Bandari Project

The Bandari Project is a not-for-profit organisation helping break the cycle of poverty by providing education opportunities to underprivileged children and women in Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania. The project commenced in 2015, with Geoff Coxall, of the Rotary Club of Port Fairy, as one of the founding members. The Rotary Club of Bordertown is also a big supporter of the program, as are other clubs in the district.

Since its inception, the project team has built a school in the village, with classes ranging from kindergarten to Grade 4, totalling over 100 students. The team plans to add one more class each year until they have a full primary school. The students, who are very under-nourished, are provided with morning tea and lunch each school day.

The school is still looking for sponsors for this year’s kindergarten class. Visit www.thebandariproject.com for more information.

In addition to the school, the project supports local women by giving them knowledge and skills to build a better future. Six sewing machines, an instructor and a dedicated training room have been set up at the school. The women are taught sewing skills and, once they are competent, they are given assistance to find employment or start their own tailoring business.

The women also make the beautiful uniforms for the children as well as aprons and bags that are sold to fund the project.