A structured, two-phase program by MITzKITS to bring hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning to over 400 children at Bethlehem Star Pre and Primary School—through reusable STEM kits, robotics, coding, and empowered teachers.

Empowering Children Through Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Project Location: Bethlehem Star Pre & Primary School, Usa River, Arusha, Tanzania
Project Duration: First Academic Year
Target Beneficiaries: 400+ students
Classes: 3–7
Teachers to be Trained: Up to 10 educators
Project Target: TZS 8,050,000
Coordinating Organization: Tupendane Foundation and Initiatives (TUFOI)
STEM Partner: MITzKITS
Implementation School: Bethlehem Star Pre & Primary School

About the Project

Tupendane Foundation and Initiatives (TUFOI), in collaboration with MITzKITS, is implementing the MITzKITS STEM Education Program at Bethlehem Star Pre & Primary School in Usa River, Arusha.

The program is designed to provide more than 400 children with practical, engaging, and technology-focused learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Instead of relying solely on traditional textbook-based learning or expensive laboratory infrastructure, the project introduces reusable STEM kits, practical experiments, robotics, coding, and basic technology activities directly into the classroom.

The program will also strengthen the capacity of teachers through hands-on training, enabling educators to continue delivering practical STEM education after the initial project activities have been completed.

Why This Project Is Needed

Children in rural and peri-urban communities can face significant barriers to accessing practical science and technology education.

At Bethlehem Star Pre & Primary School, three major challenges have been identified:

Limited Science Laboratory Infrastructure

Building and maintaining a conventional science laboratory requires substantial financial investment. For community schools, these costs can make laboratory-based learning difficult to establish and maintain.

High Cost of Practical Learning Materials

Traditional science education may require consumable materials, laboratory equipment, and physical models that can be expensive, fragile, and difficult to replace.

As a result, science can become primarily theoretical rather than something students experience and practice.

Limited Specialized STEM Teacher Training

Teachers are dedicated to supporting their students, but many primary educators have limited opportunities for specialized training in modern STEM teaching methods, robotics, programming, and technology-enabled learning.

Limited Early Exposure to Technology

Children who do not receive early exposure to computers, algorithms, problem-solving, and practical technology may enter secondary and vocational education without important foundational digital skills.

The MITzKITS program addresses these challenges through an affordable, practical, and sustainable classroom-based approach.

The MITzKITS Approach

The project uses four main approaches to make STEM education accessible and sustainable.

1. Reusable & Portable STEM Kits

The program uses durable, portable, and reusable STEM kits containing components such as

• Electrical circuits
• Mechanical components
• Sensors
• Basic robotics equipment
• Practical science materials

Because the kits can be reused and moved between classrooms, they can serve multiple classes and hundreds of children without requiring a large permanent laboratory.

2. Teacher Training

The program invests in teachers as a key part of its sustainability strategy.

Up to 10 educators will participate in hands-on training designed to strengthen their ability to deliver practical STEM activities.

Rather than depending permanently on external trainers, the project aims to build technical capacity within the school so teachers can eventually facilitate STEM activities independently.

3. Expert-Guided Student Workshops

MITzKITS trainers will initially work alongside school teachers to deliver supervised practical workshops.

Students will be introduced to areas including:

• Mechanics
• Electronics
• Science experiments
• Robotics
• Coding
• Problem-solving

This supervised approach helps ensure that students receive safe, structured, and high-quality practical learning.

4. Curriculum Alignment

Project activities and exercises are designed to complement the Tanzanian national elementary curriculum while introducing students to broader STEM education frameworks.

The objective is to strengthen existing mathematics and science learning while developing practical digital and technological skills.

Project Implementation

The first year is divided into two progressive phases.

Phase 1: Starter Capacity & Curiosity

The first phase focuses on creating a strong foundation for both teachers and students.

Teacher Training

Teachers will participate in a two-day intensive training session focused on practical STEM education.

Student Workshops

Following teacher training, MITzKITS trainers will co-lead two introductory supervised workshops for students.

Students will explore:

• Mechanical movement
• Basic electronics
• Science principles
• Practical STEM concepts
• Collaborative problem-solving

The initial STEM kits will support groups of students working collaboratively, with ongoing remote technical support for teachers.

Phase 2: Expansion & Knowledge Integration

The second phase builds on the knowledge gained during Phase 1 and introduces more advanced STEM activities.

Students in Classes 3–7 will be introduced to:

• Robotics
• Basic coding
• Algorithm structures
• Sensors
• Automated machinery
• Advanced STEM projects

Teachers will receive a two-day refresher seminar to strengthen curriculum integration.

The phase will also include four intensive supervised student workshops, while additional specialized robotics and coding kits will expand the school's practical learning resources.

Who Will Benefit?

400+ Students

More than 400 children in Classes 3–7 will have opportunities to participate in practical STEM learning.

Students will develop foundational knowledge in:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Coding
• Robotics
• Algorithms
• Spatial reasoning
• Problem-solving

10 Teachers

Up to 10 educators will receive specialized STEM training, helping them develop the skills required to facilitate practical STEM lessons.

The School Community

The reusable STEM equipment will remain available at the school, creating a long-term educational resource beyond the initial workshops.

Project Investment

The total Year 1 project investment is

TZS 8,050,000

The investment supports both educational activities and reusable STEM resources.

A significant portion of the investment goes toward physical, reusable STEM equipment that will remain as a long-term educational asset for the school.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the first year, the project aims to achieve measurable improvements in STEM learning.

Independent Teacher Facilitation

Teachers will be better equipped to independently deliver practical STEM, electricity, and basic mechanics lessons without requiring continuous external supervision.

Practical Classroom Learning

Hands-on mathematics and science activities will become part of regular classroom learning for Classes 3–7.

Technology Skills

More than 400 students will gain foundational knowledge in:

• Spatial logic
• Motor movement
• Coding syntax
• Algorithm structures
• Robotics
• Practical technology

Students will have opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge through project exhibitions and demonstrations.

Long-Term Impact

The MITzKITS STEM Education Program is designed to create impact beyond the first year.

The project will establish a foundation for:

• Continued STEM education at Bethlehem Star
• Future robotics bootcamps
• Community innovation laboratories
• Advanced computer and vocational training
• Expanded technology education for young people
• Future STEM opportunities for local women and youth

The model is intended to demonstrate that effective technology education can be introduced in under-resourced schools without requiring expensive, capital-intensive laboratory infrastructure.

If successful, the approach can potentially be replicated in other primary schools across Arusha and Tanzania.

A Sustainable Investment in Education

This project is not simply about providing equipment for students.

It is an investment in teachers, children, practical education, and long-term school capacity.

By combining teacher training with reusable learning equipment and expert support, the program seeks to create a sustainable STEM learning environment that can continue benefiting students year after year.

The project will help children move from simply reading about science and technology to experimenting, building, coding, solving problems, and creating.

Project Partners

Tupendane Foundation and Initiatives (TUFOI)

TUFOI is the coordinating organization and primary program facilitator. It provides program supervision, community engagement, financial coordination, and donor reporting.

TUFOI is a registered Tanzanian national NGO under registration number OONGO/R/2425.

MITzKITS

MITzKITS is the STEM education and robotics partner responsible for providing reusable STEM learning kits, curriculum alignment, technical expertise, and teacher training.

Bethlehem Star Pre- & Primary School

Bethlehem Star Pre & Primary School in Usa River, Arusha, is the implementation site for the program.

The proposal identifies the school as having over 481 students and 34 dedicated staff members, together with existing infrastructure including a solar energy system and clean-water borehole supporting the school's learning environment.

Project Location

Bethlehem Star Pre- & Primary School
Usa River, Arusha
Tanzania

The program is specifically designed to respond to the educational needs of children within the local community while creating a model that can potentially be expanded to other schools.

Support STEM Education

Help Children Build the Skills of Tomorrow

Every child deserves the opportunity to explore, experiment, and develop the skills needed for the future.

Your support can help provide children with access to practical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education while strengthening teachers' ability to deliver STEM learning in the classroom.

Project Target: TZS 8,050,000

Project Contacts

Tupendane Foundation and Initiatives (TUFOI)

Contact Person: Mr. Edgar Walter Masunga, Managing Director
Telephone: +255 754 826 823 / +255 743 939 013
Email: info@tupendanefoundation.or.tz
Location: Magadirisho, near Muungano Secondary School, Usa River, Arusha, Tanzania
Postal Address: P.O. Box 197, Usa River, Tanzania

MITzKITS

Contact Person: Mr. Wilson Richard Mabala, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Telephone: +255 786 670 537
Email: wilson.mj@mitzkits.co.tz
Website: www.mitzkits.co.tz