Project Week at Starkenburg Gymnasium in Heppenheim
June 25, 2026 • 507 words • 3 minutes
Kirsten Schellhaas
This year, once again, from 22 to 25 June 2026, our project week on the partnership with Endarofta Secondary School in Tanzania took place at Starkenburg-Gymnasium in Heppenheim. For the fourth time, David and Kirsten supported the project week and worked together with enthusiastic students to shape it.Our aim was to give the students a real insight into life in Tanzania. At the same time, the students helped prepare the opening school service for the new fifth-graders, so that from the very beginning they could already feel connected to our partner school.
Day 1: A first look at Tanzania
On the first day, the group explored the fascinating world of Tanzania through pictures, stories and short personal anecdotes. This helped bring the country to life through its people, landscapes and traditions. It soon became clear that Tanzania is much more than a dot on a map: it is a country full of warmth, diversity and hospitality.Day 2: Creativity was the focus
On the second project day, traditional crafts took centre stage. Together with our association member Bärbel, the students learned how to weave the traditional Maasai bracelets. With patience, skill and plenty of creativity, colourful pieces of jewellery were created, giving the students a hands-on sense of Maasai craft traditions and the cultural richness of Tanzania.Day 3: Preparing the information booth
On the third day, the group worked together to prepare the information booth. With lots of ideas and teamwork, posters and decorations were created, and information about the partnership with Endarofta Secondary School was gathered. The goal was to give interested visitors a better understanding of our association’s work and daily life at our partner school during the final project day.Day 4: Tanzania on the menu!
On the last project day, the focus shifted once again to the culinary side of Tanzania. First, the students learned about how food is prepared and eaten in Tanzania. Afterwards, they made delicious samosas together.In the morning, interested students, teachers and families were able to visit our information booth, learn more about the partnership and try the freshly prepared samosas. There were also handmade fabrics and carefully sewn items to discover — all for a good cause.A special highlight of the day was a joint video call with Sister Sindano, the headteacher of Endarofta Secondary School. The students had the opportunity to speak directly with our partner school in Tanzania, ask questions and learn more about school life there. This personal contact made the partnership feel very real and showed just how alive the connection between the two schools still is.The project week once again showed how valuable and enriching it is to learn from one another and stay connected across continents. We are proud of the dedicated students and would like to thank everyone involved — especially Bärbel for her support. We would also like to thank Mrs Arndt and the whole school for giving us the wonderful opportunity to run this project week once again.
