Our Story.

Phillipe Paulo, a former Kilimanjaro mountain guide, saw a great need for accessible education in his village of Qurus, located in northern Tanzania. With no school nearby and many children unable to access elementary education, Phillipe made the bold decision to change careers. In 2022, he founded Phillipe Friends Academic in his home, starting with just 37 children. With his personal savings and gifts from his wedding, Phillipe built the first classroom.

Thanks to his dedication and the support of friends, the school expanded and now serves 75 children across three classes: baby class, middle class, and first class. The school operates on a unique funding model where parents contribute half of the school fees, and the other half is covered by the school. Additionally, the school operates a garden where vegetables are grown and sold to help support its operations.

Looking to the future, Phillipe’s goal is to expand the school into a full English-speaking primary institution that can accommodate more children from the community. However, in order to do so, the school must meet government regulations, including the acquisition of 4 to 7 hectares of land. Currently, Phillipe has managed to secure 2 hectares through a generous donation, but more is needed to move forward with construction and provide better access to education for all children in the village.

  • In rural Tanzania, access to education can be life-changing. Children in areas like Qurus often face long travel times to the nearest school, and families struggle to afford the associated costs. Education is a key tool in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for the next generation. However, schools in these regions face significant challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, and high dropout rates due to the switch from Swahili curriculum to English curriculum when starting high school.

    Phillipe Friends Academic is making a difference by offering a local solution to these problems. By providing an accessible, affordable education option, Phillipe is giving children in Qurus a chance to learn and thrive. The school has already had a profound impact on the community, and as it continues to grow, so will the opportunities for the students.

    However, the school must meet certain government requirements to fully register as a primary institution, including owning a piece of land between 4 and 7 hectares. This regulation ensures that schools have the necessary space and resources to provide a comprehensive education. Phillipe is actively working to meet these standards and secure the future of education in his village.

  • The long-term vision for Phillipe Friends Academic is to expand beyond its current capacity and offer a full primary education to all children in the village. The first major step is acquiring the additional land needed to comply with government regulations. Phillipe has already secured 2 hectares through a donation, but another 2 hectares are needed to meet the 4-hectare minimum requirement. The cost for the additional land is around $18,000 USD.

    Once the land is acquired, the next phase will involve constructing new classrooms and other essential facilities. This expansion will allow the school to serve more children and move closer to its goal of becoming a full-fledged primary school.

    By donating, you can help Phillipe achieve this vision and give the children of Qurus the education they deserve. Every contribution brings the school one step closer to creating a lasting, positive impact on the community.

  • You can make a lasting impact on the lives of children in Qurus by supporting Phillipe Friends Academic. Your donation will help us purchase the land needed to expand the school and build new classrooms, providing more children with access to quality education. There are several ways you can contribute:

    • Make a Donation: Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal of acquiring the necessary land and constructing new facilities.

    • Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends, family, and on social media to help raise awareness and gather support.

    • Fundraise: Host a fundraiser or event in your community to help raise money for the school’s expansion.

    Your support will directly contribute to the education and future of the children in Qurus, Tanzania. Together, we can create a brighter future for these students!