SCHOLARSHIPS
Before the Tanzanian government implemented free tuition to public primary and secondary schools, many students, especially those in rural villages, could not afford to continue with their education.
However, junior high and high school are still far from completely free. As public secondary schools are boarding schools, garnering necessary resources—such as required uniforms and mattresses, for example—is often too large a task for the students, even those academically eligible to move forward. It is rare for village children to get an education beyond primary school.
Due to extremely low incomes and large family sizes, most Maasai children living in the conservation area cannot afford to attend school. Without it they do not realize their full academic or life potential.
However, even when Maasai children do attend classes, there is often a language barrier. Primary schools are taught in Kiswahili, a predicament for the Maasai people who speak their tribal language of Maa, which has no formal writing system.
Even students fluent in Kiswahili are faced with an additional obstacle when they enter secondary school, which is taught completely in English. Because of this they may not be able to pass their national exams, no matter how able and prepared they are. Maasai Partners works to combat this structural challenge through our primary education programs.
Most children in conservation area don’t get a chance at a quality education
Public school classrooms are often very crowded
Our Tumaini Junior School Scholarship and secondary school scholarship programs have given over 25 students eager to learn more and expand their horizons the opportunity to do so.
Starting at ages six, seven, or eight, and continuing through their secondary education, Maasai Partners has to date funded 20 young girls and boys at Tumaini Junior School and four other junior schools.
Tumaini is an English language-based nonprofit private boarding and day school located in Karatu. When sponsored at a young age, these students learn the importance of education and prepare to succeed in secondary school.
Maasai Partners carefully chooses these spectacular children to maximize potential. We want to be sure their families will be supportive and the education fully utilized. We believe that the chance to forward one’s education and fulfill the opportunities provided by secondary education should not depend just on affordability.
Nashipai at Tumaini Primary
Denis at Tumaini Primary
Lowassa at Tumaini Primary
We also sponsor older students at programs such as the Faraja Center School. Noolebonock did well here, and opened up her own sewing business afterwards!
Noolebonock sewing at the Faraja Center School
Students cooking at the Faraja Center School
Please consider donating today to help us make a world of difference in the life of a child.