BUILD A SCHOOL

Build More Than Classrooms. Build Futures.

Education is the cornerstone of a bright future. Because of this, AFAC supports schools in underserved communities to provide safe and nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. In fact, one small classroom can help transform an entire community. Discover the journey to build a school in Africa.

Lawrence Academy Students Build a School
Thomas Unger Hall Dedication

EDUCATION OPENS DOORS

The Lawrence Academy

What began in 2017 with just 8 preschool children in the predominantly Muslim region of Bagamoyo, Tanzania has grown into something extraordinary.

Through a long-standing partnership with Hope for Children in Adversity (HCA), Advocates for Africa’s Children (AFAC) has helped build a school community that is thriving and now serves over 200 preschool and middle school students.

Today, this school ranks 6th in national exams out of 83 schools in the district. This stands as a powerful testament to what can happen when education, faith, and community come together.

From 8 Students to over 200

2017

Project begins with just 8 Students

2019

Land Purchased & Classroom Built

2021

More Teachers & Enrollment

2022-2025

Classrooms & Teacher Housing

2026

200+ Students & School Expansion

Explore the milestones that shaped Lawrence Academy

2015

  • AFAC’s Swazi Coordinator visits Tanzania to meet with an existing Tanzanian Christian organization doing ministry in a Muslim neighborhood of Dar Es Salaam.

2016

  • AFAC’s US Board approves partnering with Hope for Children in Adversity (HCA) in Tanzania and evaluates their projects.
  • Plans for a preschool are discussed.
  • Heidi travels to Tanzania and establishes a bond of friendship with Mary Masele (HCA Founder) and her husband and board member, Emmanuel.

2017

  • An Arizona foundation expresses interest in funding the construction of a preschool in Tanzania.

2018

  • Heidi and staff visit the preschool project.
  • The project begins with 8 preschool students.
  • Surrounding Non-Christian village requests HCA and AFAC to build a Christian school.
  • Arizona Foundation purchases 5 acres of land near the village for the preschool construction.
  • Plans to start construction, digging a well, and agricultural income-generating projects.

2019

  • Arizona Foundation, Lawrence Institute, funds the first classroom. Lawrence Academy is established.
  • Agricultural projects begin on the 5 acres of land – farming cassava, maize, okra, and tomatoes. Fruit trees are planted – mangoes, bananas, papayas, and oranges.
  • In the first classroom children learn to write letters, spell their names, and count.
  • Vision is cast to establish the school through the 8th grade. More land must be purchased.

2020

  • Heidi is unable to travel to Tanzania due to COVID-19.
  • AFAC sends emergency food relief.
  • School reopens after 8 weeks and remains operational.
  • The Thomas Unger Memorial Fund covers the construction of the kitchen and a dining hall. These facilities are necessary to register with the government.
  • Year ends with Lawrence Academy’s first graduation of preschoolers into the first grade.
  • Lawrence Academy has 20 students.

2021

  • Covid-19 recovery continues in Tanzania as Lawrence Academy continues to flourish.
  • Lawrence Academy recognized officially by the government.
  • The school now has 2 full time teachers, a bus and a motorcycle, and drivers for each.
  • Thomas Unger Memorial Fund finances the building of the second grade classroom.
  • School has 31 enrolled students. Only 7 can afford to pay. Sponsorships necessary.

2022

  • Lawrence Academy doubles in size with 60 students.
  • Donors fund two new school vans to accommodate.
  • Students are learning English, Swahili, and Math.
  • Teachers operate a Saturday program to teach English to older students which is essential for higher education.
  • Farming near the school property allows students to learn practical farming skills as well. The farm produces bananas, mangoes, papaya, oranges, watermelon, cassava, and vegetables.
  • Chickens and goats also raised for meat for the school meals.
  • Extra produce and meat sold to make farm sustainable.
  • Mary and Emmanuel lose their home in a devastating mudslide.
  • Foundations of a new home near the school property are laid thanks to the generosity of donors.
  • All 60 students graduate to the next class at year’s end.

2023

  • School year begins with a newly constructed classroom for the third grade.
  • Student attendance is up to 130 as the reputation of the school spreads.
  • A fifth teacher is hired to accommodate the enrolled students.
  • Produce from the farm continues to feed the students.
  • Planning and fundraising begins for teacher housing near the school property.
  • The Rotary Club of Colville funds the construction of the fourth grade classroom.

2024

  • The school year begins with 147 enrolled students from preschool to the 4th grade.
  • To date, donations funded 3 preschool classrooms and a classroom each from Grade 1 to 4.
  • A school bus is purchased at the start of the year.
  • Head Teacher, Erick Jumbe Rey, leads the school with compassion and drive.
  • 4th graders pass the national exam with flying colors thanks to the extra care and revision supported by their teachers.
  • Construction on the 5th grade classroom begins.
  • Fundraising for Teacher Housing and a new Vehicle for Mary and Emmanuel continues.

2025

  • 150 students enrolled in the Lawrence Academy.
  • 2 duplexes of Teacher Housing completed and teachers and their families move in.
  • Fundraiser brings electricity to the school just in time.
  • A generous deal with a neighbor allows for power to come to the school property for the first time, throwing open the doors of possibility even wider.
  • Heidi and a team’s visit brings letters of encouragement to the teachers and staff.
  • Year end fundraising appeal raises funds for the 6th grade classroom, 2 new motorcycles, and a brand new school bus.

2026 SO FAR

  • 200 students now enrolled in Lawrence Academy.
  • National exam results puts the school in the 6th position in a district of 83 schools.
  • With electricity in place, donors fund 4 laptops shared amongst the 9 teaching staff to support their teaching and lesson planning.
  • Funds raised for fencing and a playground.
  • Funds raised for new furniture for staff.

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Every Classroom we build becomes a place where children discover hope, purpose, and opportunity.

What We’ve Built Together

Thanks to a fantastic team of partners developing the school and generous donations here’s what we have already been able to accomplish:

Completed Projects

Land Purchase

Income Generation

Kitchen & Dining Hall

Office Rooms

Motorcycles & Bus

Electricity

Teacher Housing

Staff Computers

Completed Classrooms

Preschool Classrooms

Grade 1 Classroom

Grade 2 Classroom

Grade 3 Classroom

Grade 4 Classroom

Grade 5 Classroom

Grade 6 Classroom

Grade 7 Classroom

BUILDING THE FUTURE CAMPUS

The Next Chapter Begins Here

Current Projects

WHAT WE’RE BUILDING RIGHT NOW

Office Furniture

Fencing

Playground

Teaching Resources

Musical Instruments

AFAC Staff Office

Future Projects

LOOKING AHEAD

Larger Kitchen

Computer Lab

Internet and Tech

Library

Student Boarding

Construction at Lawrence - Build a School

Every Brick Builds Opportunity

Your gift helps create classrooms where children will learn, dream, and prepare for a brighter future. Whether you fund a classroom, computers, library, or kitchen, together, we will build a school that will serve generations to come.