What started in 2006 with sending a few boxes of cultural artifacts between Newton’s high schools and Kwala Secondary School has since blossomed into a city-wide effort to bring Newton and Kwala together as a mutual, sustainable, community partnership. NTC Tanzania Advisor and Kwala Secondary School teacher Athuman Msangi visited Newton in 2007 to learn about American culture and increase visibility of Kwala in Newton, and visited four of Newton’s schools. In 2008, NTC hosted a “kick-off” event at the Newton Free Library, featuring Kwala Secondary School, a movie made by Executive Director Ross Lohr highlighting some of the strengths and challenges facing the school. Since then, Newton’s students, teachers, citizens, and local businesses have joined together in ultimately providing children in Kwala with better educational opportunities. Some highlights of Newton’s involvement include:
- Three school-to-school partnerships between Newton South High School and Kwala Secondary School, Mason-Rice Elementary School and Mahundi Primary School, and Oak Hill Middle School and Mahundi Primary School.
- Involvement in fundraising initiatives from local businesses, including Peets Coffee and Tea, Barnes and Noble, Modell’s Sporting Goods, and The Biltmore Bar and Grille.
- Support from State Representative from Newton Kay Khan, who currently sits on NTC’s Advisory Board.
If you are a Newton resident, teacher, or local business owner and would like to get involved, please Contact Us with your ideas!
