Meet Emmanuel
Emmanuel is from a Maasai village outside of Namanga, Tanzania. We met Emmanuel in Moshi where he was working temporarily to save money to start an English-speaking preschool-K school with the hope of expanding the grades over time. We became fast friends as we discussed books. He saw me reading by the pool. He shared his story and his vision for his future. Sadly, he did not know how to bridge the gap between a vision and making it a reality.
Emmanuel is a recipient of Compassion International, a Christian humanitarian aid organization. Because of Compassion International’s sponsorship program, he was able to learn English, receive an education through high school and receive help to complete most of a college journalism degree.
Emmanuel’s Story
“I grew up in a poor family and experienced firsthand the challenges that come with limited opportunities. As a child, I needed support to continue my education, and through Compassion International, I was given the opportunity to go to school and build a better future.
Education changed my life. It gave me hope, confidence, and the foundation I needed to become who I am today. Because of that experience, I made a promise to God that one day I would help other Tanzanian children who come from families like mine.
My desire is to give children a strong foundation through quality education, especially by helping them learn English and develop the skills they need for their future. I also have a special desire to provide scholarships for children whose families cannot afford to pay for their education.
I know what it feels like to need an opportunity. I was once that child. Today, my prayer and passion are to become a source of opportunity for others—helping children receive a good education, discover their potential, and eventually become independent and contribute positively to their communities.
What was once a prayer for my own life has become a passion to open doors for other children.”
Today
Today, Emmanuel has that Pre-K school in Namanga. He is leasing classrooms and a kitchen from a church. It has been mutually beneficial to both parties as the church is in the middle of a building project.
There were 8 students during the first term, and in 2 years, it has grown to 68 students! Emmanuel is a gifted leader and teacher. The students all love him. He has two teachers helping and a cook/cleaner. Presently, there are 16 students who struggle to pay their $95 tuition for the school year. With this deficit, it is difficult to get good help and make the necessary school upgrades. Jeff and I are filling the gaps, but there is so much more that can be done.
What has been done already.
- Buidling lease
- New, much needed, student desks
- Painted the buildings, outside and inside
- Added murals
- Brought numerous teaching aids, but much more needed
- Hired two teachers and a cook/cleaner
- Created a parent and teacher handbook that states rules and expectations
- Various forms of advertisement and content have been created
- Computer for Emmanuel, phone, transportation for Emmanuel, drinking water for students, simple projection system
- Secure school cabinet
What is still needed.
- More classroom space
- Sponsorship for student scholarships for families without the means to pay
- Playground equipment
- Tables and chairs
- Teacher desk and chair
- Increase Emmanuel and his teachers’ salaries which are well below the public school pay in that area
- Provide fresh fruit and vegetables on occasion for a snack for the students
- Mattresses for the children to rest on
- New floor for the kitchen, the present floor is damaged
- Place to store the student cups
- Protective barrier or small fence on high concrete step entrance, a safety issue
