YEAR: 2021 (ongoing construction)
LOCATION: OLA-SITI, TANZANIA
Work-in-progress for non-profit Enrich Tanzania
In 2021, I was approached by Enrich Tanzania and asked to design a school in Ola-siti, Tanzania. I have pursued this project outside of my regular working hours and have fallen in love with the architecture, culture, and people of Tanzania in the process. Once phase 4 commences, I plan to reside in Tanzania for several weeks to help physically construct Kimble Lee Academy.
The Tanzanian public education system operates on the 7-4-2-3 year school plan. Children start with 7 years of primary school, followed by 4 years of secondary school, leading to 2 years of advanced level schooling, and 3 years of college. Children have the first opportunity to start primary school at 7 years old. This is equivalent to first grade in the U.S.
Since 2017, the non-profit has been enriching the lives of Tanzanians through supporting small tribes and teachers who work independently to educate children under the age of seven by supplying school supplies, toiletries, shoes, clothing, and monetary funds. After a single fundraising event they were able to secure a piece of land in Ola-siti, right outside Arusha between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. On this property we plan to establish the official site of Kimble Lee Academy. The school will contain a main hall with 4 classrooms, a small kitchen/ covered outdoor eating area, a library, and sporting fields to service children ages 4-6 years old. This facility will educate roughly 100 children and employ 15-20 locals annually.
Phase 1: Acquire land (completed in 2020)
Phase 2: Architectural design and additional fundraising (completed in 2022)
Phase 3: Clearing and leveling land (current phase)
Phase 4: Build Kimble Lee Academy (set to be completed in 2024)
Main Hall from Pavilions
Typical Classroom
Fundraiser, March 2023
