A TANZANIAN teacher is returning home this week after visiting Arnold School, Blackpool.

But Kenneth Mwamampalila is leaving his 18-year-old son, Zawadi Dende, at the school to further his education after the Tanzanian Tabare School, which he attended, closed in June.

Kenneth, who is blind, runs the Adult Rehabilitation School for the Blind in the tiny Tanzanian village of Buigiri.

For the past 10 years he has helped build a small community of houses, agricultural plots and water supply to help rehabilitate and educate families who have suffered from blindness.

And Arnold School pupils have sent clothing, blankets, toys and money, in addition to regular visits from sixth form pupils, since the Tanzanian school was formed. On his visit to thank current pupils Kenneth has been lecturing the pupils about life back home, helping the children to appreciate life in Africa.

Spokesman for Arnold School, Ken Shenton, said: "He's a very captivating speaker and the pupils have thoroughly enjoyed his talks. They think he's absolutely wonderful.

"We're very pleased to have Zawadi here with us. He's fitted in very well indeed and is living at a teacher's house while he completes his Maths, Physics and General Studies AS levels.

"It's a bit strange for him at the moment and will be difficult when his father leaves later this week. But this is such a great opportunity for him to do well, his English is very good, and the school will give him all the support he needs to eventually go home with qualifications."

When asked whether he had enjoyed his first day at Arnold School, Zawadi replied: "Excellent. Unlike home all the teachers turned up."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.