Kilimanjaro Library Project

Project Goal: $14,000

Current Progress: $4,175 (30.00%)

The Kilimanjaro Library project aims to develop a library within of the 46 secondary schools within Kilimanjaro Region. This will not only expand the resources around their core subjects but also improve English comprehension and provide the opportunity to learn about materials they otherwise would not have access to.

English plays a critical role in Tanzania’s education system as it is the official language of instruction in secondary schools and is used for all national examinations, including the NECTA (National Examinations Council of Tanzania) exams. Mastery of English is essential not only for academic success but also for accessing higher education, job opportunities, and global information. However, this presents a significant challenge, as many students enter secondary school with limited proficiency in English, having been taught primarily in Kiswahili throughout their primary education. The abrupt shift in language medium often hinders comprehension across all subjects, leading to poor performance in NECTA exams—not necessarily due to lack of content knowledge, but because of difficulty understanding exam questions or expressing answers effectively.

This language gap disproportionately affects students from rural or under-resourced areas, where exposure to English is minimal and teacher proficiency may also be limited. As NECTA results are pivotal for determining access to higher education and future career prospects, students struggling with English face compounded disadvantages. Without targeted language support, these learners risk falling behind, not because they lack intelligence or potential, but because they are navigating complex academic material in an unfamiliar language.

Addressing the language barrier is not only about improving test scores—it’s about advancing equity and expanding opportunities for Tanzanian youth. This belief led to the creation of the Kilimanjaro Library Project. Rombo District, a rural area east of Mount Kilimanjaro, faces significant educational challenges despite ongoing efforts to improve access and quality. Most students lack basic textbooks, making it difficult to study independently and placing an even greater burden on teachers, who are often overstretched due to understaffing. Limited or no internet access further isolates students from supplemental learning materials and exposure to English. These conditions make Rombo an ideal location for community libraries that can provide access to resources, support language development, and help bridge the gap to academic success. In total, we plan on developing 46 libraries within public secondary schools, impacting thousands of current and future students!

Contact: Jocoa Kerschen