The Beginning
The story of the Tanzania Project began with the disabled and poor boy Hassan who became acquainted with the Norwegian fisherman Einar Johansen. The two met in the late 90s in Mbamba Bay in southwest Tanzania by Lake Nyasa, when Einar was the representative of Norways Råfisklag (a Norwegian sales organization for fish, whales and shellfish) in a project for The Royal Norwegian Society for Development. This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship.
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Hassan came to Norway in 2001 and received prosthetics at the University Hospital of Northern Norway in Tromsø. This also marked the beginning of the Tanzania Project, which has since been dedicated to improving the living-conditions for the people around Lake Nyasa in southwest Tanzania.
Einar's involvement evolved into several targeted projects. Some of his earliest supporters were Evy and Gunnar Lind from Botnhamn, and his wife Helene Johansen. The village of Botnhamn, and especially Botnhamn school, was crucial for the project's growth.
Between 2008 and 2013, the Tanzania project received support from Norad and contributed to the establishment and construction of two secondary schools and a new vocational school. In addition, five existing secondary schools and one vocational school were rehabilitated.
The project has renovated all 42 primary schools in the same school district, and all projects are followed up with multiple annual visits. We rely on private support to carry out the program we have. Many have supported us financially, and some have also traveled to Mbamba Bay to contribute to the work.
The commitment others provide is incredibly inspiring!
Hassan
Mbamba Bay
Hanne Renland
Hanne Renland is the daughter of Einar Johansen from Botnhamn in Senja. When Einar passed away in 2010, Hanne took over as Managing Director of the Tanzania Project and has held that role ever since.
Hanne is a specialist in clinical child- and adolescent psychology and has a private practice in Finnsnes.
Where are we today?
The Tanzania Project stands today as a steady and growing organization with a strong commitment to improving education in the Nyasa district of Tanzania. We have been fortunate enough to reach over 40 schools in the area, thanks to our continuous efforts and collaboration with local authorities, volunteers, and generous sponsors.
Over the years, we have contributed to the construction of new school buildings, rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, and the provision of essential learning resources such as books and desks. This work has directly influenced recruitment and motivation among teachers and has also led to a noticeable improvement in students’ academic results.
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An exciting highlight in our work is the establishment of the "Tanzania Project Teachers" – an international professional learning community. This initiative has already attracted many volunteer teachers from Norway, and together with local teachers in the Nyasa district, they work to share and exchange knowledge, aiming to build a sustainable and inclusive learning culture.
Lovund Primary School, the exemplary school that stands out as a gem among schools, and something we aspire towards in the upgrading of other schools, is definitely a highlight in the Tanzania Project's efforts. We are now in the process of building Lovund Secondary School, which will also be a school of high standard, and we aim to ensure a quality curriculum is provided.
Even though we have made significant progress, there are still many challenges to overcome. However, with our growing network of supporters and our determination, we are optimistic about the future. Our vision of ensuring quality education for all children in the Nyasa district propels us forward, and we are proud to be a part of this exciting journey.
Our Vision
In the Tanzania Project, we envision a world where every single child has access to quality education, regardless of where they live or their economic circumstances. We believe in the potential of education as a catalyst for positive social change, and the value of collaboration to achieve this goal.
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Our vision is to foster the development of knowledge and learning so that education becomes accessible to everyone. The people living here should be given the tools to support themselves and contribute to building and improving the community. The Nyasa district needs our assistance in various areas, and with more teachers and supporters, this is possible.
Organization
Our organization consists of:
Managing Director: Hanne Renland
District Manager: Dennis Katumbi
Teacher Program Coordinator: Pastorr Vundwe
Accountant: Edvardsen Økonomiservice AS
Auditor: Midt-Troms Revisjon AS
Member of Innsamlingskontrollen (Collection Control)
In addition, we have a Norwegian and a Tanzanian Board
Our Board in Tanzania
Patrick Y. Munishi / John A. Chimtunga / Anna M. Mputa / Dennis D. Katumbi / Francis S. Ng’ohi / Awema A. Nkoma
Our Board in Norway
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Chairman
Principal of Strand Upper Secondary School.
Strand Upper Secondary School has been involved in the Tanzania project in recent years. I have personally been to Mbamba Bay twice to follow up on the projects we support, and I have grown fond of the people there. I see that the Tanzania project makes a difference for many people, and I look forward to being a part of its continued development.
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Board Member
Joined the Tanzania Projects’ first trip in 2010.
Siri works as the Managing Director of "BarnsBeste" (Children's Best), a national competence network for children as next of kin, established by the Ministry of Health and Care Services.
She is committed to children's rights. The Tanzania Project's commitment to children's right to education is therefore a project she is proud to be a part of.
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Board Member
Kristin works as the managing director for Corvita Nord. Here, she is responsible for initiatives that offer various child welfare services.
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Board Member
Managing Director of the Tanzania Project since 2010, she is also a specialist in clinical child- and adolescent psychology and has a private practice in Finnsnes.