Achievements and problems
The fact that ISB has two committed donors implies a financial security. However, there are still many requirements that have to be met by the school in order to improve its task of providing education for children with low or no vision. At the moment, there is shortage of Braille typing machines (pekings), the special typing machines for blind people. In order to be able to teach the pupils satisfactorily, 10 more machines would be required. However, these are very expensive; one costs more than Tshs. 700,000/= which is equivalent to approximately 700 Euros. Another problem that needs to be tackled is that of dormitories. There are pupils who live in overcrowded rooms, which is not good for their health. Moreover, the school doesnt have a Braille version of the new school syllabus. Shortage of teachers is also a problem and therefore the leadership of the North Eastern Diocese is involved in helping ISB to recruit two teachers.
Despite the above stated problems, the pupils at ISB have been performing satisfactorily. An important indicator is the Std. VII National Examination. In 2000, 4 pupils sat for the exams and all of them passed. In 2001, 5 out of six pupils passed. In 2002, 3 out 4 pupils passed. This year there are seven pupils who are expected to sit for their Std. VII exams. Pupils who pass the exams are sent to mixed schools (i.e. schools for seeing and blind students) where they continue with secondary education. Some of these schools are Tabora Girls, Tabora Boys and Korogwe Girls. For those pupils who fail the exams, ISB tries to find alternative training so that they may get a chance to earn their living. For instance the pupil who failed during last years exams is now at ISB where she makes sisal mats.
The school has been increasing the number of buildings throughout the years. Apart from the five buildings built in 1963, there are more than six houses that include staff residences and a guesthouse.
We are also looking forward to the completion of the two buildings that are intended for pupils with low vision. The buildings have been constructed in accordance to directives given by experts regarding low vision. The plan is that they should be ready for use next year.