June 2026: Investment $17,250
- Sent money for the contractor to clear and level the site, buy materials, a second water tank, and build the foundation for our new Dining Building
- Increased salaries for Jeny/Operations and Salome/Chef/Custodian based on excellent job performance
- Followed up on two students medical conditions:
- Queen had surgery for an umbilical hernia and is doing great
- Joance status pending for a spinal injury and labored breathing- we plan to purchase insurance next month to make sure he gets the care he needs
- Working with our local lawyer and US attornies to create a “constitution” or “charter” agreement as a step of the NGO registration process
- Purchased Norton Antivirus software for Tanzania computers
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
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
- 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
October 2025 – Investment: $4525
- Continuation of wall construction, we are about 1/2 way through
- Paid labor fees for all completed construction
- Fabrication of a large metal entry gate: materials, labor, and custom lock
- Deposit for Christmas field trip for the children, which includes a nature walk and petting zoo
September 2025 – Investment: $14570
- We are full speed on purchasing materials and beginning construction of our perimeter security wall and entry gate
- Purchased 8000 bricks for wall
- Purchased sand, gravel, pebbles for wall
- Purchased 400 bags of cement for wall
- Purchased wire, metal, mesh for wall
- Purchased lumber, nails for wall
- Ruth attended a 10 day Montessori conference in Dodoma freshening up her teaching methods/ reconnecting with colleagues
