Educate 500 Orphans and Needy Children in Tanzania: Project Number 2047
Location: Rufiji District, Tanzania
Today we met the president, three doctors, a few parliamentarians, and an engineer. Well, they weren’t these things yet, but, thanks to CAMFED, the students of 10 districts across Tanzania will have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. CAMFED partners with local schools to sponsor children that would otherwise be unable to afford schooling by providing uniforms, shoes, scholastic materials, and in some cases, school fees.
At Ikwiriri secondary school (high school), CAMFED supports 46 girls. Unlike primary school, the Tanzanian government does not pay school fees for secondary school. We asked several of the girls how CAMFED helps them. Msumi, a 10th grader, told us that “CAMFED provides more than school fees, it provides everything we need.” The girls all agreed that without CAMFED, none of them would have been able to afford school. One girl, Jessica, a 9th grader, told us that her parents had left to find jobs in the city, abandoning her and her sister, who is also supported by CAMFED. Today, the two girls live in a small house near the school, paid for by CAMDED.
The students also mentioned that they appreciate the help of their teacher-mentor who helps them purchases uniforms and shoes and provides them with counseling on children’s rights and HIV/AIDS and more. CAMFED trains one teacher-mentor as every school with which it works. During our visit, we were fortunate to attend the annual teacher-mentor training, organized by CAMFED where teachers were trained how to support “most vulnerable children” (orphans and impoverished children). In addition to supporting students, teacher-mentors teach their colleagues the strategies they learn.
Later in the day we visited Umwe Primary School where we met with head teacher Rwambo, who explained that CAMFED supports 366 students. While the government pays the school fees for primary school students, secondary school students and their families are responsible for paying the often insurmountable costs of uniforms, shoes, and scholastic materials. The head teacher introduced us to the 1,000+ students at her school that had gathered on the front lawn to greet us. We asked the crowd how CAMFED had helped them. Over the course of five minutes, literally hundreds of students sprung to their feet, one at a time, to confidently introduce themselves and proudly tell us “CAMFED bought me shoes” or “CAMFED paid for my uniform.” Teachers of the school explained that as a result of CAMFED’s support, school attendance had improved. Prior to receiving support students had come to school unclean and in rags. Now, with new, clean uniforms, students are proud to come to school.
The next day, as our visit continued, we met two restaurateurs and a store keeper. Unlike the students who are well on their way to achieving their dreams, these three women have already achieved success because of CAMFED. Hadija, Miriam, and Mwajabu are all part of CAMFED’s CAMA program, which gives women business training and start-up grants to become entrepreneurs. CAMA also creates communities of women to support each other, including weekly trainings. Now, with the money they have earned, these three moms can support their families, send their children to school, and even hire others. CAMFED is in the business of making girls’ and women’s dreams come true. From what we saw, they are doing a great job.
To learn more about this project and how you can help, visit: www.globalgiving.com/2047.
2 years ago