CORE TANZANIA

CORE Tanzania originated as a response to the observations of founder Michael Banobi of the declining vitality of the community in his native village, Bushasha. He became convinced that improved education was the most important factor needed to move the community forward. Michael approached village elders to discuss the educational needs of their community, and they identified the need for a second primary school. The existing school was severely over-crowded and under-resourced, and was not providing adequate preparation for high school. They offered to donate village land for a new school. Michael gathered a group of volunteer board members and formed CORE Tanzania in July 2016. CORE chose the establishment of a new school in Bushasha as its first project.

With the support of many committed volunteers and donors, CORE Tanzania completed construction of the first phase of Twegashe Primary School in 2020, and the second phase in 2022. The school opened in 2020 with one class of kindergartners, and is now (July 2024) providing quality instruction - with a focus on active, hands-on learning and critical thinking - to 180 village children in grades K-4 who could otherwise not afford this type of education. Instruction is in English to better prepare children for secondary school. A school garden provides nutritious food for school meals. There is a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability in operations and curriculum, including use of composting toilets and solar power, and the establishment of an environment club.