From Vision to Victory: Mushemba Trinity School Transforms Lives in Kagera Region,Tanzania

By Adonis Byemelwa

A remarkable story of hope and transformation unfolds in the village of Ijuganyondo, Bukoba Municipality, Kagera Region. A Tanzanian couple, who have lived in Denmark for the past 22 years, has ignited a beacon of change by establishing the Mushemba Trinity School under the Mushemba Foundation.

 Driven by an unwavering dedication and visionary spirit, they have embarked on a mission to uplift marginalized children through quality education, turning a dream born from a serendipitous encounter into a powerful reality. Their journey is a testament to the profound impact that compassion and commitment can have on an entire community.

This extraordinary journey, born from a chance encounter with a neglected boy scribbling letters on banana leaves, has blossomed into a transformative mission to uplift marginalized children through quality education. Their story is a testament to the profound impact that compassion and commitment can have on a community, making their endeavor both heartwarming and inspiring.

In 2007, during a visit to their native village, the couple encountered a heart-wrenching situation that became the catalyst for their mission. They met a young boy who appeared tired and vulnerable, neglected by his alcoholic parents, and embroiled in family conflicts.

The boy's plight was evident as he used a fishbone to scribble letters on banana leaves, highlighting his desperate need for educational resources. When Josephat asked if he had a pencil and notebook, the boy's negative response struck a chord with the couple, revealing the dire state of education in the community.

This encounter ignited a deep sense of responsibility in Lea and Josephat, compelling them to take action. Lea, whose vision led to the purchase of an 8-acre plot, initially intended the land for other purposes.

However, as the couple reflected on their experience, they decided to donate the land to the Mushemba Foundation. Their goal was clear: to establish an educational facility that would serve the most vulnerable children in their community.

By 2010, the couple had begun construction on the school, and in 2012, Mushemba Trinity School opened its doors with an initial enrollment of 26 needy children. The foundation emphasized a commitment to enrolling 40-50% of students from marginalized backgrounds, a testament to their dedication to social justice and equality in education. Funding for the foundation primarily comes from donors in Denmark, whom Josephat persuades through various fundraising events.

"We are not business-oriented; our goal is to serve the poor," Josephat explains. "I talk to people in Denmark during dinners and lunches, encouraging them to donate to our cause."

The school's establishment and growth have not been without challenges. The late Bishop Dr. Samson Mushemba, Josephat's father and a former leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, initially played a crucial role in identifying vulnerable children through his extensive network. After his passing, Lea and Josephat took over, ensuring that the foundation's mission remained steadfast.

Mushemba Trinity School's educational philosophy is rooted in nurturing and safety. The couple emphasizes the importance of hiring teachers who combine professionalism with a genuine love for children.

"We need teachers who make children feel safe and nurtured, not scared," Josephat emphasizes. The rigorous and meticulous interview process ensures that only the best candidates, who can act as both educators and parental figures, are selected.

The school is well-equipped with safety measures, including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in each wing, ensuring the children's safety against potential fires. The emphasis on safety extends to dormitories, where children are encouraged to speak out against any form of intimidation.

Beyond physical safety, Mushemba Trinity School distinguishes itself through its holistic approach to education. The school boasts a well-stocked library, a computer room with internet access, and a creativity room where students can explore their talents in music, embroidery, pottery, and cookery. This emphasis on both cognitive and lifelong learning ensures that students develop critical thinking skills and practical knowledge.

Josephat shared an instance when the late Former Deputy Education Minister, Emmanuel Ole Nasha, visited the school and inquired about the fees paid by parents. He was surprised to learn that the fees were significantly subsidized to serve the needy communities. Boarding school fees are less than USD 850, and day scholar fees are even less than USD 650, making education accessible to those who need it most.

The consistency of funding is maintained through a similar foundation based in Denmark, which creates awareness about the work being done in Tanzania. Every year, they organize Mushemba Day to celebrate the legacy of the former ELCT Bishop.

 During this gala, well-wishers dance, sing, and showcase products, with the funds collected supporting the foundation. This initiative has allowed the school to set up key departments, including the library, computer room, and creativity room, fostering an environment conducive to comprehensive education.

Teacher development is another cornerstone of the school's success. Mushemba Trinity School provides intensive in-service training for teachers to keep them abreast of the latest teaching methodologies.

 These training sessions are conducted by experts who have achieved success in their respective fields globally. Teachers who are not ready to serve or adapt to the school's ethos are either coached to improve or replaced to maintain high standards.

Despite these efforts, the couple faces numerous challenges. They often encounter children from dire situations, some with severe health issues like jiggers in their feet, and others lacking the confidence to integrate with their peers from better-off families.

The school provides counseling and special care to help these children adjust and thrive. "Initially, we used to receive older children who were difficult to mold, but now we accept younger ones aged 4-7, whose minds are more elastic," Josephat explains.

Another challenge is the reluctance of some parents to send their children back to school after the holidays due to financial constraints. The foundation often has to cover additional expenses to ensure continued attendance. To mitigate this, the school prefers enrolling vulnerable children as boarding scholars to maintain consistency.

Donor inconsistencies also pose a significant challenge. Some donors fail to honor their commitments, while others pass away, leaving the foundation in financial uncertainty. This instability highlights the importance of continuous fundraising efforts and the need for a sustainable financial model.

Government regulations add another layer of complexity. The quality assurance officers from the government impose stringent requirements, often more demanding than those for public schools. As well, the foundation faces a heavy tax burden, with over 15 different taxes, despite its non-profit status aimed at supporting the community.

"Our core value is quality education," Josephat asserts. "Parents have no greater gift to give their children."

Looking ahead, the Mushembas plan to expand the school's capacity by adding more streams to each class, as many parents wish to enroll their children in the school. This high demand has sometimes led to conflicts, as the limited slots make it difficult to accommodate all applicants. Some community members mistakenly believe that the couple rejects children from poor families, adding to the challenges they face.

The couple also contends with misconceptions about their funding and intentions. Some people think they collect significant donations from Denmark but provide little to the community. This misunderstanding equates their efforts with business motives, a perception they continuously strive to change.

Despite these obstacles, the Mushemba Foundation's impact is undeniable. Minister of Construction Innocent Bashungwa recently rehabilitated the roads to the school, recognizing its importance. His support followed an invitation to one of the school's Standard Seven graduation ceremonies, where he witnessed firsthand the school's achievements.

Josephat sums up their mission: "Running this foundation is a calling, not a business. We aim to change lives through education, no matter the challenges." Lea and Josephat Mushemba's dedication and resilience continue to transform the lives of children in Ijuganyondo, embodying the spirit of giving and community service. Their journey, marked by unwavering commitment and a deep sense of purpose, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of education and compassion in creating lasting change.