Cypress Hill Vocational Training Centre
Thanks to the funds raised by EVPA and the Marney Timms Kilimanjaro Group, we raised funds in the order of £57,000 for the start up of the Cypress Hill Project.
The Cypress Hill Vocational Training Centre in Monduli, Tanzania was built by CPA in 2008 and was created to provide vocational training and back up medical care to Tanzanians affected by HIV/Aids and for impoverished Tanzanians. Since July 2010 students at the Centre have been studying Tailoring and English Language and in January 2012 we will also introduce a Horticulture course.
At present the Centre relies entirely on funds raised by CPA to cover the annual running costs of around US$16,500, although it is hoped that in the future the Centre will be able to become more self-sustainable. The introduction of the Horticulture Course at the Centre will assist with sustainability. Not only will the course provide an education for the students in small holding (shamba) management techniques but the produce grown will be sold in the local community, generating an income for the Centre and will also be consumed by the boarding students, thus reducing costs.
Further plans for the Centre include the building of a hostel for boarding students. At present a local house is rented to accommodate these students but if a hostel is built on the grounds this will further reduce the external costs incurred by the centre. The cost of this build has been budgeted at US$32,958 and we are currently trying to secure a corporate sponsor who might support this build. If you, someone or a company that you know are interested in becoming a sponsor of the centre please email laura@communityprojectsafrica.org
Although the Health Post is built, we are still seeking funds and support to equip and staff the post. It is expected that the centre would serve around 6,000 people from villages in the Monduli and Arusha regions. There are currently no medical services in these areas and community members have to walk around 4 km to the District Hospital or to the Tanzania Military Academy for medical treatment. If we can establish the centre community members can receive services that will include disease diagnosis, minor surgeries, obtain prescription medication as well as maternity care.
Cypress Hill is our "flagship" project and we welcome charity supporters and tourists to visit the Centre.
The photos, above left of CPA trustees with the English Language students and right, of the Tailoring students were taken on a visit to the Centre on 23rd June 2011.