ARUSHA SITE VISIT, JUNE 2024

We’ve been holding weekly conference calls via WhatsApp, but there is nothing like being with the team on site.  During our visit to Arusha in December 2023, we were able to see foundations, floor slabs and walls of the Girls House at the Girls Leadership Center underway. Over the next six months, the Africa Schoolhouse team made amazing progress, with roofs in place on the three largest buildings, and foundations underway for the last three. 

In June, our focus was on finish work.  With only seven days on the ground, we relied on the team to prepare key mockups in the future Office wing to review and troubleshoot together.

A master plasterer from Mwanza made fast work of finishing floors, walls and ceilings of exterior and interior spaces, with the help of local laborers, including many women. 

Railings and wood slat ceiling for the front porch under discussion by Scott, Engineer Benjamin and carpenters Mapanbano and Victor. 

TGFT Founder Nano Chatfield, Scott, Engineer Benjamin, Pam, Dr. Estahappy Mariki, Africa Schoolhouse VP Jefta Kishosha and Local partner Architect Joas Tibaijuka reviewing progress and plans in the Lounge/Living Room of the Girls House.

The Director’s and Volunteers’ Houses are deigned to fit quietly under the existing trees—and capture views of Mount Meru from the rear verandas.