Supporting Msandaka School: Education & Inclusion
Tartaruga Safaris welcomes travellers who would like to support inclusive education at Msandaka Primary School in the Moshi area. Every visit is arranged with the school and puts its learning programme first.
Historical photograph from a 2013 school visit. Current activities and visits are agreed with the school.
Education and opportunity in Moshi
Msandaka supports deaf children in Moshi through education and sign-language communication. Tusker Trail’s account dates the school’s beginnings to 2001 and describes its development from a small class into a school with learning and residential facilities. The account also describes vocational learning in areas such as tailoring, carpentry, farming and information technology. We confirm current needs directly with school staff; historical pupil totals are not presented as today’s enrolment.
Why Msandaka matters to us
Our connection is personal. One of our directors, Monyiaichi Yona Temu, chose to move from teaching in a mainstream school to teaching children with additional educational needs. Her decision reflects a wish to contribute to the community in a different way. Through this connection, Tartaruga hopes to help travellers support the work of the school and its teachers.
Education, dignity and opportunity
Deaf children can face barriers to communication, education and inclusion. We want our support to celebrate learners’ abilities and help teachers provide opportunities. We do not describe individual children’s family circumstances or assume that every child has experienced the same difficulties.
A school-led visit
A visit may last around one hour, or a shorter or longer period if the school agrees. A teacher might invite guests to join an appropriate drawing, writing or music activity, or simply explain the school’s work. Activities are invitations, not performances owed to visitors. There are no unannounced visits, and school holidays or teaching priorities may make a visit unsuitable.
Useful ways to help
Ask us to obtain the school’s current needs list before buying supplies. Suggested items include pens, pencils, exercise books, colouring materials, reading books, suitable laptops, sanitary pads and teaching resources. Give agreed supplies through the school administration so they can be distributed fairly. Working laptops should be securely wiped and checked for useful software, chargers and maintenance needs.
Responsible visits and photographs
Visits are supervised by school staff. Ask the school about consent before taking photographs; permission to visit is not permission to publish children’s images. We do not use children’s names or personal histories as marketing material. Support is welcome even if you choose not to visit.
Getting there and arranging support
Tell us whether you are staying in Moshi, Arusha or arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport. We will confirm the correct primary-school entrance with the school before giving the road distance and pickup time. Transport charges and any voluntary donation are separate and explained clearly. Contact info@tartarugasafaris.com or WhatsApp +255 667 767 553 to discuss a visit or practical support.
Contact info@tartarugasafaris.com or WhatsApp +255 667 767 553 to plan your journey.
School background: Tusker Trail’s account of Msandaka School.
