This June, 21 volunteers travelled to Zanzibar from Balfron High School to help construct a new library at Ubago Primary School, which will also provide much-needed secure storage space for class supplies.
The need
All our project work is led by our partner schools and comes directly from them. Teachers at Ubago reported that they were struggling to find a safe place to store essential school supplies, including books, and students had no quiet area to study.
Ubago had a half-constructed building on the site from before we started working with them, which was unfinished due to a lack of funds. The building was at risk of collapsing and needed to be repaired. Whilst the building was being repaired, it was a perfect opportunity to utilise the space and make Ubago’s dream of having a library a reality.
Fundraising
Will Newbolt, our Partnerships Manager, Alistair White, our Partnerships Co-ordinator, Holly Newbolt and Vinay Panchal took on the Lake District 100km ultra-challenge to raise funds for African Adventures Foundation. In total, they raised £2,000, which helped fund the library build at Ubago, along with the money that is donated from the volunteers’ trip fee.
Construction of the library
Local Fundis (builders) fixed the brickwork, constructed a roof and fitted the windows and doors before our volunteers arrived so they could get straight to work completing their project work.
Our volunteers worked hard plastering and painting the walls to complete the build.
The impact
This project has benefited more than 400 students and ten teachers.
“I, Haji Simai Pandu, the head teacher of Ubago Primary School, on behalf of my fellow teachers, students, the school committee, and the parents’ committee, would like to thank the African Adventures Foundation and Balfron High School for building us a library and a storeroom. Initially, we used to store school supplies and assets at our neighbours’ or teachers’ homes near the school, which was causing inconvenience and loss of items. We also had no place where we could teach students computer lessons, but now we have found a safe and good place for our children to study. Thank you very much.”
Thank you to everyone who helped make this project happen! We can’t wait to provide further updates on the impact the library has had on the education of over 400 students.
