NTC has formed a partnership with MIT to ensure that appropriate and efficient technologies are used and implemented with our projects in Tanzania. While our projects are designed and proposed by the Kwala School Community, NTC strives to use the most effective tools in development without compromising local ownership and understanding of the projects that are implemented. In October, 2009, NTC Tanzania Advisor Athuman Msangi visited MIT during his exchange visit to the United States to promote NTC’s initiatives in Kwala and meet with several. MIT graduate Tim McIntosh will also visit Kwala in January, 2010 to implement an affordable micro-irrigation project in Kwala.

NTC has also partnered with MIT’s “D-Lab,” a program that fosters the development of appropriate technologies and sustainable solutions within the framework of international development. D-Lab’s mission is to improve the quality of life of low-income households through the creation and implementation of low cost technologies. D-Lab’s portfolio of technologies also serves as an educational vehicle that allows students to gain an optimistic and practical understanding of their roles in alleviating poverty. In October, 2009, D-Lab Professor Victor Grau-Serrat visited Kwala to assess some of the technological needs of the community and to add a list of potential D-Lab sites in Tanzania for the future. D-Lab will continue to be a resource for NTC in the understanding and assessment of local technologies for projects in Kwala.

NTC is also working with MIT’s Public Service Center to recruit research fellows to work on projects in Kwala. Please check back for updates on MIT research fellows visiting Kwala in Spring and Summer, 2010.