What Do a Safari, a Smile, and a School Have in Common?

By Rachel Bittner

Children at Bethany Pre and Primary School, Kisongo, Tanzania.

What’s on your bucket list? Your list of adventures, projects, or experiences you dream of making happen someday when you have the time, the money… or the right opportunity?

For Bethany — a pediatric nurse, gardener, and mother of three from Minnesota — going on a safari had been on her bucket list for years. The opportunity finally came when her sister-in-law Jean gave her the gift of a lifetime: a trip to Africa for her and her family.

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Purchased 97.5 acres of farmland

In 2020 we became water secure by installing an underground tank to catch rainwater. We also attempted growing maize and beans on rented land in 2021 to provide an independent food source for the children’s meals, but were stymied by zebras and donkeys devouring our crops. During a 2021 trip, a fantastic opportunity to purchase 97.5 acres of protected farm land became available, and with help from donors, we acquired this land at $348 an acre to secure our school’s food source.

Peace Computer Lab

Bringing the power of technology to the classroom

December 14, 2021  Bethany  School News

The computers are humming at Bethany Pre & Primary School as 4th and 5th graders begin learning computer skills in the new 22-desktop Peace computer lab. The teachers will now able to use computers as an added educational tool. We are so grateful to Kirk Alhberg for his generous donation and to the Roseville Lutheran Church Endowment Fund for its wonderful contribution.  Also, thank you to Joseph Husby, assisted by Erik Husby, for setting up the lab and assisting with teacher training.

Library artwork

Kaylee Vickers created in our Larsen Family Library beautiful artwork. Kaylee became friends with our intern, Nou Newhouse, while in Tanzania, and Kaylee offered to brighten up our library walls! The kids love the artwork! Thank you, Kaylee!

Nou-Nou Newhouse and Kaylee Vickers