In 2017, Hope Secondary School in Nduta Camp, Tanzania, stood as a fragile structure of mud and wattle, offering little protection against the elements. With every rainfall, the risk of collapse loomed over the students and teachers, creating an unsafe and uncertain learning environment.

Today, that fear is a distant memory. Thanks to AIRD, Hope Secondary School has been completely transformed. The organization constructed 13 classrooms and an administration block using durable materials to withstand harsh weather conditions and earthquakes. Now, 853 students, both boys and girls,” study in a safe, conducive environment where learning flourishes.

This transformation has had a profound impact. With a proper school structure in place, student enrollment has increased as more parents feel confident sending their children to school. Teachers, too, can now focus on delivering quality education without worrying about the safety of their classrooms.

Beyond academics, the new school infrastructure has contributed to reducing child protection concerns in the community. Israel Nzambimana, the Assistant Head Teacher, highlights how having a secure and reliable school has led to a decline in early marriages. Children now have access to standard education in a safe environment. Parents are more likely to keep their children in school, and that gives them a brighter future, he explains.

Hope Secondary School is not just a place of learning” it is a symbol of resilience and progress. AIRD’s commitment to building high-quality schools in refugee camps ensures that education is not just accessible but also safe and sustainable. Today, the students of Hope Secondary School can dream bigger, knowing that their school is built to stand strong, just like their aspirations.