Increase Girls' Access to Education in Tanzania

Zihaya, a first-year student pursuing a Diploma in Medicine at the Kilimanjaro Institute of Health Sciences, is turning her ambitions into action. During a recent school break, she remained on campus to participate in a vaccination outreach team—an experience focused on preventing the spread of infectious diseases, protecting vulnerable populations, and strengthening community health. Through this hands-on work, Zihaya strengthened her clinical skills, deepened her understanding of public health, and further ignited her passion for serving others. She remains dedicated to her dream of becoming a pediatrician, and with support from donors like you, she has taken a critical step toward that goal.

Girls Education International continues to support young women in Tanzania like Zihaya as they pursue education beyond secondary school. By providing scholarships and academic support, the program removes financial barriers and creates a pathway into university and vocational training, ensuring students not only access higher education but succeed in it.

Zihaya is thriving. She has demonstrated strong academic performance, discipline, and determination, while building meaningful friendships with peers from across Tanzania, including Dodoma, Mbeya, Tanga, and Singida. These connections have helped her grow in confidence and adapt to university life. Her journey reflects the broader impact of this program—empowering young women with the tools, education, and self-belief to build brighter futures.

By investing in students like Zihaya, we are developing future healthcare providers, leaders, and advocates who will strengthen their communities. With continued support, these young women will complete their education and go on to improve access to healthcare, education, and opportunity across Tanzania. 

In our October 2025 report, we celebrated Saidati’s graduation from university — a milestone made possible through your support. We invite you to hear directly from Saidati about what earning her degree means to her. Her reflection offers a powerful reminder of the impact in investing in girls’ education. 

My Journey, My Dreams, and My Commitment

By  Saidati 

I am deeply grateful to Almighty God for the gift of life, good health, and the strength to walk this academic journey to its fulfillment. This achievement is not mine alone, it is the result of love, guidance, and support from my family and everyone who stood with me from the very beginning until this moment of graduation.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the leadership of Girls Education International and Project Wezesha for believing in my potential and investing in my dreams. Your support, in many forms, became a foundation for my success and a powerful force in helping me achieve my goals. I am especially thankful to Madam Rai Farrelly, Kaka (brother in Swahili) Lukas Lameck, and Dr. Madaga your encouragement, mentorship, and support have made a lasting difference in my life. May Allah continue to bless you abundantly.

I proudly graduated from Ardhi University with a Bachelor's degree in Regional Development Planning, achieving a GPA of 4.2. This milestone is a reminder that with faith, determination, and the right support, dreams are valid and achievable.

My ultimate dream is to become a dedicated Regional development planner who leads inclusive and sustainable development initiatives that improve livelihoods, empower women and youth, and create resilient communities…. Beyond business success, my goal is to create jobs, mentor young professionals especially girls and reinvest knowledge and resources back into communities…

As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that every achievement begins with a dream, fueled by faith, hard work, and the unwavering support of those who believe in you. Today, I celebrate not just my academic success, but the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for myself, for my community, and for the generations of girls who will follow in my footsteps.

I am committed to turning my education and dreams into action, to use my skills and knowledge to create meaningful change, and to inspire others to believe in their potential. This is more than a personal milestone; it is a call to leadership, service, and responsibility. Thus proving that when a girl is educated and supported, she can create institutions that change lives.

Thank you for choosing to invest in a girl’s education. Your support did not only change my life, it planted hope and possibility for many others. 

To every young girl; your background does not define your future. Believe in yourself, stay focused, and never allow limitations to silence your dreams. Education is power and when a girl rises, she lifts her family, her community, and the world.

*Girls Education International does not have a religious affiliation. We serve students of all faiths and backgrounds, guided by a commitment to educational opportunity and inclusion for all.