Through our new project in Tanzania, we’re supporting girls in primary schools across Arumeru districts to stay in school, enhancing their life skills and opportunities, and strengthening local community support for girls’ education.
Every girl deserves the right to an education, to feel safe and to be treated equally. To millions of girls across the world, a seat in school is everything. And for girls in economically deprived regions like Arumeru in Tanzania, the chance to stay in school and learn is the chance to gain the confidence, knowledge, and safe space they need to thrive.
Despite progress in recent years, girls in Tanzania still face barriers to complete their education and achieve their dreams. In many communities, persisting negative attitudes toward girls’ education, exposure to early marriage and child pregnancy, and an unequal burden of domestic responsibility prevent girls from finishing primary school or moving on to secondary education.
In schools, many teachers aren’t yet equipped to deliver the gender-responsive, safe and inclusive learning environments that young girls need, denying them their equal right to education and opportunities.
Working hand-in-hand with government officials, teachers and local communities, we’re enhancing girls’ life skills to support improved learning outcomes and educational attainment, creating safe and inclusive learning environments in primary schools to support girls’ retention in the classroom, and tackling gender norms, reducing barriers and building support for girls’ education.
“It’s very important to address the challenges facing girls in the community in a holistic manner. Education for girls is their passport for tomorrow. Educating girls is investing in the future,” says William Amon, Country Director, PESO Tanzania. “I’m saying this because I’m proud to be part of this project. It’s going to build girls’ capacity to be able to challenge the violation of their rights and improve their situation in general. Saving a girls’ seat in school will give her a chance to challenge the status quo.”
In Tanzania, Only 73% of Girls complete Primary Education and less than 34% Transition to Secondary School. It’s time to change that …..
Without access to clean water, good toilets and sanitary towels, girls can miss up to a week of lessons every month when they are on their period. They fall behind in class, and can be forced to drop out of school altogether.
We’re giving girls access to clean water and toilets, so that they can manage their periods with dignity.
We’re also training teachers to run menstrual hygiene classes, where girls are taught how to make reusable sanitary towels. At the classes they have open discussions about periods, which is helping to reduce the stigma and makes girls feel more comfortable.
