Increase Girls' Access to Education in Tanzania

Dear Girls Ed Supporters, 

We are delighted to share some joy this holiday season. This fall, many young women from our program began their first semesters at university. They are attending universities all over the country from Arusha and Dodoma to Mbeya and Dar es Salaam. In early November, they reported to their respective institutions, settled into the dorms, and began taking classes with a cohort of their peers. They made new friends from all over the country and began the process of adapting to a new academic culture. For many of these young women, this is the first time they have traveled away from home. They are also the first in their families to attend university, which makes them and their families very proud. 

From afar, they send regular updates to our in-country partner, Lucas of Project Wezesha via What's App and SMS. Some of those updates are simply collections of photos capturing their campus experiences. (Lots of smiles!) Check out the photos attached with this report - Serafina sent photos of herself with a classmate during a laboratory section at the University of Dodoma, the country's capital. Saidati sent photos of herself in front of her university and in one of her classes. Hadija shared a photo of herself with classmates in the hall of Mbeya University. The photos we've shared are only a few of the many images they have been excited to pass along to Lucas, who they view as a brother, mentor, and advocate for their education. 

Mariselina, pictured with some of her new friends, is pursuing a degree in Law at Mwenge Catholic University. She was also thrilled to share photos from her time at university, as well as the following message which she asked us to share with you. This message (edited slightly) emphasizes her excitement and her gratitude to donors who made this opportunity possible for her. 

"Hello. My name is Mariselina. I'm studying Bachelor of Arts for Law in Mwenge Catholic University. I appreciate the life of this university and Kilimanjaro at large. My special thanks to our donners for their support from the first step up to now.  Big up to them.  May the Lord have mercy upon them. I am doing well with my courses.  The lectures are good and the environment is conducive for all learners. I am  enjoying so much with my life since I arrived here. I got a lot of friends paying much attention to me like Vanesa from Arusha, Selina from Iringa, Janet from Tanga and Aisha from Dar es Salaam. We share different ideas when studying. Special thanks once again to our donors."

As we enter the holiday season, the Girls Ed team wishes to extend our deepest gratitude for all that you do to ensure that these young women are supported. Whether you spread the word or make a donation, you do make a difference. 

In the new year, we look forward to sharing more updates and stories from these and other university students about their academic experiences and aspirations! 

Happy Holidays, 

The Girls Ed Team