The International School of Tanganyika (IST) is an independent, private, not-for-profit day school serving students from age three through Grade 12. We offer a rigorous, internationally recognized education complemented by a rich and balanced programme of arts, athletics, service learning, and extracurricular opportunities.;xNLx;;xNLx;For over six decades, IST has partnered with Tanzanian and expatriate families, guided by a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community. Grounded in our strategic vision, we value collaboration, inclusion, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging, empowering students to pursue their passions and thrive in an ever-changing world.;xNLx;;xNLx;Through this timeline, you will discover significant milestones in IST’s journey alongside important moments in Tanzania’s history. Explore the entries to find blog posts, audio clips, and videos that bring our story to life.;xNLx;;xNLx;The research for this timeline draws in part from Graham Mercer’s A Very Special School, which chronicles IST’s rich and enduring legacy.
The concept for IST began taking shape as the result of an increased international outlook and an influx of international workers and their families in Dar es Salaam, following Tanganyika’s (see 1964 in the timeline to see how Tanganyika later joined with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania) independence.
Tanganyika becomes independent with Julius Nyerere as Prime Minister.
With the influx of an international community, a few parents began exploring the possibility of setting up an international school in Dar es Salaam. This group of parents, together with the assistance of the then Geneva-based International Schools Association, founded IST the next year.
Tanganyika becomes a republic with Julius Nyerere elected as President. He became President in 1964.
He was added to the Board and served with distinction. He later went on to be honored as a Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. Also honored in 2005 with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the President of India He was one of the 20 founder members of the school committee.
In 1962, a few parents began exploring the possibility of setting up an international school in Dar es Salaam. This group of parents, together with the assistance of the then Geneva-based International Schools Association, founded IST in 1963. When IST opened its doors on what was then called Cameron Road (now United Nations Road) in September of that year, it had 214 elementary-aged pupils, nine full-time and one part-time teacher, mostly recruited from within Tanzania. At the time, it was also the first international school in this half of Africa. By the end of the year, the school community had grown to 305 pupils and 15 full-time teachers. One of the original teachers was Gloria Mawji, read her story by clicking the link below.
Irene Leach was the school’s first Head. She’s "perhaps the most outstanding”, according to long-time IST teacher, Graham Mercer. Read his story by clicking the link below!
Dr. Michael Latham, IST’s first Board Chair and one of the school’s founders, addressing the audience at IST’s opening ceremony. To his left is Mr. Desmond Cole-Baker of the International School of Geneva who acted as a visiting consultant during IST’s early years. The ceremony also included Mr. Eliufoo, Tanganyika’s first Minister of Education. Dr. Latham was an English medical doctor specializing in nutrition. In a book about IST’s history "A Very Special School - In Africa" by Graham Mercer, Latham spoke of the founding of IST he said, “It was originally built as a Primary School before full independence...” Click the photo to hear the rest of Dr. Latham’s perspective on founding IST.
Mr. Houghton paid a special tribute to Michael Latham “and all those who had worked so selflessly and untiringly towards the setting up of the school”.
Zanzibar becomes independent.
