Amani Orphans Secondary School

In 1996, Wilfred Daniel from Tanzania, along with Torkild and Tabitha Jensen, missionaries from Denmark, saw the need for quality education to be available for the growing number of orphans in and around the Usa River area in the Arusha Region. With the supervision and support of the non-profit organization "Help for Children and Youth" (Huduma ya watoto na vijana) and churches and individuals in Denmark, Amani Orphans Nursery and Primary School was established in 1998. Today, with over 400 students enrolled from nursery school through grade 7, Amani has reached maximum capacity.

Currently, 100 Amani students are orphans who depend on foreign sponsorship to provide tuition fees. The remaining students come from surrounding communities and pay tuition according to their means. Tuition fees cover all operational expenses of the school.

The need for a secondary school

In November, 2006, all the 7th grade students took Tanzanian National Exams. 100% of the students at Amani passed these exams. As exciting as that is, not all of the students were able to continue their education. Those who scored in the top 5% were selected to attend secondary schools across the country with the government paying their school fees. Those students who worked hard and passed, but fell short of the top 5%, must pay their own school fees if they can find a secondary school with room for them. Many students, especially those orphaned children, were not able to continue their education, thus the cycle of poverty continues on.

Seeing the needs

Recognizing the immense need for a secondary school, the Amani school board set out a long-term vision and plan for a secondary school, vocational training school, and future orphanage to be built in Usa River. Land has been purchased, and existing construction plans include eight classrooms, two laboratories, a library, cafeteria / all purpose room, bathroom facilities, administrative offices, and sports grounds. The land adjacent to the secondary school has been selected for purchase for the future development of vocational training school and orphanage. OMEGA has partnered with Amani Orphans Nursery and Primary School in the effort to construct the Secondary School and is encouraging Amani to raise 20% of necessary funds locally while OMEGA seeks the remaining 80% of funding from foreign donors. A basic budget summary for the Amani Secondary School Project is posted below. If you are interested in supporting OMEGA and Amani in this effort, you are welcome to contact OMEGA for a detailed proposal and budget.

Total Funds Needed
Line Item Category	Amani Cash	Donor Cash	OMEGA Cash	Total
Salaries & Benefits	0	17,640	16,800	34,440
Supplies & Materials	59,200	236,800	0	296,000
Travel & Transport	0	0	3,840	3,840
Other Direct Costs	0	1,733	9,818	11,550
Equipment < $5,000	0	1,525	1,525	3,050
Equipment > $5,000	0	50,000	0	50,000
Total Costs	59,200	307,698	31,983	398,880

If you are interested in this project and would like more information on supporting or adopting Amani Secondary School, please contact Jerry Hale at jhale@omegamission.org.

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