“Always be unique and refuse to do anything in the normal way.” These are the take home words that ring in our ears from the special guest speaker at our first staff meeting of 2019. This advice, encouraging us to be bold and to…
What makes AfricAid’s Binti Shupavu project unique and captivating? Binti Shupavu is an innovative program designed for Ordinary Level (Forms 1-4) girls enrolled in government schools in Tanzania. Mentors meet with a group of Scholars after formal classes one afternoon a week in each…
A Second Chance for the Chance of a Lifetime The chance to become a Kisa Scholar. The chance to become a Binti Shupavu Mentor. The chance to have a meaningful career as a teacher. This story is about Theresia Stephen, a Kisa Alumna…
One of the practical elements in the Binti Shupavu life skills program is helping girls through the exam preparation period. We do this over the span of the entire school year, in various ways such as discussions on study techniques, time management (planning and making…
We cannot think of a more perfect example of the ripple effect that results from AfricAid’s model of mentoring than Chausiku Mkuya. Chiku, as she is affectionately known by friends and co-workers, has benefitted greatly from being mentored. In turn, she has mentored many…
It all starts in the early afternoon when you see everyone around the office busy finalizing their preparations for Kisa and Binti Shupavu classes that start around 3pm. Some Mentors have already left for far-flung schools, while others have a day where they can leave…
First Binti Shupavu Group Honored with Special Ceremonies How grateful and happy you feel when you take a step forward. And, it is even better when you have people gathered to celebrate together. In Tanzania, many students mark each huge academic accomplishment such as…
When I was first hired by AfricAid, I was brimming with questions. How would I be able develop positive and supportive relationships with the Scholars I was supposed to mentor? How would I overcome all the different challenges that would emerge with my responsibilities? Along…
One of the key ingredients that help girls to stay in and finish school is parental support. Unfortunately, most girls in Tanzania do not have this. A number of academics have noted how important parental advocacy and encouragement is, something which was also identified in…
Michelle Obama once said, “When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous.” Just imagine how rich all countries could be if girls were provided education equally and how women could add value to their countries’ economies by being employed or employing themselves….