Raise University Tuition for 4 Tanzanian Girls

Dear Girls Ed supporters, 

According to UNESCO, Tanzania’s tertiary gross enrolment rate is 3.1%, making it one of the lowest in Eastern Africa. That means that only 3.1% of high school graduates successfully enroll in university. (Source) That statistic shines light on how remarkable that these four Girls Education International students are currently in university. Thanks to your donations during our microproject campaign, they can continue their studies. Keep reading to see the impact your support has on these ambitious students as I reflect on when I first met them four years ago and where they are now. 

Remence

I watched in awe as Remence took command of the classroom. She facilitated the discussion with confidence, asking the students probing questions to develop their critical thinking skills. She wrote notes on the board, highlighting important concepts. Even though Swahili is her first language, she conducted the class in English, pausing to clarify vocabulary terms when students didn’t understand. The incredible thing about this classroom is that it was a cohort of her peers and at the time she was just a teenager. 

Now, as a young adult, Remence is cultivating her natural ability as a teacher while at university. She continues to be a bubbly, optimistic chatterbox, only now with more refined ideas and an air of professionalism thanks to her ongoing academic work and the mentorship she has received. 

Nasra

In 2018, I met Nasra at a crowded bus stop to ask about her academic goals and progress. At the time, she was timid and hid behind a glowing smile. Since then, she has grown in confidence, maturity, and skill.

Nasra’s took an impressive course load this past semester. She successfully completed the following classes: basic computer applications, basics of labor law, basics of industrial relations, elements of organizational behavior, and elements of human resource management. The content she is learning at the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy is preparing her for a career in Human Resources. 

Serafina 

In the six months that I was in Kigoma, I conducted 35 home visits to better know Girls Education International’s and Project Wezesha’s students, families, and communities. One thing that stood out to me about the visit with Serafina is that she was the only one who had books at home. When I asked her about this, she replied that she loves learning and that her parents support her education. Her love of learning continues to be cultivated by hands-on coursework in laboratories. Undoubtedly, she will convey her passion for science and education to her own students in the future. 

Marselina

When I asked Marselina about her dreams for the future, her conviction and determination to become a lawyer was evident. She replied that she wants to be an advocate for disadvantaged individuals, especially women. That was four years ago. 

Now, Marselina is at a field study in Moshi, interning as a lawyer with the resident magistrate. Her cohort had the privilege of meeting the Head Judge and hearing him speak about the importance of people knowing their rights. (See the photo below.  Marselina is in the back row, second from the left.)  Marselina is also developing her computer literacy skills, thanks to a laptop she received from Girls Education International, which will increase her efficiency as a lawyer. 

Next Steps

We’re amazed by the progress each of these young women has made on their selected path and are excited to see them achieve their dreams. As the microproject ended, we ask that you continue supporting Remence, Nasra, Serafina, and Marselina through our ongoing campaign Fund PostSecondary Education for Girls in Tanzania. Thank you for your investment.

Sincerely,

Kate Schelbe

Executive Director

Girls Education International