Stepping Toward Their Future
by Rita Langeland
In Tanzania, the average person is considered fortunate if able to complete Primary school, which ends at the equivalent of 6th grade in the American education system. According to the government, Primary education is “free” but the required school uniforms, books and school supplies and even “fees” for mandatory after school tutoring sessions often are cost prohibitive for many poor families resulting in a high drop out rate before Primary school is completed.
Only an estimated 20% of the population enter Secondary School, which covers grades 7 through 12, known as Form 1 to Form 6 in Tanzania. Secondary level education is not free, and school fees (tuition) must be paid in order to attend. The number of government-run Secondary Schools is insufficient to keep up with the number of students desiring to attend. So even some students who could afford the fees and pass the national exams still are prevented from attending due to lack of space.
In Moshi, where the Treasures of Africa Children’s Home is located, the local government-run Secondary School is so overcrowded, that they have begun to hold half-day double sessions, greatly reducing the classroom time of the students, sending the first session home at noon.
 Desiring the best possible educational opportunities for the children at TOA, we have opted to enroll our three eligible students, Margaret, Irene and Sifa in Northern Highlands Secondary School, a private School in Moshi. The school year begins in January, but because they are entering Secondary School, they are required to attend a 10 week course called Pre-Form 1 (which is currently underway) to prepare them for the rigors of Secondary education. (Thanks to generous donors, the fees for the Pre-form 1 courses for all three girls were provided.) To progress, they must pass mandatory exams including demonstration of a sufficient grasp of English to be allowed to enter in January. So please pray for our girls as they are in the midst of that challenging course right now!
 It is hard to explain just how monumental an accomplishment it is for these girls to be academically ready to enter Secondary School. Considering their backgrounds of deprivation and inconsistent school attendance due to trauma in their families, it is a miracle to see them take this step forward! To our
knowledge, these three young ladies will be the first ones in their families to enter Secondary School. And we believe that by the grace of God they will also be the first to graduate!
Sifa wants to be a doctor or nurse and understands how important doing well in school is in order to achieve her dream. She really loves medicine and she is so excited that Northern Highlands School has a very good Science lab.
 Irene wants to be a teacher and an evangelist. She dreams of traveling the world and preaching and teaching. Margaret also has expressed an interest in medicine, having seen her own mother and other family members suffer and die from AIDS. But she also is an accomplished singer, often leading the children and staff during times of worship, and would love to pursue music.
The cost for each of these girls to attend Northern Highlands for one year will be approximately $1,000 per student including fees, books and uniforms. If you would like to be a part of helping these young ladies begin stepping toward their future, please send a gift of any size and mark it “School fees” and the child’s name.
Thank you for your heart to see the “Treasures” at TOA be prepared for future leadership through the provision of a solid education as well as a Biblical foundation. We believe that through continued prayer, discipleship and encouragement that the scripture will be true about them....
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Your Word is my meditation.
Psalm 119:99 |
