The next steps for Marie School
The school is growing – and with it the dreams of the children in Chikola.
To ensure that every child has access to education, we continue our work: new classrooms, more books, clean water, safe routes to school. On this page you will find the projects we are currently planning and implementing.
From Nursery School to Primary School
In February 2025, a three-member delegation from Switzerland traveled to Chikola for one week to visit our school on site. The aim of the trip was to assess the current situation and define priorities for the next stages of development. The overall impression was very positive: the school team works with great dedication, and the children appear healthy, curious, and full of joy. The main area in need of improvement is school supplies, which are often of insufficient quality – the pencils we brought from Switzerland were received with great gratitude.
A central concern expressed by the entire village community is the wish for a primary school of their own. Thanks to the generous support of the Schmid Foundation, we are now able to take on this project. From 2026 to 2031, we plan to open one new grade each year, allowing the children who currently attend the nursery school to remain in the village through Grade 6 in the future.
Demand is already strong: 40 children have been enrolled in Grade 1 since January 2026. We are gaining initial experience and using these insights to guide the school’s continued development.
For the entire team, this marks the beginning of a challenging but extremely hopeful phase. We are determined to make the best possible use of this unique opportunity for the benefit of the children of Chikola. Our heartfelt thanks go to all supporters who have accompanied us on this journey so far. Special thanks go to the Schmid Foundation for placing their trust in us and for their commitment to supporting the project sustainably.
ASANTE SANA – Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Further Projects
School Garden
2026
We want our school to become a truly green place. More plants mean shade in the summer, healthy food for all of us, and improved soil quality.
Collect Rainwater
2026
It feels wasteful to use our precious drinking water to irrigate the garden. We would therefore like to collect rainwater. To do so, a gutter would need to be installed on the dining hall roof, along with large tanks to store the water.
Increase Solar Energy Capacity
2026
As the school expands, electricity demand will increase. Given the climate, solar energy is ideal in Tanzania — even during the rainy season, there is hardly a day in Chikola without sunshine.
2. School Bus
2026
Our school bus is already overcrowded – many children depend on transport. Especially the first graders cannot yet manage the distance on foot. We would therefore like to purchase a second bus if possible (CHF 16,000). To help fund this, we are planning activities in Switzerland and will share more details in due course.