Coleridge Links with Zanzibar

This summer, Ms Davies visited our link school in Zanzibar, Tanzania where she met Zulekha – the little girl that Coleridge has sponsored. Zulekha now attends Kiwengwa Nursery, Primary and Secondary school (KINS) full time, where she is learning to speak English alongside all the other aspects of an international curriculum. Zulekha was incredibly shy and reserved during her first few weeks, but when Ms Davies saw her, she was laughing, playing singing and thoroughly enjoying herself along with the other children. Ms Davies was also able to meet Zulekha’s mother, Khadija, who wanted to pass on her heartfelt thanks to all the pupils, parents and staff at Coleridge who donated money towards her education.

The education system in Zanzibar is still developing, and many of the local free schools can only offer a very limited curriculum, using very traditional teaching methods. Ms Davies spoke to lots of the local children and they reported that they did not attend school at all, especially the girls. The pupils at KINS enjoy a creative curriculum which has a lot in common with our curriculum here at Coleridge. Children learn Maths and English in the mornings, followed by a variety of foundation subjects including music, PE, drama and even yoga on the beach! Children are taken on school trips around the island where they are encouraged to explore the natural beauty of Zanzibar and respect its vulnerability. The cost of one year’s enrolment at the school is $700, which includes tuition, uniform and materials.

This year, we plan to keep fundraising to ensure that Zulekha can continue her education for years to come and for her mother to feel safe and secure in this knowledge. Last year we raised almost £1500, so the school was also able to buy much needed resources such as books and pencils, as well as support Zulekha for a year. At Coleridge, we will be talking to the children about our sponsorship programme and 6D will be setting up pen pal links with the children at KINS. If you are able to support Zulekha’s sponsorship, both East and West offices will be collecting donations all year. Watch this space for more information about how we will be fundraising in school!