Category Archives: Bukumbi Diary

The shopping list read; 235 exercise books, 44 shirts, 22 pairs of trousers, 7 skirts, 6 overalls, 23 pairs of shoes, 13 pairs of trainers, 26 bed sheets, 10 buckets, 8 hoes, 16 school bags, 5 mattresses, 9 suitcases and … Continue reading →

Words and pictures… What images would appear in your mind if someone talked about schooling in Tanzania? Mud huts?  Kids drawing on chalk boards sitting around under an acacia tree? Masaai warriors perhaps? Even those of us who are working … Continue reading →

The last week has been spent travelling around schools visiting the sponsored students from Bukumbi. It’s probably my favourite part of my job; it grounds me, it reminds me why we do what we do. With other work at Bukumbi … Continue reading →

I was at Kigongo School the other day chatting to the year 7 students who are looking to go to secondary school or vocational education next year; finding out about their backgrounds and their aspirations. Most of them were extremely … Continue reading →

Our thoughts are with the Bukumbi community this week. Vumi passed away earlier this week after 3 years of battling oral cancer. A small, heartfelt service was held at the church close to the centre and was attended by all … Continue reading →

There is no denying that Vumi’s health and state of mind has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks. It is now clear that there is nothing further that can be done to stave off the oral cancer … Continue reading →

Last weekend an art and craft exhibition was held in a local hotel and Bridge2Aid had the opportunity to sell the jewelry and sewing items made by the income generation groups at Bukumbi.  People were amazed at the skills of … Continue reading →

In the last two weeks, two of the elderly gentlemen have passed away.  When any community member dies there follows a period of three days of mourning, a time for friends to reflect on the passing and provide support to … Continue reading →

It is always a privilege to take people to Bukumbi to meet the community, Dr David Barke took a morning off his locum work at Hope Dental Centre and came with us and was an instant hit with the children … Continue reading →

When I first visited Bukumbi in 1998 I remember being overwhelmed by the cloud of despair that hung over the centre after years of neglect. At the time it was difficult to know where to start to address the issues … Continue reading →