About Us

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.