The Long View...From K to Jobs
The first busload of students arriving on “the new land” where the future Siha Leadership STEM School will soon be built!
When a four-year-old child enters Siha Leadership School, a 20-year partnership begins. We walk with the child and his/her family “pamoja” (together) through the various phases of school to internship and eventual employment.
Much like our long-term partnership in Karansi, we approach education with the long view in mind. Siha Leadership School is a pre- and primary school for children from Pre-K to Standard 7. After 7th grade graduation, SLS students transfer to private boarding schools to continue their education. We stay connected to each child through our social work team and sponsors provide another layer of engagement. Upon graduation, we continue to serve the now young adult through the SLS Premium Internship Program and assistance with job placement.
Siha Leadership School will soon include a Secondary STEM school with an agribusiness focus, so we will be able to accommodate the child’s educational journey and faith formation through the critical years of secondary school (grades 8-11). Tanzanian teenagers are not all that different than ours in the U.S. We believe the ability to fill this gap and continue nurturing and developing older students through these critical years will be essential in raising up educated, Godly leaders for the future of Tanzania.
To learn more, contact Ubora’s president, Dave Burgess: daveburgess@UboraTZ.org
Let "Muziki" Ring!
Calhoun, a visiting U.S. guest and talented musician himself, spent some time in the new SLS Music Room with some of our students when in Karansi on mission trip in June, 2024.
Establishing a music program at Siha Leadership School has long been a dream for both students and leadership of SLS. Now it is a reality!
Music has always been an important part of the culture of our school and for most Tanzanians in general. Despite having no formal music program for 22 years, the glorious sounds of children worshiping Jesus rings out loudly each Wednesday morning during SLS Chapel Service. For many years, students have volunteered for SLS drum team, coaxing rhythm from painted, careworn drums, using improvised drumsticks. Our Praise Team, comprised of students from SLS and led by teachers, lead beautiful worship with no formal music training.
God has been busy at work moving behind the scenes through the people of SLS and our donor community! We are happy to share that funding has been secured to launch the SLS music program. We are excited to share a few details:
IInitial supplies of electronic keyboards and guitars have been purchased
A dedicated music room has been established at the school for music classes
Baraka Mchaki, our science teacher, is gifted with natural musical ability and plays several instruments by ear. He recently attended a music teacher training program in Dar Salaam to learn to read and teach music to our students
Join us in praising God for His provision and the blessing of even more beautiful “muziki” that will flow forth from students, staff and visitors! Bwana asifiwe…praise the Lord!
Last year’s Giving Tuesday campaign helped fund the purchase of instruments for the new music class! Thank you to all who contributed to that campaign and to our donor community for their support of the new music program at SLS.
Preparing to Celebrate the SLS Graduating Class of 2024
Our students have completed their Standard Seven national exams and are now anxiously awaiting test results and graduation day! We are confident this class of smart and talented servant leaders scored very well on their tests.
Graduation day is set for Saturday, October 26th. SLS graduation is always a grand celebration with guest speakers, music and entertainment, skits and performances by students of all grades.
It’s always a special day for the families of the graduates as they celebrate together, taking lots of pictures and a chance to enjoy the post-graduation festivities which include parties at the school and at the homes of the students and their families. Of course, there is always cake!
This class, in particular is noteworthy (but aren’t they all?) as they were the first class to attend the newly established SLS preschool in 2014 and now, ten years later, are graduating from Standard 7 and will soon be on their way to secondary school!
We will have teams traveling to Tanzania for the celebration. Please join us in praying over the planning of the festivities and travel mercies for those on our team making the journey to Karansi.
The Siha Leadership School graduating class of 2024!
Ubora Family invited to U.S. Celebration on November 10th
Save the date and make plans to join us for “We Are Ubora!” our yearly U.S. Family Celebration
Sunday, November 10th
12:15-1:45 PM
Perimeter Church, Ministry Center
9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 30097
Please join us for a fun and informative celebration, with a light lunch, Tanzanian music, a few surprises and some exciting updates from Tanzania! This is a free and family-friendly event—registration is required.
Please register at your earliest convenience so that we can plan accordingly. Click here to register.
We can’t wait to celebrate “pamoja” (together) with you!