Before agreeing with an NGO to form a partnership, an Elimu Africa representative tours the NGO facility and meets with students, administration and staff to:
- Conduct a needs assessment.
- Observe the efficiency and effectiveness of the educational programs.
- Tour the facilities to ensure that it is a safe, healthy and positive environment for students.
- Ensure that both male and female students are treated with respect and encouraged to further their education.
- Observe the quality of instruction and student teacher interactions.
- View the curriculum of study.
- Learn about extra curricular activities and programs for self-sustainability.
- Learn about the history and success rate of the NGO.
- Review their system of accounting and use of donor funds.
- Learn about plans for future growth of programs or facilities.
- Ascertain that administration is willing to openly communicate with Elimu Africa representatives.
- Come to an agreement on methods of accounting for Elimu Africa funds.
- Develop a mutual agreement in the form of a contract which is voted upon by the boards of the NGO and of Elimu Africa prior to beginning our partnership.
The collaborative effort we establish calls for each of us to work in the areas within our scope. Our partners in Tanzania are experienced educators who are familiar with the educational system and the culture. We respectfully support their efforts by supplying funds for materials, building projects, salaries, food or operational costs. We also assist them by sending volunteers and Elimu Africa board members to aid in working with students, assisting teachers, providing administrative help or working with special projects such as computer set up and training.
We are proud of the wonderful educators we work with in Tanzania. They are truly heroic as they are the ones with the original vision to work with the students we wish to serve. They often work with fewer resources, yet they remain positive and joyful while creatively making do with what they have at hand. We are grateful for their dedication and compassion in helping their students truly have a chance to succeed in life.
