Day 1 - Ilboru Primary School and River House / Shanga Shangaa in Arusha

We began the day with a tremendous breakfast at Ilboru Safari Lodge and then some of us bought some beautiful hand woven baskets made by a woman recommended to us.  Her proceeds go to help support widows whose husbands have died from Aids.

Then, we walked from the Lodge to the Ilboru Primary school.  On our way we passed the Ilboru Secondary school which is quite prestigious.  Many of Tanzania's leaders have attended this school. The land surrounding the school was owned by Lutherans and the old Ilboru Lutheran Church (built in 1906) is right beside the school.

We arrived at the Ilboru Primary school, which has 1900 students! It was started and run by the Lutheran Church until the government took over.  All the kids walk to school, many as far as 5-6 miles.  

Operation Bootstrap Africa was instrumental in building a building that offers education for both deaf children and children with mental disabilities.  As you can imagine, those children are often forgotten, so this is a pretty special and meaningful ministry.  

Classroom for Deaf Children

Classroom for Children with disabilities

There is also a special new building ... a girls dormitory ... that has been built for the deaf girls.  They are at special risk for assault when they walk home. It has beds for 20 girls and will be open very soon.

Now for pics of the beautiful children we got to meet and share time with during the morning.

Following our time at the school, we made our way to Shanga Shangaa in Arusha.  It hosts a wonderful restaurant where we had an amazing meal (The River House) and has a glass blowing, jewelry, and clothing business.  It is built on land owned by a Dutch woman who runs a coffee bean farm.  The wonderful deal is that the business is staffed by adults who are deaf or have physical disabilities, allowing them to make a living.  So, children we met this morning may eventually make their living there. 

Coffee beans

Entrance to The River House restaurant

Where we had our before lunch drinks (notice the Apple Blossom colors, they knew we were coming!)

Chandelier made by Shanga Shangaa

Glass blowing

We met the teacher who gave this idea

This says it all!