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Written by Katoke
Sunday, 25 March 2012 19:35
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As Sid Moir, headmaster at Katoke-Lweru Secondary School, looks to the future, he is pleased with its progress and contribution to the wider Katoke community. He has chosen a few things for mention about the school, which is the major project of the Katoke Trust.
The new computer lab has been a great success and there are plans for expansion. Students are keen, although at present they have to share a computer between two or more users. Both students and teachers have seen what a difference typed documents make.
"We want to help our kids have good self-esteem and skills, which will help them get jobs," Sid says. Staff, also, can "see the benefits of being in the modern world".
Funds for the lab were donated by the Sydney Archbishop's Aid Fund (ORAF). It was opened by the Regional Commissioner Mr Babu, who emphasised that computer studies were critical for the future.
Results in national exams have been very encouraging. In Form 2 the school came 5th out of 41 schools in the district, and was especially strong in English. Visiting native English speakers made a big contribution to good English results and there are many people going this year.
There is a high proportion of students boarding: 300 out of 400. A large number of boarders means extra work and responsibility, but it also gives students a better chance of academic success. The library is a popular place, "students love it", Sid says. More books will be on the way soon, sent by the Trust.
At present, staffing is under control but in future more qualified people will be needed. Lessons include health, music, computers, bible studies and, for junior students, agriculture. "It is a joy to see our students in church - they love to sing, and they are really praising God."
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| Last Updated on Sunday, 25 March 2012 19:53 |
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Merry Christmas and thank you for your support in 2011
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Wednesday, 14 December 2011 00:00
| Dear Katoke Co-workers,
We have much cause to rejoice over the work of the Trust this year.
I thank God for you and for the way he has continued to provide our needs for the work. Our two major events, the Tour or Teach and the Annual Dinner aroused great interest and attracted strong support.
The highlight of the year was obviously Samuel Habimana's visit. He charmed all he met and left a powerful impression. What an inspiration! Our long time supporters were reassured we have honourable leadership at Katoke and many new supporters were confident in being added to our lists. Our links to several Sydney schools were extended. As well, quite a number of people have enquired about going to Katoke in various capacities and sponsorships increased most pleasingly.
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| Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 January 2012 13:39 |
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Congratulations to Alan Watson on being awarded the Order of Australia
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Written by Katoke
Thursday, 26 January 2012 14:17
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Dr Alan Watson, founder and chairman of The Katoke Trust for Overseas Aid, has been awarded the Order of Australia for service to the international community, in particular the Katoke region of Tanzania, East Africa.
Dr Watson founded the Katoke Trust in 1998 to empower the people of Katoke, a very poor area of Tanzania, on the shores of Lake Victoria. His connection with the area goes back to 1968-1971 when he was a lecturer at Katoke Teachers’ College.
Returning in 1998 he found the people to be desperately poor, but wanting to help themselves; they did not want handouts, they wanted better prices for coffee crops, and education for their children. He speaks the national language, Swahili, and since he set up the Trust has returned twice each year for the past 13 years.
The award recognizes Dr Watson’s work for the Trust, which is dedicated to building healthy, better-educated communities in partnership with local leaders in Tanzania.
As well as health and economic initiatives, the major Trust project for the past six years has been building a secondary school, with 400 students and 10 classrooms.
Dr Watson says: “This award is a recognition and tribute to the many who have worked in the Katoke Trust program, in Australia and Tanzania, to make a difference, to make poverty history in Africa. There are 40 on our Australian sub-committees and working parties and a similar number in Tanzania”.
Please head to the donate page if you'd like to support the work of the Katoke Trust.
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| Last Updated on Thursday, 26 January 2012 14:25 |
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Annual Benefit Dinner a Success
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Sunday, 30 October 2011 20:54
| Thank you to everyone who supported the annual benefit dinner at Tradies on Friday 21 October. The event raised an amazing $28,000 for the work of the Katoke Trust, and the 13 children who were in desperate need received sponsorship.
The highlight of the evening was the address given by the outstanding community leader at Katoke, the Rev Samuel Habimana. He has been the chair of the Medical Dispensary, the co-founder of the Katoke-Lweru Secondary School and the person who has set the standard of honesty and commitment that has enabled the anti-poverty aid programs to flourish. He is a gracious man who recently had a totally atypical and unpredicted recovery from prostate cancer. Samuel speaks five languages and is a good communicator, having been a lecturer in English at Katoke Teachers College for some 30 years.
As a young man Samuel escaped from certain slaughter in Rwanda, and married the girl who helped him do so. His life has been inspirational, and he brought a tear to many an eye as he gave his heartfelt thanks to the people of Australia for what they are doing in the Katoke region.
All money raised at the event will go to the work of the Katoke Trust in Tanzania. |
| Last Updated on Monday, 07 November 2011 20:00 |
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