Another significant event was the hosting of the Training for Life course, that is aimed at equipping 6th Form school leavers with life skills, which are needed in the real world of the 21st century. They studied subjects such as personal finance and money management, health (including AIDS), relationships and business acumen. A Navigator team from UK conducted an overview of the Bible. They also learnt basic computing and then spent a month in community work. Finally, they climbed Mt Kilimanjaro to test leadership, team work, stamina and courage. It was interesting to observe two of the girls vigorously debating HIV issues with the porters and guides en route. Many of them have gone to Higher Education and will become future leaders of this country.
BBC had its official opening on 26th August 2006 with Mrs Anna Mkapa, the wife of the former President of Tanzania, as the guest of honour. It was a great day of celebration as we rejoiced in what God has achieved in the life of the College. Term started soon after this for the students and at the end of the course, on 25th November we held our first ever Graduation Ceremony.
The development of BBC depends on a number of things; for which we value your prayers and practical support.
In time, BBC must be staffed throughout by competent Tanzanians, who are equipped to lead and serve the College in the days ahead. We are actively looking for suitable men and women to be developed and trained to be permanent members of staff. Posts to be filled include principal and lecturers, dean of students, administrative staff and the like. One big question is the need to make BBC economically viable too, so that it can operate without depending on donations for the long term.
i. Currently we need to construct a laundry cum washing up area for the kitchen to meet the requirements of the students and staff. This will have water heated by solar power. Plans have been drawn up and the cost estimated at £9,000.
ii. Another essential item is a water tower for the 2x 15,000 litre tanks to be positioned. The cost will be around £5,000. The borehole works well, when electricity is available, but our existing storage is totally inadequate.
iii. There is a window of opportunity now open to purchase, for our Computer Lab, some 20-25 second-hand computers from a Dutch NGO. ‘Obsolete’ computers are imported by them from hi-tech companies in the Netherlands. The cost of the hardware, antenna for Internet connection, cabling, Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS) is estimated at £10,000. The benefit of having such equipment is immeasurable for the future of our course work, the student’s technological education and research; and the opportunity to teach local Tanzanians IT skills for the 21st century.
b. Phase 3
We will need to construct five or six apartment style units to house married students and their families, plus staff houses for short term teachers. We have in mind, say, two storey semi detached units, thus housing four families in each block. Estimated costs are £25,000 per block and they will be needed within the next 2 years.
c. Land
A four acre plot of land for a second campus and sports field is available nearby for around £10,000, which would be worthwhile purchasing soon, before the price goes up or it is sold to another client.
A dedicated games area is vital for the health and exercise of the students. Football, volleyball and table tennis are basic requirements for sports facilities.
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