Teacher Housing Campaign
In early 2025, two sisters, Carolyn Tieger, a former communications executive, and Kathy Cobb, a retired teacher, visited Kibaoni Primary School while on a tour with Gohagan & Company. They were deeply moved by the dedication of the teachers, especially when they learned about the lack of teacher housing on school property and in the surrounding community. Upon return to the the U.S., Carolyn contacted the Foundation and shared her vision and funding commitment to make such a project a reality.
As a result, a fundraising campaign officially launched in late 2025, with the sisters jump-starting the effort by generously pledging a $30,000 matching gift. The Foundation also committed $10,000 from its General Fund. Donations from the Ellice and Rosa Mcdonald Foundation were also utilized for the project.
While construction of the actual building will soon be completed, there is still need for additional funds to furnish the home with appliances, beds, and furniture. Your support in helping us complete this project is greatly appreciated.
Updates
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October 2026Item Link
Both bungalows are near completion. Your support of this last phase will help us complete this effort, which will have a lasting impact – a home for teachers, stability for the school, and opportunities for generations of students. When you donate select Teacher Housing Fund.
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September 2026Item Link
The teacher housing duplex made significant progress in August and September. The roof is complete, windows are being installed, and kitchen cabinets are in place. Kitchen appliances have also been ordered. The foundation is working on final funding for the competion of the project. Because of generous donations from individuals and the Ellice and Rosa Mcdonald Foundation both phases are the project are near completion.
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July 2026Item Link
Contruction is happening! The contractor is making big progress on building the duplex. As seen in the photos the foundation is complete and the walls are going up.
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June 2026Item Link List Item 2
$51,000 has been raised for the project. The Board signed contract with local construction company to start work on phase 1 of the teacher housing and other projects at the school.
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April 1, 2026Item Link
April 1, 2026 Update: Construction has started on the first duplex, however the early start to the rainy season has delayed delivery of materials.
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March 26, 2026Item Link List Item 3
All work on all projects has temporarily stopped due to rain and flooding.
The road to the school is currently impassable.
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January 2026Item Link
Jan 2026 Update: The Foundation has raised $45,750 of the $50,00 needed for the project. The foundation and collaborators are working hard to raise the remaining funds.
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November 24, 2025Item Link List Item 1
$10,000 in funding has been approved by the KPSF Board of Directors from the General Fund towards the Teacher Housing Campaign.
Why It Matters
Kibaoni Primary is rural and far from the closest town, Karutu, Tanzania. Most teachers live in one-room rentals in the homes of local residents. Each day, the teachers travel long distances by bus, scooter, or on foot, sometimes walking for miles. This is a costly and challenging journey, especially during the rainy season, when dirt roads become muddy and nearly impassable. Yet, they do this with no stipend for rent, but with huge hearts for their students. Having on-campus housing will allow teachers to focus more on teaching and less on travel.
A Safter, Stronger School Community
The school is currently vacant after hours. When teachers live on-site, the school becomes safer and a more dynamic learning center. Teacher presence deters vandalism and keeps the campus active even after hours. Teachers also plan to offer evening and weekend study sessions to help students prepare for national exams. Passing these exams is crucial for students to advance to the next level of education. Night classes could also be offered for the community in English and other skills.
The Plan
The local education district has approved a “2-in-1” duplex design: two side-by-side bungalows, each with a kitchen, lounge, dining area, bathroom, and three bedrooms — a comfortable home for educators committed to their students.
The Goal
The total project cost is approximately $80,000 excluding furniture.
Phase 1: Build the structure for the duplex, finish and complete one bungalow ($50,000)
Phase 2: Finish the second bungalow ($30,000)
Phase 3: Furnish the bungalows and minimal landscaping
