Had such an amazing day. We bumped out on the dusty roads to Kiserian in remote Tanzania to visit the school we have been fundraising to build through TANZEED. We passed herds of giraffe on the way and a few gazelle. Pembroke teachers (Barb, Gary and partner) and a student from Pembroke came out too. We were only expecting to see the site as school has closed for christmas but were overwhelmed by the welcome we received. The whole community had gathered. We had sweet tea poured from thermoses under the trees in tin mugs before being treated to an amazing singing and juming ceremony. It was so moving.The Maasai were all in their beautiful wraps and beads. The pastor and village leader gave lovely speeches. They are so proud and grateful to have the beginnings of the school. We were each presented with a maasai necklace or bracelet.

We then walked over to the school!! All the kids and teachers had come, even though they were on holidays. They were dressed in their uniforms if they had one. It was such a lovely suprise. It's hard to believe that there are now 2 classrooms, 104 children attending and 4 volunteer teachers. The toilet block is built apart from a few finishing locks to the doors. We can still remember when this was just an idea scratched out with the pastor 4 years ago. The name was written with rocks out the front "Namelock" meaning "sweet little school" in Maasai.

There is still much to be done with more classrooms needed, water tanks, admin building, kitchen, teacher residence and wages for staff (as the current teachers are volunteers). The next closest school is 14-17km away, depending where the children live. Its a long walk for little legs each morning and night. Is was very inspiring to see what a difference it is already making though so we have renewed motivation.

We were then taken to visit and climb a beautiful rock formation before having a delicious lunch of goat and rice at the Kiserian village. This was a collection of dung and stick round bomas surrounded by a thorn fence for protection from wild animals (!!). Pembroke students donated 24 solar lights for the community which was fantastic.

It was an incredible day. We all went home to wash off the thick layer of dust under a hot shower. Wondering how they feel never being able to get the dust off everything and how decadent it was to have a shower when they walk 2 hours to collect water. Feeling very priveldged.