FROM THE FLOOR TO THE DESK: TRANSFORMING LEARNING IN RURAL CLASSROOMS
FROM THE FLOOR TO THE DESK: TRANSFORMING LEARNING IN RURAL CLASSROOMS
Across many schools, students face significant barriers to learning — from a shortage of teachers and study materials to limited access to electricity and technology. These challenges deeply affect their ability to succeed. Among the most visible and immediate issues is the lack of basic infrastructure, such as school desks.
In the Oljoro Number 5 project area, students were forced to sit on the floor, which led to dirty uniforms, poor hand Fwriting, frequent illnesses, and a rise in absenteeism. Addressing the shortage of desks has not only improved classroom conditions but also restored students’ dignity, motivation, and attendance.
“One of the main challenges we encountered during the assessment and design phase was the lack of infrastructure — especially desks — in all six schools under the Oljoro Number 5 project. Because students had to sit on the floor, their clothes would get dirty, they struggled to write properly, and even the thought of going to school discouraged them. This contributed to a steady rise in absenteeism across these schools,” says Peruth, Oljoro Area Program Manager.
Infrastructure challenges often seriously impact children, but meaningful improvements can restore hope — especially when we invest in essential educational tools.
“In our 2025 financial plan, we provided 200 desks to all six schools, reaching approximately 836 students. This has significantly reduced the shortage of desks in the project area. At Olbokishu Primary School, which has 1,326 pupils — about a quarter of whom used to sit on the floor — we have now provided desks. Students are seated properly, no longer on the ground, and they are eager to come to school because desks are available. As a result, absenteeism has decreased,” adds Peruth.
Thanks to World Vision’s efforts, infrastructure in Oljoro Number 5 has improved. Children are now enjoying school life without sitting on the floor. Just one desk can restore the dignity and hope of children striving to achieve their dreams.
“We used to sit on the ground, which made our clothes dirty. We didn’t like coming to school, and our notebooks would get dirty too, causing us to fall sick often. Now, we sit at desks and enjoy school. Our clothes no longer get dirty, and we follow school rules,” says Nesi, a student at Olbokishu Primary School.
Another student, Lengai, adds, “In the past, the school didn’t have desks — we used to sit on the ground. Sitting on the ground made our clothes dirty, our notebooks got dirty, and our handwriting was poor. But now, we have desks. We write neatly, our clothes stay clean, and we enjoy attending school every day and on time. We are very grateful to World Vision.”
“In this classroom, students used to sit on the floor because there were no desks at all. But now, as you can see, the classroom is full of desks. We are very grateful to World Vision for providing them,” says Mr. Samuel, the head teacher of Olbokishu Primary School.
CONTENT BY ALPHA NSEMWA
SENIOR COMMUNICATION OFFICER – WORLD VISION TANZANIA.