Katoke Trust: Building A New Tomorrow
- Posted: 16th September 2009
September 2009
A/Prof. Alan Watson started his involvement with educational reform projects in Tanzania back in 1998. At the time, his involvement focused on getting young children to complete their primary education. Eleven years later, he is still heavily involved in reforms in the poverty-stricken area of Tanzania through the Katoke Trust. The Sydney-based foundation has been quite active in promoting changes in the East African region, with most of the proceeds going into building schools and establishing scholarships for young students, as well as other projects aimed at alleviating poverty in one of the world’s poorest countries. There has been strong support of the group’s initiatives, with support coming from various organizations such as the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, AusAID and UNSW School of Education.
In 2003, Alan, through his connections with the Katoke Teachers’ College, became involved in developing the scheme to improve teaching in the area. This then led to more support for education both from the community and the government. Currently, the group is sponsoring the building of a secondary school campus in the area, with the help of various organisations and volunteers. This project is already nearing completion, with structures housing the administration and the teachers.
On top of its building projects, the group is also looking at getting support for its scholarship fund. Last year, the UNSW School of Education sponsored 20 students for their secondary school education, and the trust is looking at continuing this success with even more scholarships for the coming years.
In order to accommodate all the projects, the Katoke Trust constantly holds fund-raising events and activities. The next event is a benefit dinner which will be held on 6 November 2009 (Friday) at the Trade Union Club in Gymea. The event will feature silent and live auctions as well as offer a night of good food, engaging company and delightful entertainment. To register your interest, please contact A/Prof Alan Watson via email or call him at (02) 9524 0268.
