children lined up outside school building
School building

Felicia Children's Center Development Timeline

2026
August 2026: Investment $18,850
Image of young school age boy smiling with arms raised in oragne sweater and khaki pants
  • Phase Two “Superstructure” of construction for the Dining Building has been completed.  The scope of the work included framing and walls.  We are set to begin Phase 3 of “Roofing” the building in September.
  • Purchased uniform stock for the children to store at school: 20 pieces of woven jumpers, pants, shirts, and knit sweaters.
  • Renewed health insurance for Ruth, Jennifer, and Jeny.
  • Hired local Arusha law firm Amal Associates to do legal work to register FCCF as an INGO in Tanzania.
  • Tanzania had a national campaign to vaccinate its citizens for polio this month. Visiting nurses came to FCC and vaccinated all of our children.
July 2026: Investment $1,518
Image of a construction site with main working on foundation

 

  • Phase One “Substructure” of construction for the Dining Building has been completed.  Scope of the work included: clearing/leveling the site and creating the building’s foundation.  Phase Two “Superstructure” should commence early next month.
  • Enrolled Ruth, Head of School, in a 3-month English course which meets five afternoons/week for four hours/day and includes books/materials.
  • Purchased health insurance for Salome, our cook/custodian.
June 2026: Investment $17,250
June 2026: Investment $17,250
May 2026: Investment $7700
May 2026: Investment $7700
  • Spent 12 days onsite at FCC in Tanzania
  • Lawyer hired to begin the school’s NGO registration in Tanzania
  • Signed a Land Agreement for official use of the property for education and charitable purchases
  • All students were given a wellness checkup which included dental by Health Mission Africa’s team
  • Professional local photographer/videographer hired to document the children in school and also to interview the staff
  • Small gate installed on the side of wall
  • Kitchen supplies purchased such as large basins, melamine plates, mugs, stainless steel spoons, cleaning materials, food storage, chef’s hat/apron…
  • Two days spent at our partner school Bright Future Academy checking in on our 10 first graders, meeting with the Head of School and introductions to classroom teachers
  • Paid second semester tuition to Bright Future for all of our students
  • Hosted a parent/caregiver meeting at FCC for our 1st graders to emphasize their partnership/commitment to the sponsorship of their children to private school.  They were extremely grateful, humble and receptive.
  • Added Saturday’s and Sunday’s at FCC so that all students, current and graduates, can come for recreation, play, art and most importantly lunch
  • Increased the food budget to include weekends, also added sardines (high protein/nutrition) to the menu 2x/week
  • Party for the children and staff with entertainment by Simba.  Simba is a singer and performer we met climbing Mt Kilimanjaro two years ago
  • Check in’s with all staff to evaluate performance and inquire if they have concerns
  • Networking with other local educational charities:
  • Visit to The Girl’s Foundation www.girlsfoundationoftanzania.org
  • Visit with Alex Behan, Director of Education, Tanzanian Children’s fund www.tanzanianchildrensfund.org
April 2026: Investment $6310
April 2026: Investment $6310
Revamped our water “system” at FCC in Tanzania replacing the existing water tank and stand.  This project was done and completed in advance of the construction of the dining building, but is set up to accommodate it.
  • Purchased a new larger water tank that holds 5000 liters, paint, pipes, cement and other building materials.
  • Built a taller, sturdier water stand.
  • Hired a skilled plumber and engineer to run pipes underground to the village’s central water source.
  • Paid for health insurance for Lotha that was pending because of an issue with his ID card
  • Deposited $1000 into our Tanzania bank as a “reserve” amount in case of emergencies.
March 2026 – Investment $1060
March 2026 – Investment $1060
  • Hosted our FCCF East Coast Fundraiser Cocktail Party at Altamirano’s in NYC. Dollars raised have been earmarked for the construction of our new dining building.
  • Deposited $25,000 into our brokerage account. We are working towards a future goal to be self-sustaining.
  • Hired an engineer and plumber to devise a plan for the new water tank and pipe system to connect to the village’s central water source.
  • Purchased khaki socks for all children.
  • Special note: Money transfers were delayed this month while a temporary hold was placed on our international wires.
February 2026 – Investment $2600
February 2026 – Investment $2600
  • Hosted our first FCCF West Coast Fundraiser in Los Angeles with wine tasting and organic “bites”.  Dollars raised have been earmarked for the construction of our new dining building.
  • Onboarded 4 additional students. Current enrollment is 29 students
  • Purchased uniforms and sneakers for all new students
January 2026 – Investment: $8112
January 2026 – Investment: $8112
  • Purchased 5600 more bricks, cement and sand to complete our perimeter wall around the school property
  • Onboarded 10 new students and have projected that we will receive 14 total by next month
  • Celebrated Ruth’s birthday with a party at school with children and staff
  • Increased our social media presence and launched a $5 Friday campaign to specifically help cover monthly food costs
  • Planned fundraisers for both Los Angeles and New York City
2025
December 2025 – Investment: $6500
December 2025 – Investment: $6500
  • Our ten graduates spent a day at Bright Future Academy for academic assessments, interviews, and uniform fittings.
  • Paid first semester tuition fees for 1st grade for our graduates: Grace, Gracious, Evance, Purity, Imperia, Samir, Charity, Bilal, Vanessa, and Alice
  • Our graduates placed their handprint on our new wall with orange paint to kick off a yearly tradition
  • All staff received an extra one-month salary as a holiday bonus
  • Christmas Day included a field trip with nature walk and a visit to The Arusha Safari Lodge to feed African animals such as zebra, elan and giraffe. Afterwards, the children and staff celebrated with a special holiday lunch followed by games and songs.
November 2025 – Investment: $3800
November 2025 – Investment: $3800
  • Dedicated section of the wall plastered and painted white for graduating children’s handprints
  • Extra groceries, crafts and decorations purchased for the end of year Christmas party
  • Website updates
  • Sponsorship for all ten graduates confirmed for placement in private school for first grade at Bright Future Academy
Supporting Early Education in Arusha