Faraja Fund Foundation

Faraja Primary School provides high-quality primary education for children who would otherwise be left behind. The school’s excellent academic record has attracted public interest and admiration. By demonstrating that children with physical disabilities are as intelligent and capable as any other, Faraja joins a small but growing movement to recognize and celebrate the dignity and potential of people with disabilities in Tanzania.

In addition, the Faraja Fund Foundation funds students’ medical care and rehabilitation services, including orthopedic surgeries and mobility equipment. Faraja’s well-equipped physical therapy center and licensed physical therapist help students develop strength and confidence. The school also employs a qualified clinician who provides post-op care and attends to students’ daily and emergency medical needs.

While a good primary education is critical, children need further education to succeed. Unfortunately, most Tanzanian families cannot afford to send their children to secondary school or vocational training. Without additional support, education for most Faraja students would end with their Class 7 graduation.

The Faraja Fund Foundation supports Faraja graduates as they continue their education in secondary school and vocational training. The school’s post-primary education program includes career counseling, to match students’ interests and abilities with potential employment or entrepreneurship opportunities. The ultimate goal is transforming Faraja graduates into adults who can make a meaningful contribution to their families and their communities.

Goal 1: Faraja teachers will continue to provide outstanding primary school education. Faraja’s 2020 graduates earned high honors on the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). Faraja posted its best score ever, placing first among small primary schools in the district. Faraja’s performance ranked among the top 3% of schools in the Kilimanjaro region and the top 7% of schools nationally. This accomplishment sets the bar for academic excellence in 2021 and beyond.

Goal 2: Faraja will continue to provide post-primary education and career counseling for Faraja graduates. Sixty-five Faraja graduates are pursuing further education in secondary school and vocational training this year. Current Faraja students (Class 4 and Class 6) will be introduced to career counseling through a ten-day Career Camp, to be held during the school holiday in June. The school’s staff will also focus on building partnerships with local business owners who may be potential employers for Faraja graduates.

Goal 3: The school’s medical team will continue to provide and coordinate medical care, orthopedic surgeries, and rehabilitation services for Faraja students and graduates. Onsite physical therapy, sports, and play improve students’ strength, coordination, and mobility. Faraja graduates also receive ongoing care while they attend secondary school and vocational training programs.

With the help of hundreds of generous donors, the Faraja Fund Foundation has funded the majority of Faraja Primary School's operating budget since the school's opening in 2001. Local partners, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and the Tanzanian government, have also contributed funding, qualified teachers, and nutritious food for students.

Members of the Faraja Fund Foundation Board of Directors visit the school regularly and work closely with school staff to evaluate students' academic performance, implement new projects, and monitor finances. This close working relationship has been the key to Faraja Primary School's progress over the past twenty years.

Faraja’s academic performance is measured internally through teacher grading and externally through district examinations given at the end of each semester. Faraja’s Primary School Leaving Exam (PSLE) results have improved with each graduating class, and we expect this trend to continue.

The impact of Faraja’s post-primary education program is measured by a variety of factors. Completion of secondary school and vocational training programs, students’ academic performance, employment, and entrepreneurship are all indicators of success. Faraja’s staff tracks progress and offers ongoing support as graduates complete their post-primary education and enter the workforce.

The impact of Faraja’s medical and rehabilitation program continues to grow, resulting in greater mobility and independence for Faraja students and graduates. The best measurement of outcomes is the effective planning and execution of students’ individual treatment programs. Faraja’s clinician and physical therapist work hard to provide students with the best care available anywhere in Tanzania, and we therefore anticipate continued success in this area.