Welcome Muugano Primary School
Congratulations Muungano Primary School! We successfully launched our second primary school computer lab including 11 PC computer desktops, 1 TV for teaching and a large printer. We had 10 desks made along with 20 chairs and had the classroom rewired to accommodate all the computers. The computers come with all the standard Microsoft programs as well as Internet in a Box. We have also added several educational games designed to enhance math skills and improve mouse and typing abilities.
On Monday September 23, the head teacher, Mr. Msuya coordinated a ribbon cutting ceremony complete with balloons and cake. The Moshi district educational officer attended, acknowledging support for the program. The head teacher, incidentally, was the previous head teacher for Jamhuri, our first school. He has turned out to be quite the champion for spreading technology in education, and along with many, see that as the future for Tanzania.
Monday morning, Betsey started with computer clinics for any of the teachers who stopped by. Generally, mornings were for teachers, afternoons were for students. The skill range included teachers who had never touched a computer to a few with competent knowledge of both Excel and Word. It is rewarding to work with the teachers who realize there are time saving ways to do their jobs if they venture into the computer world.
Afternoons were spent teaching groups of 20 Standard 5 or 6 (grade 5 or 6) students Introduction to Computers, Excel or Word, and Intro to our Internet in a Box, a downloadable section of the internet installed on an intranet. Needless to say, they were very excited. We started each class with 1 of 2 educational computer games – either math or typing to help them get started with the keyboard or mouse. None of us remember how challenging those were in the beginning, I’m sure - kids were excited to shoot at asteroids by solving math problems. Then we launch into a lesson with some translation assistance provided by one of a few teachers. Two hours flew by and none of the students wanted to leave.
During our first week, every child, from kindergarten through Standard K-4 experienced a little time on the computer. Generally, we started a typing game which allowed them to find small words in Swahili and type the letters, again before the fish were eaten by a penguin. Mr. Msuya’s goals were 1) to allow each student a few minutes of hands on time so everyone would realize the lab was for all students, not just the older ones and 2) so the students would go home and tell their parents so everyone would be excited about the opportunities for the students.
Besides the games, Internet in a Box was probably the most interesting for the students. Using Google Maps, they were able to explore Africa, Tanzania, Moshi, find their school and even locate San Diego. They had been studying the Amazon and were amazed at how big it is. When they explored Wiki, they had a choice of Swahili or English. Favorite searches were local and international football stars and the digestive system. Before long they were searching all sorts of things. When the afternoon was over, no one wanted to leave. After closing up the computer lab for the day, lots of the younger students wanted to wait with us for our ride. Hugs, questions and smiling faces were a lovely sendoff at the end of every day.
The staff were excited about the printer because it will significantly reduce the time and cost of administering exams every month. Previously, the teachers would prepare exams, then they were taken to a stationary store to print - a major cost for the school.
As teachers and students continued to learn Mr. Msuya would bring by groups of parents whenever possible. By the end of 2 weeks, every student had spent time in the lab, most of the teachers’ questions had been answered and Muungano was well on their way to incorporating computer learning time in their regular schedule. We had a wonderful celebration with the teachers and Mr. Msuya at the end with a lunch complete with singing and dancing. We left feeling much love and support from both the teachers and students!
Over the past few years that we have spent in Moshi, there has been a bit of a shuffle of head teachers in the schools in our orbit. Jamhuri, our first, is on its 3rd head teacher. This has resulted in 3 head teachers having experienced Jamhuri’s computer lab. Why is this notable? Head teacher #2, who I worked with in May went on to a new school, Majengo, nearby, so she too wants a computer lab.
Her school had 8 non-working computers. Mark took them all to our favorite computer store, had them blown out (major dirt is usually the problem as everything is so dusty) and replaced some mice and keyboards. They were up and running, but without teaching support. We did spend 2 Saturdays teaching the teachers Word and Excel. Next year, they will get teaching support and perhaps some more equipment. We have suddenly found ourselves with 3 primary schools!
It has been our plan to consider expanding to a secondary school, especially since Jamhuri and Muungano feed the same one. Kiusa Secondary School is literally next door to Muungano. With an introduction and escort from Muungano’s head teacher, we met with the head teacher who was very supportive. It seems Computer education is an elective in the secondary school curriculum starting in the 3rd year, with teaching materials readily available but unless the school has computers, they sit in storage. Our hope is that we will be able to launch Kiusa next year as well. That would give students time to grow and be ready for more rigorous computer training (including programming, data structures, and more) by the time they reach their 3rd year.
All this sounds very ambitious. We’ve lots of planning to do over the next several months. Fortunately, we have partnered with Simbas Footprints, a local NGO that is focused on empowerment of children, youth and families in the Kilimanjaro region. This partnership has allowed us to source local equipment and set up the lab in Muungano. We hope they will provide guidance, introductions and technical support going forward. In the coming year, we will be looking for volunteers to help and donations to continue our mission of enabling students and teachers through technology.
