By Giulia Maria Leone | Project Leader
After four weeks of holidays, it was time for many of the children at Malaika to return to school in January. It’s always a fun but busy time, and this year was extra special knowing that you have given the gift of education to 20 children: we thank you warmly for your generosity!
A new year, a new start:
In Tanzania, January marks the start of a new academic year. For some children, this means joining a new school as they transition from primary to secondary school. Increasingly, as the children at Malaika continue to grow, more will progress to secondary school in the next three years.
Many secondary schools in the district are boarding schools, meaning our older boys and girls study and live away, returning back home every three to four months. All the schools that the children are enrolled in offer smaller class sizes, than average, sufficient resources and a higher standard of teaching. Children at Malaika are some of the most well-performing students in their year-group.
“Everybody is now in upper class, having all passed their class last year: we support them in every way we can to help them reach their full potential.” says Jutta, founder and director of Malaika Children Home.
Primary foundations:
Two thirds of the children at Malaika attend a nearby primary school. Primary school is from Standard 1 to Standard 7. There is also kindergarten for some of the younger children who attend during the morning.
All subjects are taught in English preparing them for further education and the 11+ national exam. Quality education changes everything and with your support this year we can help the children of Malaika to realise they can accomplish more than they ever thought possible.
By becoming a Malaika Guardian you are helping to lay the education foundations for all these children, opening up a wide new world of opportunity!
Education and outreach:
As well as the children in our care, we continue to provide outreach and support to those who have been reunited with their families. In Tanzania, families must pay for uniforms, school supplies and exam fees. In poorer households this equates to over 50% of the family’s budget. Providing educational assistance is a key priority of Maliaka’s outreach work.
“Who knows, they might go also to University,” hopes the mother of a very bright child who was able to return home and is receiving support from Malaika for school expenses.
Over the coming year we look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of all the children, including their favourite subjects, life at school and exam results!!
“Our goal is to empower every child who receives temporary or permanent care at Malaika. We believe the key to this is education. Malaika Guardians is about educating children now and in the future. Thank you for your transformational support.” says Francesco, founder of Malaika Children’s Friends, since 2011.
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