The New Cheka

I am back in Arusha, Tanzania with Amy and Arika.  We landed late Thursday of last week and are already feeling like we're home.  Thank you again for all the support we have received throughout the last year.  

To give a quick update on Cheka School:

After leaving in June of last year, Cheka School was running fairly smoothly with a new teacher, Tabia replacing teacher Catherine.  Several members of the Cheka Volunteer team arrived early this year to visit for a few months.  Unfortunately while there, trouble with the landlord and school director forced the Cheka Volunteer Team to re-locate Cheka School quite unexpectedly.

Fortunately, we were able to bring all of the previously donated and purchased items to the current location.  Cheka School is currently renting land very close to the old location.  Almost all of the Cheka students were able to re-enroll, with about 10 older students sponsored to government school.  In addition to the 20 students who remained, we gained 30 wonderful students who are now split between four classes (Simba, Tembo, Twiga and Kiboko).

New Cheka School!

The new location for Cheka School is beyond anything I could have imagined!  We employ two guards, one during the day and one at night.  There are two buildings on the property.  The larger building is the school which houses two classrooms, a playroom, a full kitchen, teacher's office, and 3 proper bathrooms.  The smaller house is a volunteers quarters with two bedrooms, living room and two bathrooms.  The students and teachers are quite happy with the new location.  

Cheka Volunteer House

After the unfortunate falling out with the previous school director, Herman was brought on as the new director.  Herman works part time at his own school, Lasting Blessing which we have visited several times on previous trips.  Herman has a great deal of experience and is able to run the school honestly and effectively.

morning parade

Seeing the students Monday morning was amazing! All the previous Cheka students were so excited to see us, and the new students were very eager to meet us.  They are as cute as ever!











We observed teacher Happy and Tabia administering the students monthly assessments.  The students were being tested on matching letters, beginning letter sounds and dictation.  For the most part they knew their letter sounds and had corresponding actions to help them remember  (way to go Teacher Wendy and G!).  They have made wonderful progress and are so eager to learn more.  

Rizi and babi Rizi

Please continue thinking about our wonderful students at Cheka School.  While we are extremely happy with the teachers and current school, we are always looking for volunteers and donations.  If you are interested in volunteering or donating to Cheka School, please contact myself or a member of the Cheka Volunteer Team (contact info on website-www.chekaschool.com).


Also, I have posted loads more pictures that are public on facebook under Sarah Shay