Influencer Journey Tanzania 2025
From 1 to 9 February 2025, a dedicated team from the TOOLS FOR LIFE Foundation travelled to Tanzania to implement a sustainable water project at Irkisongo Secondary School in Monduli, northwest of Arusha.
The team:
- Nick Behn & Tahsin Selman (Germany)
- Stanislaw Migas & Krystian Timmler (Poland)
- Felix Gottschlich (Projectmanager, TOOLS FOR LIFE Foundation)
The aim of the project trip was to install ten 5,000-litre water tanks, install rainwater gutters and lay water pipes in a total of five school buildings. This project aims to secure the water supply for around 1,800 pupils and 52 teachers in the long term - a significant improvement, especially in the dry months.
Arrival in Tanzania
After an overnight flight, the team landed at Kilimanjaro Airport on 2 February 2025, where they were warmly welcomed by local contact Eliot Senkori. After a short drive to Arusha, the group had lunch together before travelling on to accommodation west of the city. But there was no time to rest for long, as the first visit to Irkisongo Secondary School was scheduled for the same afternoon.
The school, a boarding school with around 1,800 pupils, impressed from the outset with its lively atmosphere and warm hospitality. Giyam Girabi, chemistry teacher and project coordinator, welcomed the team with tea, coffee and fresh fruit and gave them a tour of the extensive school grounds. They visited the buildings where the rainwater gutters and water tanks were to be installed. The appreciation and gratitude of the school community was already clearly noticeable on this first day and gave the entire team the feeling that they could really make a lasting change here.
Project start
On 3 February 2025, the team got an early start on familiarising themselves with the material and got to know the two local craftsmen Sediki and Jez, who were to actively support the project. Despite intensive planning, there was an initial challenge on the very first day: there were no suitable ladders available to attach the guttering to the roofs. But with a great deal of manual dexterity, Sediki quickly built a temporary wooden ladder so that the first two school buildings could be fitted with guttering on the same day.
The next morning began with a special moment: the school girls welcomed the team with singing and applause. This heartfelt gesture made the importance of the project for the community even more tangible. The gifts they had brought with them were then distributed before the work continued. On this day, the rain gutters were installed on the third building and the first water pipes were laid. In the evening, the materials for the next parts of the building were prepared so that work could continue without delay the following day.
On 5 February, the installation of the gutters on the fourth school building presented the team with a new technical challenge. Due to the steep pitch of the roof, there were hardly any suitable fixing points for the gutters, so improvisation was required. However, a functional solution was found by making special brackets from local materials. However, there was also a problem with the sixth building: the original installation of the gutters would have caused the water to accumulate and not drain away properly. However, this problem was also successfully solved after a further adjustment.
Progress with the water tanks
Once the rain gutters had been installed on the buildings, the team began installing the ten 5,000-litre water tanks on 6 February. This was the most important step in securing the school's water supply in the long term. However, creative solutions had to be found here too, as some essential tools were missing on site. Heated iron rods were therefore used to make the necessary valve holes in the tanks - a simple but effective method that enabled the team to make progress despite the limited resources.
7 February was dedicated to fine-tuning and final testing. The entire water system was tested to ensure that it was working properly. There was great joy when it became clear that all the water tanks had been successfully installed and the water supply is now secure for many years to come. At the end of the intensive week of work, the school organised a small celebration with traditional songs and dances to express their thanks. In the evening, a festive farewell dinner was held with the school community - a moving moment that once again emphasised the successful collaboration between the TOOLS FOR LIFE team and the local people.
Farewell and conclusion
On 8 February, the team set off on their journey home. After an emotional farewell to the students, teachers and local helpers, the team travelled back to Kilimanjaro Airport, where the return flight to Germany and Poland took off in the evening. On 9 February, all participants returned to their home countries exhausted but full of pride and gratitude.
This project trip was not only a technical, but above all a human enrichment. The dialogue with the local community showed impressively what a difference sustainable water projects can make in Africa. The enthusiasm and gratitude of the schoolgirls who accompanied the team throughout the week was particularly impressive.
Results and findings
- Improved water supply: The installed water tanks ensure a stable water supply for the schoolgirls - especially in the dry season.
- Strong cooperation: The close cooperation with local craftsmen, teachers and schoolgirls made the project a real joint success.
- Impressive hospitality: The warmth and gratitude of the local people deeply touched the entire team.
- Creative solutions under difficult conditions: Despite a lack of tools, all challenges were overcome through improvisation and teamwork.
This trip has once again confirmed that sustainable development projects can make a long-term difference. By joining forces and finding innovative solutions, the water supply for over 1,800 schoolgirls was sustainably improved - a success that has a lasting impact not only in technical terms, but also on a human level.