trip Oct-Nov 2011 Pt 1

We have been home 3 days now and are feeling the "sunshine withdrawals" of returning to Washington. I'm not saying that is isn't good to be home, but we experienced so many wonderful things while in Tanzania that I'll blog bits and pieces and also post pictures to share a little of our trip over the next few weeks.

As followers of the blog know, we dedicated the well at Ngateu on the first Sunday we were in Tanzania. The wonderful thing is that now the school has fresh, clean, cool water. Many of us drank from the well all three weeks we were there with no ill effects, a luxury that wasn't afforded us on prior visits.

Although the picture attached shows Larry filling his water bottle, we were so excited to see the students getting drinks between classes. All Safi members and friends need to extend a big THANK YOU for the gift of clean, healthy water that "our students" now share daily. The fact is, the whole community around Ngateu Secondary School are able to benefit from this gift. Thanks to all involved in the Safi/Ngateu well water project!

continued

we are all having great difficulty with the keyboard on this computer, so some was published and now there's a little more.

students are doing well - Christine is teaching with Mr. Freddy and reports amazing progress in the Form 2 class. teachers are happy and working hard.
Form 4 graduated, but several have returned with letters for their sponsors. English has improved with students and teachers.

softball game was a riot, as Marilyn reported. Rosie ( some of you know) got hit in the head with a well hit ball - gave her a wet cloth to keep the swelling down and she was fine the next day. sometimes we had we had 5 baserunners chasing each other around. they loved it.

volunteer house is wonderful!

Form 4 room is painted - David has to finish the mural. painters were not happy with the fumes from the paint - but it looks better.

all for now - many more stories, but the keyboard is driving me nuts. Love, Mary

birthday celebration and other favorite things

coffee at the bungalow at 6 a.m., dikdiks across the path, elephants everywhere, including a weeks old baby, happy birthday banner and balloons by Annette Simonson delicious breakfast with good friends and now a pool dip - it's a pretty good birthday so far.

relaxing is good after working hard at school - painting, cataloging books, teaching, reading groups, meetings, talking with kids and walking "home" in the HOT sun each day. And that's all been wonderful, with the possible exception of walking in the hot sun.

party with teachers, staff and us at Freedom Lodge after school Monday. big hit with all - smiles all around

Vivian, Goodliving, Innocent and new baby brother, Johnson - guard, Robert and Remanista's children -looking for Karen, but delighted with Marilyn and Jenny and elaine. ( gifts were very much appreciated,Karen)

Tarangire

The group traveled to Tarangire today. It is very beautiful.

We watched a group of elephants , no more than 50 feet away, as we ate lunch . We were able to go out on a afternoon safari , we saw many more elephants, dik diks and a pride of lions.

I want to say Hi to all my friends and co workers back in the states.

I am Having the time of my life.

Bye for now Jolene Barabe

from MarilynTanzanian

Tanzanian softball game was a riot.

We went across the street to the primary school and divided up into two teams. Ken led one and I the other.

There were 55 kids Some kids we are sure batted3-4 times before we discovered they had been up before.

After the game with the form 1 kids, we decided to let the primary kids bat (probably about 250 little kids) talk about trying to keep an order. A few of the teachers also pitched and batted. so much fun.

We also went to a place called Lake Natron and went on a 3 hour hike up to a waterfall. We had a local Maasae guide that warned me my tennis shoes were not adequate and I couldn't wear them. The next morning when I showed up in my tennis shoes he lectured me again and said I was going to get wet. Well, he was not kidding...We hiked up rocks like billy goats then down into the water, sometimes waist deep, then up the rocks, down the rocks, over goat, donkey and monkey poop, then washed it off by traipsing through the water for a bit.

It was hard work, hot sun and great fun. Everyone worked up a sweat, put our fears of height on hold, grabbed onto small ledges, hung onto the guides (there were 2) and all agreed it was worth it. Some went into the water fall and swam around with the guide, then had a water massage, and then down the rock slide and landed back on shore (should I say rocky ledge) with the rest of us. This along with the softball game has been the highlight of my trip. Although tonight we hosted the teachers and staff from Ngateu school at our lodge. We enjoyed getting to know each other on a social level. We truly enjoyed some of the staff that came in their Maasae dress. Most walked here and then walked home in the dark.... probably miles or so. This is what this trip is all about...getting to know our brothers and sisters half way around the world. So blessed.

Both Ken and I are missing families and our football teams...but after hearing the scores lately, we are kind of glad we weren't there to be so upset.

Time is going fast. Ken has been painting a class room with a couple of others and then David is going to paint a mural on one long wall. We don't know yet what it is going to be. hopefullly the blog will have pictures.
Marilyn and Ken Ahlf (forgive errors we are lucky to get to even blog....let alone correct spelling!!!)

So many adventures

Our first safari and each day a different experience - walking on the mud flats at Lake Natron at dusk and watching the flamingos take flight, then spending the night in a comfortable tent at Moivoru Tented Camp with donkeys grazing in front of our tents, and monkeys playing in the trees. Then next morning taking a 'little hike' to the Lake Natron waterfalls with guides Bura and Roco - the most strenuous and challenging exercise I have ever taken in my life! A quick and very necessary shower for some of us, and lunch, and we were off on a long and bumpy drive. Along the way one of the land rovers lost a bolt securing a running board. Drivers Kisana and Daudi announced that we could stop for repairs on the way to our next overnight stop - and we did - welding on the side of the street in Karatu.
The gate at Ngorgoro Crater closes at 6:30p.m. We arrived at 6:33 p.m after calling ahead, 'not bad' said Kisana, as we drove through headed for The Rhino Lodge, a comfortable, stopping place with good food and wood stoves in each room. The next morning John Stamm counted more than 150 cape buffalos thundering by the verandah at breakfast. Then it was down into the crater for more amazing experiences. So many male lions, including one who had decided to take a nap in the middle of the road in the shade of the safari vehicles. What an amazing thing - so close to a lion that we could count the fleas on his back! We saw a mother hippo with her baby out of the water, and we watched a male ostrich perform his spectacular (and successful) mating dance.
We headed out of the crater on a road none of us had driven on before and made our way to Lake Eyasi. The road down towards the lake was unpaved and a switch back, but the views were spectacular - more baobab trees together than we had seen before, many in leaf. Another tented camp was the stopping place for our third night - huge tents and very comfortable beds. The next morning we were up early to meet our guide and drive to the Hudatze village to learn about their lifestyle, try our hand at making fire by rubbing sticks, and follow the men as they hunted for birds and animals with bows and poisoned arrows. Later we had the opportunity to visit the blacksmith from a different tribe in another village who made the metal arrowheads for the Hudatze, using the most primitive equipment, and to buy beautiful bracelets, before driving back to Freedom Lodge and a meal of pizza, ordered in Arusha and delivered by the the taxi we hired for that purpose!

Arusha Times reports Ngateu Well Dedication

Bishop Thomas Laizer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Northern Central Diocese in a group picture with members of the Arusha Rotary Club and Pastor David Nelson and his wife Mary after commissioning a US$ 25,000 borehole at Ngateu Secondary School on October 23. The project was made possible courtesy of Safi School Project, International Rotary, and Lacey Rotary WA, USA (Photo by Raymond John)

Basking in the warmth of the Tanzania sun

and the warmth and the hospitality of the Tanzania people. The warmth and greetings we receive each time we return, from Yolanda and Jennifer and Suzanne and Geoffrey and Norah. The gentle reminders from the teachers at Ngateu, when we go in - ready for action , to greet each other first. Amazing hospitality from our friends Farida and Saif, at cooking lessons and dinner complete with Grandfather and grandmother and son. Cricket instruction, [ the team is having problems blogging due to internet connectivity and lack of electricity stay tuned]

Arusha factoid

Do you know there is 2.5 million people in Arusha, and only 2 street light, it was very exciting driving in downtown yesterday, there a so many motorcycles now

The day of rest that wasn't.

Sunday we rose early and walked from Freedom Lodge up the hill to the school, and to the church next to the school. We were to attend worship with in the church whose diocese owns the school. After church we were to attend a dedication of the new clean water well.

There is a small church next to the school and a larger worship space under construction. The local Bishop was to lead the worship service, so they decide we would use the “under construction” space for worship. A large white, satin backdrop was hung in front of the alter wall. Benches and resin chairs were brought in from the church and a PA system was assembled. The service was ready to start. Now, realize that this worship space is open to the sky as the walls are done but the roof has not been installed yet.

The Bishop welcomed all the worshipers and announced that the Safi Volunteers were visiting and that there would be a well dedication after the service. The service itself included a baptism, confirmation ceremony, lots of singing and a sermon/homily from the bishop. The travelers enjoyed the service even the one who got a sunburn because he just couldn’t bring himself to put on a hat in church, even a church without a roof. (OK, he is me.)

The clean water well dedication took place right after the Mass and was attended by the Safi Volunteers, staff at the school, school board members, Arusha Rotary Club members and of course the students,. After the dedication, all had the chance to draw clean water for our water bottles.

The Students that were at the school for the dedication were happy to meet new travelers and get reacquainted with the Safi volunteers that they met before.

we're here, part 2

Saturday, 22 Oct.

I do not see my posted blog so I'll try again. ( Admittedly, technology is not me, but I do have expert help. )
Safe arrival , 45 minutes in and out of the airport - a new record!
Time to have snacks and refreshments at the lodge. met by Geoffrey ( formerly Karim), Yolanda, Nora, Elizabeth ( cook - hurray! ) ,Mika, Jennifer and Susan - all giving us hugs and cheers. It feels good to arrive here.
Good sleep had by all and we're all delightfully pleasant this morning. Jacaranda trees are out, rain has come so it's green here, Meru is "out", roads are not dusty. However, the Sekina road to the lodge has not improved. We appreciate our drivers! Relaxing day today, late breakfast, unpack, into town for ATM and shillings ( 1690 per $), lunch at Selma's - yes, Nancy, there was pumpkin soup), Shoprite - 400Tsh for a loaf of fresh bread, (that's about $.25) Now, we're going to unpack the "Larry bags" - eat and sleep early.
Tomorrow is church and well dedication - we'll report.
we're happy, healthy and excited for the next days.
Salama, Mary

Thanks for the water!

AT 11am. TODAY WATER HAS COME OUT!!!

THANKS TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED IN CASH AND PRAYERS.

GLORY TO GOD.

SETH LAISER, Headmaster, Ngateu Secondary School

First Water!

Dear Safi, I have just picked up this report at Ngateu from Mr.Mkasa of the GemRock Drilling Company. Ngateu Secondary School Drilling Project Report

1. First water found at 62 meters
2. As of today, 25 February, 2011 drilling has reached 81 meters
3. We expect more water stikes as we drill more deeply according to survey report
4. We shall send some photos showing the water we have in the hole even though it is not enough at this point
5. We are proceeding with drilling down to 110 meters as recommended in the survey report

Mr. Mkasa, 25 February, 2011

Elizabeth and I will also take pictures as the drilling proceeds !
Regards, David ( Mtui)

Crispin's Orphan Project

We've visited this project before and are greatly in awe. Crispin started in 2007 with 10 orphan kids. 70+ are now at the center (140 kids total use services at the center) 12 live there because they have no extended family to help raise them at this time. Crispin and 4 staff run the project. The model he follows is to help with day care and school and needs that the extended family can't supply. At night most of the kids go to grandmothers and other family/community homes. There the children get love and nurturing. It takes a village to raise them. Some are HIV positive. Many were found in dumpsters or wandering the streets.

Crispin knows what it is like as he was an orphan at 7 with a 4 y.o. sister. He started this project so others wouldn’t suffer as he did. Crispin was lucky to have a grandmother take them under her wing and encourage him to pursue education. (Grandmother is term used to describe an older person, not necessarily your parent’s mother). He is doing the same with all the kids in the orphan project.

The St Mark Endowment fund sent a financial gift with us that will help to buy food and pay for medical needs for this growing population. We delivered knitted hats and small toys to the kids. Next time we will need more hats! Earla, Benjamin and Lisha helped to serve lunch; a gruel that is enriched with vitamins and nutrition needed by the kids to aid in fighting off HIV. Enjoy the pictures. I’ll put the expanded story onto the Safi web page shortly along with links to Crispin's site.

Another project we visited - The Plaster House

The last few days in Arusha had us visiting two special projects that Safi Members, thanks to Elizabeth, have become aware of. They are not secondary schools and are not our main focus but when we travel to TZ we go to learn more of the area the culture and the people and these two projects that we would like to bring to light. It is humbling to know abut other projects.

Sarah runs the Plaster House. This is a unique service in TZ where fluoride is so plentiful, so much so that children get sick from it either during pregnancy or as they are toddlers and young children. Too much fluoride causes their bones to be soft and they need operations to insert rods into the large bones. Pretty nasty stuff for a child. After surgery, they are in plaster casts and can not be sent back home for months, until the casts are removed. Sarah and her husband with a small staff are taking care of their needs until they can go back home. They are renting now and have quickly grown to helping 70-90 kids (18 beds). They are acquiring land and will need to do fund raising to build. Sarah and her husband are undaunted. They can’t stop because the need is so great. I’ll post more about this on the website. Sarah’s website got lost in the internet but when she recovers it I will link it onto the Safi site.

Finally - pictures

The well - When we left they were down 60 meters. The drilling is slow due to being in rock. The sound of the drilling was music to my ears. Keep praying that they hit waster at 90-110 meters (the original estimate of where it is based on knowledge of the area.)

Here are some pictures of the new latrines. Those who know how the old ones looked (ghastly) will greatly appreciate that these can be kept clean.

We're Back

This is just a short note to say we arrived back in Seattle today and scattered to our homes and our own beds. The water from the drinking fountain at SEATAC was absolutely delicious. All our bags arrived with us (including three of the Martin's.) Haldor's Massae Marani (warrior) stick is MIA as it didn't fit into the luggage and went separately. Evidently quite separately. It may show up one day. Tomorrow I'll start posting pictures as internet and electricity were never close enough to even wave at each other, much less meet while we were in TZ. Glad to be home. Tomorrow I get my cat :)

Kristina

PS - The worst part of not having internet is that we didn't get a chance to hear any comments back from all of you. We missed you.

Imagine

Imagine a balmy afternoon, good food and drink, Maasai dancers singing and jumping, and David Nelson in their midst doing his very best to jump along with them. Imagine Cindy and Natalie the center of attention of these same young warriors, receiving necklaces from them, and being asked to choose a betrothed from among them.

This was not quite what we expected when we drove up to Elisabeth's house (Elisabeth is the Ngateu burser), but it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable evenings of our trip. Elisabeth and her husband, Steven, own and operate a waste disposal service that hauls trash and garbage for many of the big hotels and lodges. During the course of the evening, Steven expressed profound thanks for SAFI's support of computer training for Elisabeth. As with so many SAFI projects, this too had unexpected beneficial consequences. According to Steven, Elizabeth's training has added to the efficiency and capacity of what they are able to do with their business, so much so that they have grown the business and been able to employ more workers.

Their next project will be to build a home and school for orphans on their property. They are generous people.

One more "imagine." Imagine the evening ending with a fabric balloon powered by a large candle floating up into the sky to join a nearly full moon as our hosts joined us in "the long farewell." It was truly a magical evening.

Denny Douglass

Blog by Earla

My voice has been silent so far on this trip but not because I have nothing to say. It is difficult to put into words the emotions one experiences in returning to this wonderful place called Tanzania. Relationships between people and cultures are the only way we can hope to mend our differences in this world. We come to work on those relationships and are rewarded by the affection and respect that we now share. This is a small step in the big picture but important nevertheless. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

Impressions of Africa by Cindy

This purposeful trip has been amazing and we are only a week and a half into it. I knew I would experience something I had never experienced before and it sure has been.

So far, there have been two kinds of highs for me – the smiling, eager kids all around Ngeteu and all the amazing animals of the Serengeti. In many respects they are two very different things but yet very similar in that they are both a wonderful creation of God.

The more I see of this amazing planet, the more I know we MUST take care of it – ALL of it. All the kids, all the critters, all the families and all the glorious beauty the land shares with us.

The kids of Ngeteu need so much, yet they have so much. I expected to find a poor school, but am amazed at what I am seeing – without Safi, there would be no books, no kitchen, no latrines, no water (the well is being drilled now and when done, the new latrines will be functional). The kids mostly seem very happy to be there and eager to learn – especially English it seems.

The safari was amazing – the number and kinds of animals, birds, plants – big and small that we saw blows my mind! We saw things that are rare to see – leopards and cubs; a caracal cat and so much more. We visited the place where the oldest human skull was found – is that history or what!

Farewell for now – more adventures tomorrow…