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What does it cost?
The cost of 200 seedlings and transportation to each school is approximately $2000 ($10.00 per fruit tree). An installed ground well costs about $20,000. A large, community built, concrete water cistern, and hand pump, costs in the $16 -18K. The hand water pumps alone costs $6K. An installed plastic 3000 litre water cistern costs $1,500. Compost is used for organic planting. Pricing subject to change.
The cost of 200 seedlings and transportation to each school is approximately $2000 ($10.00 per fruit tree). An installed ground well costs about $20,000. A large, community built, concrete water cistern, and hand pump, costs in the $16 -18K. The hand water pumps alone costs $6K. An installed plastic 3000 litre water cistern costs $1,500. Compost is used for organic planting. Pricing subject to change.
How does it work?
In Tanzania:
In Canada:
- TanCan is incorporated in Tanzania as a not-for-profit organization. It is located in Iringa, Tanzania and managed by a dedicated group of local people. TanCan directors have qualifications in agriculture, education, and business.
- Tanzanian citizens voluntarily manage the school orchard projects under the leadership of TanCan.
- The TanCan project organizers purchase the fruit trees and deliver them to the schools. They then teach the school community how to care for the orchards.
In Canada:
- School Orchards Africa Society (SOAS) oversees the work of TanCan, reviews plans for the orchards in Tanzania and is the decision making authority for expenditures.
- Canadians contribute to SOAS to provide the funds for the orchards ... with the added benefit of offsetting some of their their carbon consumption.
- SOAS volunteers educate Canadians about Tanzania and create public awareness by giving presentations to gardening groups, conservation groups, work groups, clubs, schools, etc.
- SOAS directors have qualifications in education, business, and a practical knowledge in permaculture.
In this video, the children at both Ikanga and Kidete Rural Primary Schools are being taught how to dig holes, mix loam and plant trees as part of their school lessons. As you will see, the children are enthusiastic learners. The water cisterns, provided by SOAS & TanCan, supply water for the fruit trees which they water with great care. Their appreciation and joy are obvious as they break out into song!
How did the vision start?
The partnership took root during a dusty, bumpy jeep ride en route to the Ruaha game park in Tanzania. Swarms of little children walked along the road on their way to school. Many carried large hoe over their shoulder. Others carried plastic buckets. Their chores for the day included helping in the fields, and bringing home wood and water. TanCan/SOAS grew from the passionate discourse that filled the jeep for the duration of that journey. The Loiselle's, from BC's Gulf Islands, had met Alban Lutambi, a visionary Tanzanian gentleman of exceptional talent ... and a DREAM was born.
SOAS/TanCan Experiments with Permaculture Gardens and the 'Train the Trainer' Concept
In 2015, SOAS funded TanCan Co-ordinator, Ottoman Joseph, to attend a level one six week permaculture course in neighbouring Zanzibar. Ottoman brought his knowledge back to the supporters, teachers, and students of our schools. Ottoman also worked/trained alongside Michael Nickels to implement the SOAS/TanCan Mdabulo Secondary School permaculture project in 2017. In 2019 Ottoman started creating permaculture irrigation/terracing systems on farm land that was passed to him by his father. With his experience and certificate in hand, he began running permaculture workshops to upper-level educators in Tanzania. Several SOAS directors personally assisted him in some of the farm infrastructure costs. In 2020 Ottoman opened a permaculture institute in the Iringa region! The farm has been transformed and the institute now hosts Tanzanian and international permaculture students. In 2022 Ottoman is planning to start a model permaculture garden in a local high school. We are so proud of Ottoman, and what has been able to achieve.
SOAS/TanCan Experiments with Permaculture Gardens and the 'Train the Trainer' Concept
In 2015, SOAS funded TanCan Co-ordinator, Ottoman Joseph, to attend a level one six week permaculture course in neighbouring Zanzibar. Ottoman brought his knowledge back to the supporters, teachers, and students of our schools. Ottoman also worked/trained alongside Michael Nickels to implement the SOAS/TanCan Mdabulo Secondary School permaculture project in 2017. In 2019 Ottoman started creating permaculture irrigation/terracing systems on farm land that was passed to him by his father. With his experience and certificate in hand, he began running permaculture workshops to upper-level educators in Tanzania. Several SOAS directors personally assisted him in some of the farm infrastructure costs. In 2020 Ottoman opened a permaculture institute in the Iringa region! The farm has been transformed and the institute now hosts Tanzanian and international permaculture students. In 2022 Ottoman is planning to start a model permaculture garden in a local high school. We are so proud of Ottoman, and what has been able to achieve.