Project Zawadi

06/15/2026

We are halfway through June and have 15 more days to reach our goal of $125,000 to continue laying the groundwork of expanding support for school agriculture, nutrition, and teacher professional development at the 13 new Model Schools.

Be a part of our "Feed. Train. Lead." campaign.

To donate online visit: https://projectzawadi.networkforgood.com/projects/301062-feed-train-lead

You can also mail a check to: Project Zawadi, 253 Duke Street, St Paul MN 55102

You can also email us at [email protected] to make a pledge (please fulfill by June 30)

06/12/2026

We loved seeing this post from Peace Corps Tanzania.

One of the most rewarding things about education is that its impact often isn’t fully visible until many years later.

A former student becomes a leader. A teacher becomes a colleague.

Congratulations to Joel on the important work he is doing today, and thank you to Peace Corps Tanzania for sharing this story.

Proof that investing in education matters.

Brian Singer: A Teacher Who Left a Lasting Legacy

More than 20 years later, a powerful story of impact has come full circle.

Joel, now a Peace Corps staff member in Tanzania, has reunited with his former teacher and Peace Corps Volunteer Brian Singer, a man who forever changed how he saw learning.
Joel recalls:
“In 1993, Brian arrived in the Mara region to teach O‑Level Mathematics. From day one, we knew he was different. He didn’t just stand at the front of the room he moved around, engaged us, made sure everyone understood. No student was ever left behind. His energy, patience, and passion made math exciting and accessible.”

Brian’s influence reached far beyond the classroom. He built deep bonds with the community — friendships that still stand strong today.

A beautiful reminder that great teachers don’t just teach; they transform lives.
And sometimes, decades later, life gives us the chance to say thank you🙏

06/02/2026

Over the past several years, Project Zawadi has worked closely with four Model Schools in rural Tanzania to strengthen leadership, improve learning environments, and support long-term school improvement. This work has expanded to 13 additional schools serving more than 9,300 students.

Now, we are preparing for the next phase — expanding support for school agriculture nutrition, and teacher professional development to help these schools continue moving forward. We call this approach: FEED. TRAIN. LEAD.

WHY THIS MATTERS:
We believe meaningful school improvement happens when communities are empowered to lead their own progress. By combining food security, teacher development, and leadership support, we are helping schools create stronger learning environments for thousands of students.

JOIN US:
Help us raise $125,000 this June to support the next generation of Model Schools in rural Tanzania. We are already at over 50% of our goal thanks to lead donors who are sponsoring eight of these 13 new schools.

Donate online at: https://tinyurl.com/PZFeedTrainLead2026
Mail checks to: Project Zawadi, 253 Duke St., Saint Paul, MN 55102

05/06/2026

We have 31 Project Zawadi students currently in college—and something as simple as a laptop can make a huge difference for them.

In Tanzania, laptops are difficult to access and often much more expensive than they are here.

We’re looking for working, gently used laptops that can support students with research, writing, and coursework.

If you have one you no longer use, we would be grateful to put it to good use. Brian will be traveling to Tanzania on June 1 and can bring a few with him.

Please send us a message if you’re interested in donating.

Thank you for supporting students as they work toward their goals.

Former college students (in orange) returned recently to help students plant trees.

04/16/2026

Many birthdays to celebrate this month - Happy belated Birthday to Grace!

04/13/2026

Happy belated Birthday to Erasto!
We appreciate you.

04/13/2026

Happy belated Birthday Ibrahim!
Thank you for all of your good work.

04/13/2026

Youth have been active at our partner schools. If you could choose to do one of the following activities, which one would you choose?

1. Soccer
2. Bouncing in a blowup house
3. Frisbee

Let us know in the comments!

04/06/2026

ASANTENI SANA!

Thank you so much the individuals who supported the 2026 Kilimanjaro Benefit Run. Because of you, the Access 2 Tanzania guides and staff not only reached their goal—they exceeded it. I know many of you are waiting to hear how the guide leaderboard shook out. The top three slots went to Alex (and his family), Maningo and Wilfred. It was a very tight race until the very end.

Thanks to so many individuals, the real winners are the students who will now have meals at school—giving them a better chance to learn and move forward.

04/04/2026

Travel & Reflection: 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮

What happens when emerging technology meets real classrooms, teachers, and human connection?

Recently, Conor McGill — technology executive and advisor to Project Zawadi — traveled to rural Tanzania to explore a simple but powerful idea: 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘐 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨?

What began as a pilot quickly became something more.

From collaborating with educators to reflecting on purpose, culture, and global connection, Conor’s experience offers a thoughtful look at how innovation and humanity intersect to impact education.

And he discovers a new interest along thew way! 📸

Enjoy his personal reflection here,

https://projectzawadi.org/conor-mcgill-a-story-of-technology-humanity-and-discovery/