An update for all our sponsors and supporters.

It is some time since we contacted many of our sponsors and supporters directly, and this is obviously because we have not been able to visit Tanzania for 15 months now, so have not been able to meet up with our sponsored students. Because of the unique situation regarding Tanzania and the Coronavirus Pandemic, we do not expect to be able to travel there for some time yet, unless the political situation changes radically in the near future. 

Sponsors and supporters can keep up to date with the work of The Meserani Project via the charity website page www.facebook.com/meseraniproject where we regularly post details of our events and activities both here in the U.K. and in Tanzania. However, we thought it would be useful at this time to post a summary of the current situation.

The main issues at this time are: 

Although we have not been able to personally meet up with our sponsored students, we have been able to get the necessary funds to them so that they can continue their studies. This has been done through an arrangement we have set up involving the charity bank here in the U.K. (Barclays), a bank in Tanzania, and the local politician who is our ‘contact’ in the area. All money sent for our students is recorded by the receipt of scanned copies of all documents that are sent over to us. This includes all bank statements, withdrawal slips, students’ signed receipts, images of students signing the receipts, and images of the students receiving their money. 

All our second year A’ Level students were able to begin their second year in July last year, and all our new A’ Level students were able to begin their courses at the same time. 

All second and third year university students were able to return to university in November last year, and all our new university students were able to start their first year of studies at the same time. 

The pupils who started their third year at secondary school in January this year were all provided with a complete new uniform. 

In June/July this year we expect about ten of our secondary school leavers to be selected by the government to progress to A’ Level studies. We have sponsors for all but one of these students. 

In September/October this year we have fourteen of our second year A’ Level students who may be selected to progress to university degree courses. 

We had good news last week about the new Meserani Secondary School building project. Although the project has not made the progress that was expected, due to ongoing political issues in Tanzania, last week the government announced how much money they are committing to the project in the initial stage, and this means that once building work commences it will only be a matter if months before the first pupils can start at the school. The Meserani Project has a considerable amount of money available to support the building project, and this will be facilitated once the government have started the building work. 

Can we thank all our sponsors and supporters for their ongoing support and patience in these challenging times – The Meserani Project could not function without you, and you are all truly valued. 

Do not hesitate to get in touch with us if there is anything further that you would like to know at this time. 

Thank you. 

Diane & Peter Swan