Welcome

The Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam launched the Desk Project to tackle the acute shortage of desks in public primary schools across the city. Many students were previously forced to sit on floors or makeshift surfaces, severely affecting their ability to learn. What began as small-scale donations of 100 to 160 desks soon scaled into a major initiative supported by local fundraising and global grants.

The project initially focused on schools in the Ilala District and later expanded to cover more areas citywide. A key milestone was the launch of a campaign to supply 1,000 desks, including a significant global grant partnership with the Rotary Club of Vancouver. This partnership enabled the distribution of desks to five primary schools in the Kinondoni District—Kunduchi, Kisauke, Salasala, Twiga, and Mtakuja.

As of March–May 2025, over 3,900 desks have been donated, directly benefiting more than 11,000 pupils in the Dar es Salaam region. In one early effort, 100 desks were handed over at Mtakuja Primary School, with 160 more delivered to other schools. These efforts have had a tangible impact on classroom environments and student engagement.

The Desk Project also integrates a strong environmental component. For every desk donated, two trees is planted.. Nationally, the club’s broader environmental initiatives have resulted in more than 15,000 trees planted, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to sustainability.

In addition to improving infrastructure, the project includes a focus on teacher development. As part of a Global Grant program, 80 teachers have received professional training through the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology. This aspect ensures the long-term educational impact of the desks is maximized by enhancing teaching quality.

Funding has come through creative community engagement efforts, including events like " Car and Motorbike Raffle , Pickle Ball Tournament " and support from both local and international Rotary partners. These efforts have helped galvanize public interest and sustained momentum for the project.

Ultimately, the Desk Project is more than a logistical solution to a furniture shortage—it is a holistic intervention. It improves learning conditions, fosters environmental stewardship, and invests in human capacity. With nearly 4,000 desks donated, thousands of trees planted, and teachers empowered, the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam is transforming classrooms and communities, one desk at a time.

Would you like to help us achieve the desk shortage of almost 19,000 Desks in Dar es Salaam alone. Each desk costs $50 and you can help donating one or many desks To contribute, please click here: https://selcompay.me/61205476