The school is currently host to 415 students. There are 231 boys and 184 girls enrolled at the Mtera Secondary School. The different classes are divided into 8 divisions throughout Forms I-IV. They employ 16 teachers, including 2 pastors, and they offer 11 non-teaching positions. The hopes and dreams of the students and administration is that they can add a high school on the school site offering Forms V-VI. They are trying to achieve this before the next school year begins. Last year 300 pupils applied for Form I and of that number only 98 were chosen to attend classes in 2006.

Mtera Secondary School is totally dependent upon the school fees collected from the students. The cost to attend is $300 USD per year. These funds are not adequate for recurrent expenditures, so the school budget runs at a deficit, oftentimes with needed supplies not being able to be purchased. Still the education given is good and is completely adequate.

Status of the Infrastructure

The school needs are great and many. The buildings are old and the school tries to renovate them. This is a costly job that requires relentless work to be performed by volunteers from the nearby communities as well as volunteers from Global Volunteers. Still this is not enough. The dormitories are in need of total reconstruction. Though they are not sufficient to US standards the students live in them with no screens and inadequate bedding supplies: they are just happy to be attending school. Large donations, including skilled laborers, would be necessary and welcomed by all involved.

The school has recently fixed its pump for water but the water is pumped from the reservoir and is not properly cleaned so it is not safe for consumption. There is a need for a well yet this is a huge expense that would possibly exceed $10,000 USD. Recently a site for the well has been located on the school grounds. Nearby at the Migoli Secondary School they have been operating with 4 wells that require windmills to pull the water up out of the ground. Mtera Secondary School would benefit greatly from this type of donation.

Problems Facing Mtera Secondary School

Student drop-outs are high due to the availability of sponsors to pay school fees. Often times a bright student might have to delay their education for years waiting to find appropriate funding to attend. Financial hardships of the parents or the death of a parent or guardian can also impact a student’s ability to remain in school. The school has a list of names of students whom are seeking sponsorship. The gift of education cannot be measured, it can only be appreciated.

At this time the school does not have a proper assembly hall or a proper cafeteria. What they have is an open area with a roof and concrete tables and benches. This means that they must endure the mosquitoes during their breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dormitories are old and many do not have screens. Without enough bed nets some students are left open to the mosquitoes at night. This leads to outbreaks of malaria which is common in the area. The school is a boarding school and the dormitories need to be expanded as well as renovated. The cost should be measured against a total reconstruction.

The school does not have a dispensary, what they have is a first aid room with an auxiliary nurse. They are in great need of a proper dispensary to serve the school and the surrounding community. Because the school is located near the Mtera Dam, malaria is a big problem and could be fatal to the very young and the very old.