Sakila Primary School is where the idea for Friends of Tanzanian Schools (now Focus on Tanzanian Communities) all began. In the summer of 1996, the first Shady Hill School families traveled to Tanzania with Thomson Safaris. Some of the families spent a morning at Sakila, where they were treated to songs, poetry, soccer games, and warm embraces by their Tanzanian hosts. They also witnessed how children had to cram 100 to a room, with dirt floors, no windows or electricity, and few books. As the Americans were getting back into their safari vehicles, Sakila headmaster Yona Andrew urged them to remember the school with their well-known American generosity. On the ride back to Arusha, several of the Shady Hill parents resolved to raise some funds to help Sakila.
Since the founding of FoTZC, the organization has contributed over $70,000 to upgrade Sakila. Improvements have included six classrooms, a computer room, electricity, and teachers’ houses. When FoTZC arranged to deliver and install computers in 2003, Sakila reportedly became the first public elementary school is Tanzania to have computers. FoTZC also has sponsored and financed educational trips to the US for the school's headmaster. Sakila remains the school to which Friends of Tanzanian Schools has provided the most overall assistance in Tanzania.
Completed Projects at Sakila Primary School
Transport/Install Computers: Completed 2002
Install Electricity: Completed 2001-2002
Computer Room: Completed 2001-2002
3 Teachers Houses: Completed 2000-2005
6 Classrooms: Completed 1997-2005
