USTZ | Mapatano Secondary School
News: We’re partnering with ACTT, a trusted leader in digital inclusion, to provide laptops to all our graduating students.
Photo: Nikki Jew
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Mapatano Secondary School
Mapatano was founded in 2008. It is a public secondary school with ~450 students and 16 teachers. The students and teachers collaborate to share about life, and events in Tanga, Tanzania
Madam Magdalena Wandi is the current headmistress. The school is located in Mtapwa village of Tanga, Tanzania. The campus is 25 hectares. The school is 10 hectares, with 5 hectares of farmland, and 10 hectares of undeveloped land.
Mtapwa is surrounded by rich farmland, and mountains. Main sources of income include, but are not limited to, agriculture, animal husbandry, small businesses, and fishing. Common foods include ugali (pounded corn flour with water), tropical fruits, beans, chapati (flat bread), fish, chicken, beef, mchicha (cooked greens), kachumbali (sliced tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and carrots with lime), and many other snacks.
January 2022 updates
Hello sponsors and pen-pals!
Our sponsorship program has grown to support nine secondary school students (ages 14-19, five female and four male), and two university students (ages 19-20, one female and one male)
All three of the sponsored students in the 2021 graduating class PASSED the Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE)
Students at public institutions nationally are qualified to pursue higher education after scoring division one through three on the CSEE.
Congratulations to all students, including:
Mwanauru Omari Juma
Mariam Gerald Mkabenga
Erick John Amon
Sincere thanks from the sponsored students, Gerald, and I for your continued support.
Sponsorships | Letter and cultural exchange
UNTA is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and expanding opportunities for gifted and financially disadvantaged students. We foster meaningful dialogue between Americans and Tanzanians and support communities in achieving their personal and professional goals.
Our students are recognized leaders, enthusiastic learners, and committed to becoming contributing members of society. Currently, ten secondary school students (ages 14–19) are enrolled. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need, helping to cover transportation, nutritious meals, school supplies, and related fees. We aim to equip young people with the tools to make informed, healthy choices about their future, whether in secondary school, university, or vocational training.
In addition, UNTA facilitates international student letter exchanges, open to students from elementary through high school. This creative program encourages cultural awareness, connection, and the sharing of ideas—independent of sponsorship participation.
To learn more about Tanzania or any of our programs, email us at hello@ustz.org or click the Get in Touch button below.
Learn Swahili!
Join us in exploring the Swahili language! A native Tanzanian speaker will guide you through basic phrases, help improve your fluency, and share insights about daily life and culture in Tanzania.
Proceeds from tutoring and Swahili classes directly support students, helping cover tuition, school fees, and living expenses after secondary school graduation.
Visit our school and village
Experience Life in a Tanzanian Village
Spend an afternoon, evening, or an extended week in a small Tanzanian village and gain a firsthand perspective of local life and culture.
Mapatano Secondary School, located in Mtapwa village about 25 miles west of Tanga, serves as the center of your visit. We handle all logistics, including transportation, accommodations, and any special requests. The school and surrounding activities are within walking distance (approximately 300 meters), making exploration easy and immersive.
Activities Include:
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Guided village and school tour
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Farm visit and sisal & cassava plantation tour
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Cooking demonstration and local food tasting
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Visits to local shops and community spaces
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Transportation, translator, personal guide, two full Tanzanian meals, snacks, and clean drinking water
All proceeds support students at Mapatano Secondary School, helping cover tuition, school fees, and living expenses after graduation.
To plan your visit, contact us at hello@ ustz.org or the form below.
Contact | USTZ
Resources on direct cash transfers
The Educational Impacts of Cash Transfers for Children with Multiple Indicators of Vulnerability
Does International Child Sponsorship Work? A Six-Country Study of Impacts on Adult Life Outcomes
Tanzania: Cash transfers for health and education
Why cash transfers work for families
The Political Paradox of Cash Transfers
