Educate 500 Orphans and Needy Children in Tanzania

Building on successful work in Iringa and Kilolo Districts since 2007, Camfed is delighted to have secured additional support to extend its reach and impact in Tanzania in 2009. Camfed’s education program was recently launched in Kilosa and Kilombero Districts and the investment creates vital security to enable a cohort of girls to complete school as well as supporting innovative work to empower students to lead improvements in the school environment.

After 5 years of successful adapting and implementing our best practice in girls’ education and young women’s economic empowerment program in Tanzania, Camfed Tanzania is poised to substantially increase its impact and reach. An extensive baseline survey conducted in 2008 confirmed the impact of the program to date and provides robust data to direct program strategy going forward.

Drawing on findings from the baseline survey and consultations with community and government partners, Camfed Tanzania has prepared its 2009 --- 2013 Strategic Plan, which charts an ambitious path for growth and innovation in the future. Camfed Tanzania is seeking to significantly extend girls’ education and young women’s leadership opportunities in Tanzania.

With the specific help of GlobalGiving donors, we have been able to send more young women to school by providing them shoes, uniforms, and exam fees to ensure they do not drop out of school.

The young vulnerable children we've helped support are like Jonas whose father died when he was only seven and his mother works in the city to provide for their family. “ Two days a week, I have to skip school to work in the market selling vegetables. It is disappointing to miss classes because I worry that I won’t be prepared to take my secondary school exams so that I can continue my education."

Jonas' classmates put him forward for the Safety Net Fund. They knew that he was struggling because he was going to school with bare feet, and no exercise books.

"When I returned to school after being away for some days, my teacher told me that Camfed was going to supply me with a new uniform and books. I felt so good, because I could see that it would really change my situation. To be able to show up with the proper books and shoes makes me feel better about going to school."

Education is the most sound investment you can make towards the eradication of poverty, and Camfed's work is helping secure a better future for these children and their communities.