Increase Girls' Access to Education in Tanzania

Dear Girls Education International Supporter,

It is the start of the rainy season (masika) in Tanzania and the girls that are in secondary school with your generous support are halfway through their second term. We’re proud this month to share this story from one of the girls we support through your generosity. Meet Sarafina.  

SARAFINA, University of Dodoma

Sarafina is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Education, where she focuses on biology in order to teach biology when she graduates.  During a recent interview Sarafina reported, “I am enrolled in biostatistics, vertebrate anatomy, and physiology, educational media, and curriculum development. My favorite course is biostatistics simply because I am learning to design experiments about health problems biologically and to present and interpret the research.” 

Sarafina is proud that this year she has also studied psychology, a skill that will aid her in helping her future students across Tanzania. She said, “This will help me to help students identify their problems and on how to solve them- for example, students with stresses about family problems or poor academic performance.”

Through her education, Sarafina has been able to help current students in Tanzania, and this teaching experience while she studies has also contributed to her development personally. “I was teaching biology at Buronge Secondary School and this helped me gain experience and confidence standing in front of students and teaching…. This has increased my knowledge of the subject and I have also overcome new challenges.” 

Attending school has improved not only her prospects for a future career, but she is benefitting socially and physically. “I use my extra time doing some physical exercises to maintain body health and just to prevent unnecessary disease.” The opportunity to attend university has meant many new experiences as well. “Studying at university has impacted me because I am making new friends and gaining exposure to different people. It has expanded my level of thinking and knowledge of current issues globally.” Sarafina is also sharing what she has learned with her family. 

While thinking about her future now, Sarafina has plans for her career and wants to help others the way she was helped. “After five years, I will have my own job, and some of my money will help some people in need just as our donors are supporting us. I have to fulfill my dream of helping people in need.” 

This month, you can help Girls Education International reach even more girls. With the support of GlobalGiving, Girls Education International is participating in the Little by Little campaign. Any donations up to $50 from our donors will be matched at 50% if you donate between April 3 – 7. 

If you were inspired by Sarafina’s story, we hope you will support our campaign to support girls’ education in Tanzania. 

With warmest regards,

Paula Kenworthy

Tanzania Project Manager