Earlier this year Busega Scotland provided curriculum text books for all the primary and secondary pupils at Mayega. How delighted we were, on this visit, to find slightly grubby and dog-eared copies in the library cupboard, as evidence of books well read. Inspired by this, Christine, and our educational consultant Sebahene, raided the many book shops in Mwanza, searching for story books in English and Kiswahili. ‘Raid’ is the correct word, as they bought up the entire stock of reading books in the town’s main book store! Children everywhere love reading but book costs, and a lack of libraries, limits opportunities in Tanzania. We are trying to change that in a small way at Mayega. On a positive note, there is a thriving newspaper sector with sellers everywhere. John and Christine enjoy Sunday morning with their copy of the Tanzanian Guardian!

A wee note about Seba. He is an experienced primary teacher who has volunteered to help us raise educational standards at Mayega. A fluent English speaker, he has just completed his masters degree in education at St Augustine’s University in Mwanza.