Arusha — Hundreds of villagers from Karatu District gathered at Ayalabe Primary School on Sunday, July 26 to celebrate the official opening of two newly built modern classrooms and to recognize the support of numerous organisations and a safari company.

A US-based NGO, Friends of Tanzanian Communities (FOTZC), funded the construction of the new classrooms, laid the foundations for several other classrooms to be built, and expressed commitment to work with the district on numerous development projects in the future. FOTZC works closely with the safari company, Thomson Safaris, whose guests often visit schools in Tanzania and contribute to various projects.

Attending the event and visiting Ayalabe for three days on a volunteer project, a group of alumni from Stanford University contributed funds to renovate two other classrooms.

Among many distinguished guests, the honorable Karatu Member of Parliament, Dr. Wilbroad Slaa, attended the ceremony and noted the support of communities and the government in a keynote speech.

"Investment is important in Karatu and in Tanzania," said Dr. Slaa in a later interview, as translated from Swahili. "But we need investors who are transparent and who are willing to support and work with communities."

As a symbol of their support, the village and school leaders gave the honored Thomson Safaris guests from Stanford gifts, such as kitenge cloths. Leaders from Karatu District, Stanford University, Thomson Safaris, and Friends of Tanzanian Communities also made remarks.

Besides building the new classrooms, FOTZC also laid the foundations for three other classrooms. The NGO has also built a toilet facility at Ayalabe Primary School and has many other plans in development for the school. FOTZC also works with Ganako Secondary School and has other projects in the works in Karatu. Members of Stanford University alumni are involved in several development initiatives in Tanzania as well.

Official opening of modern classrooms at Ayalabe Primary School.