THE SCHOOL
Mungere School is the first high school available to kids in the rural community of Mungere, Tanzania. Every year more than 200 families apply for one of the 30-40 available spots in the incoming class. When completed, Mungere School will serve over 300 students each year.
THE AVERAGE SCHOOL LACKS THE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED TO EDUCATE STUDENTS
In Tanzania, secondary schools have incredibly high student-to-teacher ratios, teachers must utilize outdated books and learning materials, and facilities are limited. While all formal exams in Tanzania are given in English, many private secondary schools still teach in Swahili due to teacher shortages and lack of proficiency.
STILL THE AVERAGE FAMILY CAN'T AFFORD TO SEND THEIR KIDS TO SCHOOL
While elementary school in Tanzania is free, high school costs about USD $500 per year—making it highly cost prohibitive when the average family income is roughly USD $530 per year. Even when families make great sacrifices to send a child to school, there is no guarantee of the quality of education. For students living in rural areas, attending high school usually means traveling great distances daily, which can be both dangerous and exhausting.
AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE
At Mungere, families invest only USD $15 per year total to cover their child's entire education. While their financial contribution doesn't cover all expenses, it pays for operating costs at the school, solidifying each family's commitment. The school is centrally located within the village, protecting students from the vulnerability of travel and giving them much-needed time to study.
SOMETIMES IT REALLY DOES TAKE A VILLAGE
The Parent Action Committee as well as the local tribal government are actively involved with the school. Community meetings are held regularly to share ideas and solve problems in a cohesive partnership.
PREPARED FOR SUCCESS
Preparation is the key to success. At Mungere, our students receive:
A COMPETITIVE, HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION
Our teachers hold advanced degrees and lend local and cultural perspectives. Our teachers have come from China, Ireland, the United States, Tanzania, Scotland, England, Mexico, and Australia to donate their time and talents. All teachers have completed an ESL, CELTA, or TESOL training.
On government-issued tests, Mungere students consistently score in the top quarter of schools in the region and in the top 3 in the district (out of 23 schools).
The Tanzania Ministry of Education has recognized Red Sweater Project as a successful school model that gets positive results.
SUSTAINABLY DESIGNED, MODERN FACILITIES
Solar power throughout campus has been made possible by the volunteer efforts of Engineers without Borders.
By giving students their own solar-powered lights for late-night studying, families save time, money, and resources. It is also a healthier alternative to the traditionally-used kerosene lantern.
Our buildings are designed to keep students and faculty cool in the heat and warm when it's cold without the use of consumable fuels.
AN ATMOSPHERE THAT PROMOTES GENDER EQUALITY
We level the playing field for boys and girls, whether it's in the classroom, on an athletic field or on a debate stage. This approach builds the confidence of female students and teaches all students that everyone has strengths that are not defined or limited by gender.
HEALTH CARE, HEALTH EDUCATION AND SANITATION SERVICES
Safe drinking water is available to all students.
Health outreach helps to boost wellness and prevent disease within the community.
If a student becomes ill, they're treated. Illnesses commonly treated include malaria, typhoid, and pneumonia.
Two balanced meals are served each day, supplemented with fresh organic vegetables from the school garden.
Gas burners eliminate the school's need for firewood, which would contribute to deforestation.
The campus is equipped with composting toilets and handwashing stations with waste safely recycled to replenish nutrients in the school's garden soil.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
In addition to their studies in the classroom, students at the Mungere School have the opportunity to participate in our hands-on programs.
SMALL BUSINESS SKILLS
The School Store:
Provides a valued resource for the entire community, where local families can purchase goods and sundries at reasonable prices. The next closest market, a 3km walk away, is only open on select days and has a limited selection.
Operates the first-ever solar-powered mobile phone and lantern charging station for community members, keeping families connected.
Gives students the opportunity to apply math and economics coursework to real-life scenarios.
Reinvests in Mungere School to offset operational costs.
NUTRITION AND AGRICULTURE
The Mungere School Garden:
Produces organic food for school meals, reducing operational costs and increasing campus sustainability.
Provides hands-on experience for agriculture class coursework. Many of our students come from pastoral tribes, and the knowledge they gain from hands-on work in the garden is directly applied to their own family's subsistence farming practices.
Creates income. Produce is sold at the school store to fund ongoing operations while providing affordable, nutritious food to the local community.
LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK
The Mungere Athletics Program:
Teaches lessons in teamwork, dedication, and respect.
Promotes gender equality on campus. Ninth-grade student Tasiana Kabuka is a prime example. She is the first girl in the region to play on an all-boys soccer team and has been recognized by her fellow classmates as well as by FIFA for her skills and leadership on the soccer pitch.