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Our Story > Progress of the School > Mission Statement
Our Story
In the summer of 2007, we traveled to Tanzania and volunteered through a program called Cross-Cultural Solutions (www.ccs.org). For three weeks, we taught at Moivaro Village Primary School, a wobbly shack that lacked electricity, plumbing, and learning materials. Our first exposure to the harsh realities of educational deprivation and a culture shock beyond our expectations occurred simultaneously with a sense of resolve we had not previously known. We quickly became aware that we had a unique opportunity to make the villagers’ dream of building a new school for the children of Moivaro Village a reality and a moral responsibility to see it through. When we returned home, we created a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Bricks and Books, in order to raise money for the new school. After just a few months we raised $25,000, which was more than sufficient to build a school with electricity, plumbing, and modern learning materials. We contacted the local builder we had met in Tanzania and asked him to start digging the foundation.
We returned to Tanzania the next summer and as we expected, the new school did have a significant effect on the community. Yet, it was the impact it had on us that we did not anticipate. We experienced the incredible fulfillment that results from being passionate about a cause, and we learned that it is possible to make a profound difference in others’ lives.
We hope that young entrepreneurs will read about our story, become inspired, and realize that they, too, have the capacity to affect positive change.
Progress of the School
We are proud to announce that on July 25th, Bricks and Books joined with the community to open the new Moivaro Foundation School. The school now has proper learning materials, desks, a concrete floor, windows, and three toilets. Moivaro Foundation School provides an education for more than 50 students in Moivaro Village that otherwise would not be able to afford schooling.
Mission Statement
Bricks + Books was created to provide a better learning environment for the children in Moivaro Village, Tanzania. Working in partnership with the local community, we have encouraged them to raise funds that will contribute to the building of the school. Our school will provide an opportunity to improve the lives of children in need and offers hope for their future.