Claire asked me to go on her behalf to Don Bosco on Friday afternoon. I wasn’t particularly busy and I had often wondered what that place was all about. I had seen a basketball court and assumed it was a sports ground. I couldn’t be farther from the truth because it is in fact a technical college.
There were about 20 expats getting a tour, some from private companies and some diplomats. We were shown around the school by the management and ably assisted by a scout troop. The place is a little goldmine, a place where young people can learn trades such as tailoring, computer repairs, motor mechanics, solar power instalatin, electronics, electrical wiring, plumbing and metal work.
Easily my favourite part of the workshop area was the woodworking section. They had displayed all their best pieces for us to view and they were not only very well made but really cheap too. I vowed to ask them to make me something the following week.
I was pleased to notice that as well as teaching the young people skills, they undergo formal classroom study and learn computer skills and English. The Don Bosco team is really making sure they are set up well for an independent life.
One of the most surprising things I saw was a room full of copy typists. Not since i was a very young girl had I seen a typewriter and I asked why they were being trained on these old fashioned machines. They explained that computers are only useful where there there is power and still so many places have unreliable or no electricity so typewriters were the only option. I was impressed by their typing speed and it was like a trip down memory lane to see typewriters again.
We were then treated to dinner of chicken livers which I was at first very wary of, but was soon back for more. They were considerate enough to also provide booze in the form of beer and sparkling wine.
Upstairs in the main office building is another surprise – a 50,000/= per night (full board) accommodation offering. Each of the 7 rooms have en-suite facilities, air-con and looked clean and well-appointed. It’s a great budget option for backpackers in Dar and I suggested they put it on AirBnB as they have very few booking. I don’t think they will get round to it though.
The following week I went back to Don Bosco as I had promised them and got them to make me a laptop box. It took them two days to produce a thing of beauty for less that a pizza dinner. Thank you Don Bosco for giving me some options for purchasing top quality handmade items while helping young people learn a new trade.