Support Us

Be a Friend

Welcome to Bethlehem Star Pre- and Primary School. As we try to give as many kids as possible the opportunity to become a student of our school, we are really thankful for any donations we receive. We have several projects that we try to finance as they are:

• Finding sponsors that can take a part of the school-fees for students that cannot afford it (~ 480$ for day-students and 800$ for boarding-students per year)
• Optimizing our school for students with special needs (~ 5.700$ in general)
• Finding sponsors to get text books for our pupils (25$ per year)

So, we are looking for one-time donations as well as regular donations in form of sponsorships. If you want to support us, you can use the following link to donate via credit card: https://shop.directpay.online/paymybills/BethlehemStarPreandPrimarySchool Or send your donation direct to our Bank Account: Bank: TCB Bank | A/c Name: Bethlehem Star Pre and Primary School | A/c No. 210207000057 | Swift: TAPBTZTZ

You can also Support through Tupendane Foundation Initiative: https://shop.directpay.online/paymybills/TupandeFoundationAndInitiative or  send your donation direct to our Bank Name: CRDB Bank Plc | A/c No. 0150624920900 |  Swift: CORUTZTZ

Be a Sponsor

Sponsoring a student of our school means to give him or her the opportunity to reach higher education. As we try to sponsor as many kids as possible, we are thankful for every small amount that we receive.

If you want to support one of our students, you can fill in the following foam and we will contact you and provide you further information about how it works to be a sponsor.

You can find more information about sponsorships and our school on the FAQ-side and information about the kids in their profiles. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our successes:

• Dennis Mollel (Pre-Unit) sponsort by Nora
• Brilliance Richard Pallagyo (Class 6) sponsored by Konstantin Bodenschatz

Volunteer Program

As a volunteer in our School you will be doing different activities such as; teaching, sports, playground monitor, field trips, ICT activities including computer lab, website development and optimization, taking care of small maintenance and construction around the school, help in fund raising activities as the school is still under construction. This school is still underfunded and consequently under-staffed. This is where you come in!

Whether you are a qualified teacher or a student, you could help to make a big impact on the lives of underprivileged children in as a volunteer teaching in our School

What will you be doing?
Our School is very vibrant with most pupils extremely willing to learn. Working in a our school, you may be asked to take lessons in English, Math or Science, but don't worry if you feel your strengths lie outside these areas - the children you teach will benefit from your enthusiasm and your ability to construct sentences in English. Games and sports are another important part of school life, so please be prepared to get involved with these as well.

You will spend some days working alongside with a local teacher or established teaching volunteer, but we also encourage our volunteers to bring their own ideas and to get stuck in! You can make some improvement in a classroom using your own initiatives this will help to develop your skills as a teacher whilst providing help to those most in need.

Typical Week
Volunteers in our School are generally expected to work at their placement five days a week. Weekday mornings will start with breakfast with Students and other volunteers at our School Dining hall, with school starting at around 8.00am. At around 13pm you’ll get a break for lunch, which you can take with other volunteers, Students and local staff. In the afternoons you’ll be taking additional classes or work but there is often time for games and sports and volunteers will help run these.

You will generally finish your placement teaching at around 15pm, though you’ll find that the children will often want you stay around to play! After your placement you’ll get a chance to unwind with other volunteers, Boarding Students and local team members over dinner, and we often organize games and activities of our own in the evenings. Weekends are also your own but there are always plenty of extra Adventures to do in Tanzania!

Living At Bethlehem Star Pre & Primary School
Volunteers will stay with host families under special arrangement.
Email: volunteers@bethlehemstar.ac.tz / friends@bethlehemstar.ac.tz / director@bethlehemstar.ac.tz

Optional Extras
Bethlehem Star Pre & Primary School may help Volunteers to arrange for several excursions including Wildlife safaris to National Parks, mountain climbing, weekend gateways and beach holidays. Contact us through:

Email: info@bethlehemstar.ac.tz
Phone: +255 754260519 | +255 754826823

Support Our Projects

In Tanzania, Primary school education is theoretically free. However, you have to pay for uniforms, books, specific supplies for the practical work organized by the teachers, as well as transport and food to get to class every day. Unfortunately, the majority of poor families don’t have enough income to cover all these expenses.

According to the Bank of Tanzania's report on zonal economic efficiency of 11^th October 2023, per capita income is Tanzania Shillings 2.84 million or USD 1136 which is equivalent to USD 95 per month this amount is barely able to meet its basic needs.

The effect of COVID 19 pandemic, the war between Russia and Ukraine, Soaring food and energy prices are eroding real incomes, triggering a high global cost-of-living crisis, particularly for the most vulnerable groups and this include Tanzanian communities. This has directly affected the smooth running of Bethlehem Star School and the good intention to help vulnerable children and less privileged families.

 Access to education plays a major role in enhancing the overall quality of life and supporting economic development in local communities. By improving educational infrastructure, offering tuition fees, school transport, and providing learning materials, we can equip young lives for a brighter future. And, by empowering parents we are enabling them to send their children to school, putting them on the path out of poverty.

Spread The Word

Share on Social Media

You can create wider social awareness through your favorite social media 

What you can do!

• Write a post on your blog and link to our website.
• Contribute and share content from our Facebook and Instagram pages
• Share stories, pictures and videos about the cause.

FAQ

Why Support a Private School?

Unlike in Europe, North America, South America, and Australia, attending a private school in Tanzania is not considered a luxury. Rather, it is often a necessity. The conditions under which many children learn in state schools are extremely challenging. It is not uncommon to find more than one hundred students in a single classroom. Only about 50% of them pass the final primary school examinations — even though passing the seventh-grade exam is required for admission to secondary school.

For this reason, many parents try to enroll their children in a private school, especially in an English Medium School. They often spend a large portion of their income to make this possible — and sometimes even that is not enough.

Our goal is to relieve families of this financial burden and provide as many children as possible with access to quality education and better future opportunities.

What Is an English Medium School?

English Medium Schools are private primary schools in Tanzania where instruction is conducted in English (except for Swahili lessons). These schools are typically characterized by smaller class sizes — usually up to 40 students — which allows for better individual attention.

Many private schools choose English as the language of instruction because English is the official language used in all Tanzanian secondary schools. When students transition to secondary school, this gives them a significant advantage over classmates who previously studied in Swahili-medium schools and may struggle to follow lessons in English.

What Do Pre-School and Primary School Mean in Tanzania?

In Tanzania, many children attend pre-school instead of daycare, mainly for cost reasons. Pre-school usually begins at the age of three, although children can start earlier.

During their three years in pre-school, children learn basic reading and writing skills, which are generally required before entering primary school.

Primary school lasts until seventh grade and concludes with national examinations.

What Comes Next?

After completing primary school (Grade 7), students must pass their final exams to qualify for secondary school.

Secondary school lasts four years. After that, some students continue to advanced secondary education (high school) or attend college before qualifying for university two years later.

Students who do not continue to higher education often pursue vocational training if their families can afford it. Many others become self-employed — working as farmers, small business owners, or in public transport.

What Do I Receive as a Sponsor?

A sponsorship is a voluntary donation that supports a child in Arusha and the surrounding area in receiving a comprehensive education and improving their chances of securing stable and fairly paid employment in the future.

As we are a Tanzania-based organization and not registered in Germany (due to high administrative costs), donations are unfortunately not tax-deductible.

However, as a sponsor, you will receive regular updates once or twice a year via email. These letters may come from us or from your sponsored child. We aim to give you insight into Tanzanian culture and the daily life of the children. Letters are usually written in English, but translations can be provided upon request. You are also welcome to send replies to your sponsored child.

What Will Change Through My Donation?

By sponsoring a child and covering school fees, you enable them to attend our school and gain access to higher education.

For boarding students, your sponsorship also guarantees daily meals and accommodation.

Your support has a direct and lasting impact on the future of your sponsored child. You will receive regular updates about their progress, and you are welcome to visit the school in Tanzania if you are ever in the area.

How Can I Be Sure My Donation Is Used Properly?

We are a registered pre- and primary school in Tanzania.

• Registration Number: 135-690-074
• (Taxpayer Identification Number – Tanzania Revenue Authority)
• Location: Magadrisho Street, USA-River
• Postal Address: P.O. Box 197, USA-River

You are welcome to follow our activities on our social media channels. Sponsors and volunteers are also welcome to visit us in person.

You may contact us at any time by email or telephone (please note that international calls may incur charges).

How Does a Sponsorship Work?

To become a sponsor, simply complete the form on our “Sponsorship” page.

You may:

• Choose a specific child by name
• Select multiple children
• Or indicate the number of children you wish to sponsor

We will then contact you for confirmation.

If you choose a partial sponsorship, we will notify you once we have found sponsors to cover the remaining amount.

The school year in Tanzania begins in January. If possible, please transfer your donation before January 1st. Setting up a standing order is recommended.

The goal of sponsorship is to support a child for several years. However, you may end your sponsorship at any time by contacting us. If your sponsored child completes primary school (after seventh grade), we will inform you. You may then choose to end the sponsorship or support another child.

Why Do Different Students Require Different Amounts?

Parents already contribute a significant portion of their income toward school fees, including food, transport, and materials. However, in some cases this is not enough.

The aim of our sponsorship program is to cover the financial gap between what parents can afford and the total school fees.

Additionally, some students have special needs — such as health insurance or medical support — which require additional funding.

Who Is My Contact Person?

Your primary contact at our school is:

School Manager
Phone: +255 754 697 887
Email: info@bethlehemstar.ac.tz