Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:13–15

School Bells Ring in Kondoa
After years of planning, months of construction, and thousands of miles traveled by Scottsdale Bible volunteers, the doors are now open at the new Kondoa Integrity School in Tanzania. Designed to initially accommodate 60 students in two classrooms, plans are for the school to add two new classes each year. “Our first-year children are ages 4–5, and as they move up in grade, we plan to bring in another 60 each year for a total of 500 after seven years,” explains Tom Davis, Scottsdale Bible’s volunteer coordinator of student sponsorship for the project. “Based on the support we’ve received from the community in Kondoa, and our Scottsdale Bible people, I’m sure we can hit the mark.”

The school day begins with a devotional hour, then centers on helping children strengthen language skills in English. “Their future success in the country’s educational system largely depends on that,” explains Howie Berg, volunteer educational coordinator. “And this gives us a great opportunity to broaden their world view. We’d like them to see that whatever their background, there are no limits to their personal growth.”   

Scholarship contributions of $30 per month help to defray all costs for the child’s education, including books, pencils, crayons, uniforms and a meal each day. Scottsdale Bible funds thus far have accounted for roughly 90 percent of development and construction expenses, not including many hours of work and travel by our volunteers.

Last year four volunteer teams made the journey to Kondoa. “We thank each and every one of you for helping to make our trips possible,” says Cheryl Savoie, Scottsdale Bible child sponsor. “It was heartwarming to be able to deliver so many supplies. It helps us to show the teachers at our new school that God’s love and our support is behind them.”