Tanbur African Aid Society
The Tanbur African Aid Society (TAAS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization incorporated in Alberta on August 21, 2008, with a focus on education and community development in Tanzania and Burundi. Registered under the business number 803315068RR0001, the society aims to empower individuals in these African nations through professional training, resource provision, and infrastructure support.

History
Founded by Diana McIntyre following her volunteer experiences in Tanzania (2002) and Burundi (2006), TAAS emerged from her direct observation of systemic educational challenges in both countries. Her subsequent collaborations with local groups, including Burundi’s Friendship Force club, highlighted urgent needs such as teacher training, school supplies, and child welfare programs. The society was formally established in 2008 to address these gaps through volunteer-driven initiatives.

Mission and Activities
TAAS focuses on improving educational outcomes by training primary school teachers in English as a Second Language (ESL) methodologies, grammar, and classroom resources. The organization also coordinates donations of teaching materials, school furnishings, and financial aid to partner institutions. A notable campaign, Help Us Fill and Ship a Container to Burundi, facilitated large-scale supply shipments to schools, including the Burundi English School (BES), which has expanded its facilities due to rising enrollment.

Structure and Operations
As a registered Canadian charity, TAAS relies on volunteer professionals and fundraising efforts to sustain its programs. Key activities include recruiting educators for training workshops, sourcing donated materials, and collaborating with African partners to identify priority needs. The society’s work emphasizes direct community engagement and long-term capacity building.

Impact
TAAS has contributed to educational infrastructure growth, particularly at BES, where donor-funded expansions have accommodated increasing student populations. The organization’s efforts underscore a commitment to sustainable development through education, aiming to equip Tanzanian and Burundian communities with skills for 21st-century challenges.