Foundation History
The Kibaoni Primary School Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to the students and staff of Kibaoni Primary School, located near Karatu in the Arusha Region of Tanzania. The school opened in 1990 with two temporary mud-and-thatch buildings serving as classrooms. In 2008, the school faced significant challenges—788 students were crowded into just six classrooms, requiring classes to be held in shifts. There was no electricity, no running water, and only one small latrine on campus. In response to these urgent needs, the Foundation was established in 2009 by James M. Furner, Darrell R. Lund, and David E. Clapp following their visit to the school during a Smithsonian Journeys tour in early 2008. Moved by the dedication of the school’s faculty and staff despite overwhelming obstacles, they committed to creating lasting change. Since its founding, the Foundation has operated with a core promise: 100% of all donations go directly toward building and improving educational facilities at Kibaoni Primary School.
Our Mission:
Enhancing educational environments where students can succeed.
•Provide physical improvements to the school
•Maintain water resources
•Establish and maintain solar energy resources
•Establish and maintain a nutritional program
•Provide and maintain sanitary facilities
•Provide learning resources
•Cooperate with the Tanzanian school board
•Partner with parents and the community
Go to the Projects Page for information on the many accomplishments.
Kibaoni Primary School Foundation Board
All Board members volunteer their time to assist with Kibaoni Primary School Foundation projects. We are a working board; there are no paid staff. All funds go to the school.
Board of Directors:
- David Jones, Chair
- David Jerrett, Immediate Past Chair/Member
- Dan D'Angelo, Treasurer
- Ronald Hershow, Member
Board Members Emeritus
- James Furner, Chair Emeritus
- Darrell Lund, Chair Emeritus
- Sylvia Furner, Chair Emeritus
- Joe Snizek, Secretary Emeritus
Kibaoni Primary School Headmaster
Beatus Martin attended Tsaayo Primary School in Mbulu-Manyara from 1996 to 2002. His secondary education was at Sanu seminary, also in Mbulu-Manyara from 2003 to 2006. Then, in 2007-2009, he studied advanced-level education at Musoma Technical High School in the Mara region. In 2010-2013, he received his bachelor's degree from the University of Dodoma. He was employed in the Karatu region to teach at Getamock Secondary School from 2014 to 2018. From there, he was transferred to the Getamock Primary School in May 2018. Finally, he transfered to the Kibaoni Primary School in July 2018. Beatus' hobbies include watching football, reading books, and keeping up on the news.
Supporters and Friends
The Foundation relies on the generous donations of individuals, organizations, and partners to complete our projects.