Education is key to strengthening communities; to lift families out of poverty and to build a community that can show love, compassion and assistance in times of need. There are opportunities to remove barriers to a good education for Ifakara’s young people.
As each student is successful in school, they can get good jobs and support their families and return to help others who are in need, as they once were. Since 2011, we have supported more than 40 students from primary schools to University. We have committed ourselves to support students from poor families who would not ordinarily have an opportunity to go to school and acquire quality education.
Understanding the Education System in Tanzania
The Tanzanian government has worked to increase the access to education for all Tanzanian children but there is a shortage of classrooms, teachers and textbooks. A significant challenge for young people wanting to go to secondary school is that primary school classes are taught in Kiswahili, their first language. If they pass the entrance examinations to go to Secondary School, they face the challenge of learning classes taught in English.
Valenova has helped address this issue by building a Study Hall with books and computers. This helps the students learn English and to learn in English. This is very important for primary school children who have not been exposed to being taught in English.
The older students who succeed in their studies, donate their time to help the younger students learn subjects taught in English. Built in 2011, the study hall provides young people with a place to learn computer skills and a place where volunteers can help students with the subjects they find difficult.
The study hall has become a focal point in the community and is a place where the leaders discuss the many projects they manage.
Students Study at the Library
The elders in the Study Hall discussing the distribution of corn
The schools require children to wear uniforms to go to school. The cost of these can be a hardship for some families and is often a barrier to a child going to school. Valenova Foundation has purchased uniforms for children, which opened the door for them to attend school.
A child being hungry is a health concern. It is also a hardship that distracts from children learning in school. Valenova Foundation has provided lunches to children at primary school so they can concentrate on their studies. This has been mainly for the standard four and seven students who are preparing for their final national examinations. They are required to stay at school until the evening. (This program has been suspended due to lack of funds)
A student/parent writes a “Letter of Request” to a director of the Valenova Foundation explaining his/her problems as to why he/she cannot pay school fees for their family. The board of directors meets every two weeks and as part of their agenda they discuss the letters of request they have received and determine who is eligible. IF the funds are available, the student is notified.
We currently are facing challenges because there are more young people qualifying for the scholarship than we have funds to support it. University education in Tanzania is not as expensive as it is in many countries and the amount donated makes a big difference to the life of the student, their family and the community.
Ponsian is a young man who graduated in 2015 from Moshi Co-operative University with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management. He became one of the first students to benefit from the Valenova Foundation scholarship. He now works at ASA Microfinance Tanzania Limited as the Loan Manager
Agnel graduated from Mzumbe University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree of public administration. Agnel was also one of the first students to be sponsored by our charity. He currently works for TANESCO headquarters as a Human Resource Officer. Agnel now supports his own family.
Hadija graduated in June of 2017 with a Diploma in Community Development from the Local Government Training Institute in Dodoma. Hadija is now self-employed in the Mbeya Region of Tanzania.
Pulkeria graduated in December of 2018 with a Bachelor Degree of Human Resource Management in Mzumbe University and was supported by Mama Robin Dines from Canada who is the Founder of Valenova Foundation. Pulkeria is now having a good job and helps her family.
Dorothea Mteteleka completed her Form four studies in December of 2021 with the Ordinary level certificate of Secondary school, and now Valenova Foundation is struggling to have funding so that in October 2023 to join College to study a three year course for a Diploma of Public Administration.
Scholastica Amandus completed her Form four studies in November of 2022 with the Ordinary level certificate of Secondary school. Scholastica has passed and done well in her studies and deserves to continue with High school.
She hopes to return to school in July 2023. She wants to become a Lawyer so she can help her fellow women who are persecuted in our Society. The girl is always thanking Valenova Foundation for the great support in her studies.
