In 2005, Bob and Mary Gray visited the Ngorongoro and Olmoti Crater areas of northern Tanzania and were able to briefly visit the Nainokanoka and Bulati primary schools.

They were particularly impressed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the pupils and teachers and the lack of teaching and recreational resources compared with even the poorest schools in their home country, New Zealand.

 

Mary had brought a small number of pens and balloons to give to the children but it was quite clear in talking to the teachers that these were not really helpful. Teacher George at Bulati suggested that as the children are mad keen on soccer and netball that balls would be useful rather than the bundles of bound rags they had been using.

On their return to New Zealand, Bob was able to find references to the Arusha Children's Trust on the Internet and after some research got in touch with Ishbel Brydon who works with the Trust in Arusha. Ishbel was to get prices for this equipment and arrangements were made to get the funds to Arusha.

Transport to the Omolti Crater is somewhat patchy but Ishbel was able to persuade some of the tourists travelling there to take the balls (and pumps) with them. Another of the teachers at Bulati, Stephen Lyimo, was able to arrange these pictures of the pupils with their new sports equipment.