Education

Maruku Secondary School Laptop Computer Campaign

“We have proved beyond a doubt that the increase in computers within our IT program has significantly contributed to the growing number of students—especially girls—choosing Computer Studies,” says Mwalimu Farida Kamanyile, Headmistress of Maruku Secondary School.
“Student absenteeism has dropped because the computer lab has become a place students are excited to visit. Teachers now have access to online materials for instruction, and students benefit by retrieving digital resources for their studies. These computers have broadened our students’ global awareness, preparing them to compete in a global workforce.”

Since 1981, AHEAD, Inc. has supported numerous educational initiatives in Tanzania. These projects have included scholarships, construction of girls’ dormitories, installation of electricity in rural schools, book and supply donations, and the renovation of school facilities.

In 2023, AHEAD launched its Computer Project for Youth in the village of Maruku by establishing a computer lab at Maruku Secondary School. The project began with the installation of 25 Dell desktop computers and a reliable broadband internet connection. Encouraged by the success of this effort, the Tanzanian government allocated funding for the construction of a dedicated Computer Science and Repair Building, which is currently in progress and scheduled for completion in September 2025.

On July 18, 2025, AHEAD CEO Dr. Donna Ngirwa, DDS and Medical Director Dr. Andrea Williams-Kingslow, MD donated 36 Lenovo laptops to Maruku Secondary School. These laptops were generously provided by Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc., one of the largest publicly traded lodging REITs in the United States, through the leadership of Carl Mayfield, Executive Vice President at Park Hotels & Resorts, and a committed AHEAD volunteer and former Board Member.

Today, Maruku Secondary School serves nearly 1,000 students—both boys and girls—from across Tanzania. Many come from extremely modest beginnings, facing challenges such as poverty, food and health insecurity, early marriage, gender inequality, and limited educational opportunities. Despite these barriers, the students are deeply motivated to pursue learning, even while lacking many of the tools and support systems taken for granted elsewhere.

The Power of Technology in Rural Education

The establishment of a well-equipped computer lab in a rural school like Maruku has had a transformative impact. It has provided students with access to digital learning tools, coding environments, and global information networks—resources that were previously out of reach.

Key benefits include:

• Hands-on learning in coding and digital literacy
• Access to global educational resources, including textbooks, videos, and tutorials
• Enhanced teaching methods, with teachers accessing online curricula and training
• Improved student engagement and attendance, particularly among girls
• Exposure to global perspectives, preparing students for international opportunities

In addition to general computer studies, the new Computer Science and Repair Building in the future will house a vocational training program in computer maintenance and repair. This initiative is designed to provide students with practical, job-ready skills that are in growing demand in Tanzania and beyond.

By combining instruction in both software development and hardware repair, students will be equipped to pursue diverse career paths—whether in computer science, IT support, technical services, or as entrepreneurs running their own repair shops or tech businesses.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Access and Impact

The AHEAD Computer Project has set ambitious goals to expand digital access across the Bukoba region. By summer 2026, the project aims to deliver a total of 200 laptop computers to Maruku Secondary School, with a fully functioning student-led computer repair program in place with ample supplies to support a repair program. By summer 2027, AHEAD plans to provide an additional 800 laptop computers to other rural schools throughout the Bukoba region, helping bridge the digital divide and build long-term educational and employment opportunities.

Our Mission

We aim to build a future where rural students have the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Through access to computers, vocational training, and modern educational resources, we are investing in long-term, sustainable change for the youth of Maruku and surrounding communities.

Help us make this vision a reality.