On to 2025 Phase 2 [2025-10-04]

Well, it was another great trip to Tanzania. It is always such a joy to be with Reneal Country Director David Nyangaka and Reneal Team Tanzania! I also had a chance to meet with several of Reneal’s partners while in-country. Lots of follow-up work to do, but it’s truly astonishing to see Reneal’s mission being realized across Tanzania with over 120 government secondary schools now benefitting from Reneal computer labs. And we’re on the brink of kicking off the 2025 Phase 2 projects, which will result in 8 additional beneficiary schools. We are so grateful to our donor Apto Solutions for their amazing support these past five years!

Last year, JR Institute of IT (a college in Arusha) generously offered Reneal office and storage space at their location. This centralized facility has really revolutionized Reneal’s work processes, helping the Team systematize the repair process. The Team can meet there regularly, and spares are readily available when needed. During this trip, Reneal added two new members to Reneal Team Tanzania, Janeth Mbaga and Abubakar Frenk. Both bring extensive experience in networking, system administration, and computer repair.

I met twice with the Arusha Node Marie team (www.arushanodemarie.or.tz), Reneal’s long-time partners in Tanzania. ANM has embarked on a new mission of installing computer labs in government secondary schools, and Reneal is very excited to partner with them in this endeavor. More to follow in this effort! I also met with the Terrawatu team (www.terrawatu.org), including founder Dr. Tanya Pergola whose time in Arusha overlapped mine. Finally, I was able to share an interim version of the Teacher-in-a-Box (www.teacherinabox.org.au) server software with faculty at JRIIT; the hope is that JRIIT can support TIB in reaching more schools in Tanzania. TIB brings a rich range of educational materials to students and teachers via a server and local wi-fi connection.

On a personal note, David arranged for a very meaningful Celebration of Life gathering in honor of Reneal co-founder Neal Bierbaum. Guests included school heads and teachers that we’ve met across the years, as well as partners, friends, Reneal scholarship students, and several government officials. Neal was a beloved hero to so many, and Tanzania was a second home to him. It was a fitting tribute to a great man – and a commitment to carry on his legacy.

There are still four labs to install as a part of 2025 Phase 1, and they are slated to be completed soon. Then – on to Phase 2!

[Photo: Reneal office laughs (missing you Juma and Janeth)]