We’re back from Tanzania and excited to share the latest news from Katoke!

Our team—Tim, Lee, Peta, Jesse, and I—had an incredible trip, witnessing firsthand the progress and impact of your support.

It was a delight to be reacquainted with teachers and students, to see the completed soccer field, new classrooms, and the cultivation of farming plots led by teacher Mr Andason Kashombo.

Spotlight Story

Datius Has a Sponsor!

I want to thank everyone who responded to our recent call-out for sponsors. Our sponsorship coordinator, Lee, was delighted to be able to tell Datius in-person that he had been accepted into the sponsorship program!

Datius now has the hope of a bright future. With a full belly, a clean, safe place to study and sleep, new friends, and the promise of a good education, the change in his countenance is notable! 

Project & Impact Updates

The main activities of Katoke Trust are centred around three themes: CARE, EDUCATE, GROW, and are aimed at self-help educational, medical and economic improvement in the Katoke area.

During our trip to Tanzania, we were able to experience first-hand a number of these projects. It’s wonderful to be able to see projects “in action” and to meet some of the individuals, families, and communities involved.

🐓 Women’s Chicken Projects

We visited four of the six sites, each at a different stage of development but all making a real difference. The generosity of the women was humbling—they gifted us eggs as a token of their gratitude. We’re now considering expanding to more locations!

🌱 Vanilla Growing

The vanilla plants are thriving, with healthy beans maturing. However, with global vanilla prices falling, farmers need encouragement to keep going in hopes of better returns.

🦟 Malaria Prevention

Malaria prevention forms a vital part of the Katoke Trust’s multi-pronged attack on poverty.

For over 20 years our malaria-prevention program has seen malaria reduced in local villages from over 60% of people infected per annum to about 10%. This program involves a lively educational performance and the sale of bed nets (subsidised by the Trust), and has been taken to a total of 14 villages and sub villages.

One of the most powerful moments of our February trip was visiting a lakeside village, where malaria rates are high. The community came together for a vibrant, educational event with music, traditional dance, drama, a nurse’s talk, and a mosquito net demonstration. Roeland Weisfelt, our visiting accountant, was especially moved by the event’s impact. This program needs continual maintenance or the incidence of malaria could rise again. 

🌾 KLSS Agricultural Project

KLSS has a healthy plot of land overseen by staff member Mr Andason Kashombo (a former student!), along with many willing volunteer students who are all working hard to plant, water, grow, and harvest food for the school.

📚 A Novel Arrival at Katoke!

We are thrilled to share that a long-awaited shipping container has arrived at Katoke, filled with books generously donated by Danebank!

As you can see, librarian Evina Enock and the students are overjoyed and deeply grateful for this incredible gift. These books will open up new worlds of learning and opportunity for our students. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this possible!

🤝 Sponsorship

For just $110/month (or $55/month for half sponsorship), you can provide a student with:

• Quality education
• Books, uniforms, accommodation
• Nutritious meals & clean water

We have 6 students currently waiting to be sponsored: 1 half and 5 full sponsorships. The longer these students wait, the further behind they fall with their studies.

I look forward to sharing more news next month.

Grace and peace,

Associate Professor Alan Watson AM

President, The Katoke Trust