The Umoja Centre is a fun, friendly and nurturing place to work and study. Students and staff have a great relationship based on trust and respect. To be able to continue in this way, we do not wish to expand so much that we lose these very important relationships. In 2010 our student population will be 80, and we believe that is a good number for at least the next few years. We are in a rented property until March 2011, however our long term goal is to be able to buy suitable buildings or land to build on, so that we can create a permanent and sustainable centre for the young people of Arusha. We envision this centre to serve our students and the wider community in providing a space for recreation, community events and shared gardens.Our goal is to build and operate The Umoja Centre in a way that promotes social and environmental responsibility and ensures the sustainability of the centre for many years to come. We are in a rented property until March 2011 and are unsure of the plans for the current building.
Our plans are outlined as follows:
- Purchase land or buildings in the Arusha area to set up a permanent and sustainable centre
- To continue to focus on and improve access to essential education to young adults outside of the formal education system
- To provide a continuum of opportunities to students following successful completion of the centre’s programme, for example, placement in higher level education, vocational training or assistance in job placement
- To offer a nutritious meal to our students and staff everyday so they can excel in their courses and instruction
- The ability to increase the student population in relation to the success of the above goals
- To establish a micro-enterprise scheme to generate ongoing funds to ensure the centre's financial sustainability
