As the Board Chair of Sasamani in Tanzania, my journey with this remarkable organization has been one of serendipity, personal growth, and commitment to empowering women and girls in East Africa. Reflecting on the path that led me here and the impactful moments along the way, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause. Embracing Destiny: Sasamani found me rather than the other way around. During my participation in Sasamani's Women Leading Change program in 2018, I first got to know Sasamani. At the time, I was the CEO of the Tanzania Growth Trust. Erica, the Sasamani Board Chair in the US, along with Andy, the founder of Sasamani, approached me about a board position. However, I wasn't ready at the time to fully commit. It wasn't until 2022, when Thea, a Sasamani Board Member in Tanzania, extended the invitation again, that I felt ready and had time to join. Little did I know I would be voted in as Board Chair by the Tanzanian Board. It's a testament to the power of faith and divine timing. Fueled by Transformation: What fuels my continued dedication to Sasamani's mission is both personal and altruistic. Sasamani played a pivotal role in my personal transformation through Women Leading Change, igniting a passion to pay it forward. Witnessing the tangible impact of Sasamani's programs on the lives of young women and men in East Africa and how they continue empowering women leaders reinforces my daily commitment. Impactful Moments: One moment that left an indelible impression on me was my participation in the Women Leading Change program in 2018. The journey of personal growth I embarked on, coupled with witnessing other women navigate their leadership paths, inspired me deeply. During the coaching sessions that followed Women Leading Change, I discovered my calling in coaching. had never experienced the power of coaching before the Women Leading Change program. I am now on a path to becoming a full-time coach, thanks to Sasamani's inspiration. "During the coaching sessions that followed Women Leading Change, I discovered my calling in coaching."Additionally, accompanying a granting organization from the US on their visit to Bagamoyo last year was a source of immense pride. Seeing firsthand the impact Sasamani has on the ground, visiting schools, and witnessing the transformative work in action reinforced my belief in the organization's mission.
Distinctive Approach: What sets Sasamani apart is its profound dedication to each beneficiary as an individual. We don't view them as mere statistics but as individuals with names, stories, and potential. Every beneficiary receives equal opportunities for education, mentorship, and coaching, which is rare in organizations today. Proud Achievements and Future Aspirations: Reflecting on my tenure as Board Chair, I take pride in our strides in setting up processes and policies to prepare for growth. Our ability to delegate more responsibilities to the Tanzanian board speaks volumes about the organization's sustainability. Moving forward, I aspire to facilitate sustainable growth while preserving Sasamani's unique approach. With the support of both boards and the team, I envision strategizing ways to expand Sasamani's impact while staying true to our mission. My journey with Sasamani has been one of profound personal and professional growth, fueled by a deep sense of purpose and commitment to empowering women and girls in East Africa. As we look ahead to the future, I am confident that with dedication, collaboration, and continued support, Sasamani will continue to shine as a beacon of hope and opportunity for future generations.
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Welcome to the March Edition of Sasamani Impact Stories. In this edition, we feature Beatrice, a Class of '23 Women Leading Change graduate, sharing her transformative journey and the program's profound impact on her life.
Discovering the program was serendipitous, spurred by my husband's mention of it and further encouraged by the glowing recommendation of a program alumna, Lydia. Initially seeking to learn how to lead others, I realized the fundamental necessity of leading oneself first; a lesson I'm grateful the program imparted.
The aspect that resonated most profoundly was self-leadership, a cornerstone of the program that transformed my outlook. Special gratitude is reserved for my coach, whose wisdom and insight continue to inspire me long after the program's conclusion. Looking ahead, my aspirations are brimming with hope and confidence. Armed with newfound tools, no challenge seems insurmountable. In fact, upon completing the program, an exciting career opportunity presented itself, a testament to the confidence instilled in me. To anyone considering Women Leading Change, I offer this advice: seize the opportunity. It's not just a program; it's a transformative journey for any woman aspiring to be a change agent, starting with oneself. Hello, everyone! My name is Zaituni, and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Statistics at the University of Dar es Salaam. My journey with Sasamani began in 2016 when I was in Form Two in Middle School and received sponsorship from the Sasamani Foundation. Today, I want to share my incredible journey with the Tech4All introductory computer course, a program that has significantly shaped my academic and professional path.
Tech4All's Unique Approach - What I think sets Tech4All apart is the commitment to providing innovative educational tools and access to these tools. The program's staff goes above and beyond to enhance the learning experience for Sasamani education sponsorship students, creating a conducive environment for growth and development. Future Plans - Armed with the knowledge gained from Tech4All, I have ambitious plans for the future. For my future dream of being a statistician, I am particularly excited about Microsoft Excel. Proficiency in Excel is a fundamental skill that every statistician should possess, and Tech4All has equipped me with this vital tool. Additionally, I aspire to visit different internet cafes, broadening my exposure to the digital world. I'm really looking forward to continuing the Tech4All computer course. This program is essential for individuals like me who strive to gain expertise in computer software programs like Word and Publisher. By ensuring the continuity of this program, more students can benefit from the knowledge and skills it imparts.
My journey with Tech4All has been nothing short of transformative. The program has empowered me to embrace the world of computers and software confidently. I am grateful for the Sasamani Foundation's education sponsorship and the invaluable support of Tech4All. Here's to a future filled with endless possibilities fueled by the knowledge and skills gained through this remarkable computer course! Welcome to the inaugural edition of Sasamani Impact Stories! Each month, we feature the story of a beneficiary or partner of Sasamani, shedding light on their unique experiences, perspective and contributions. We are thrilled to showcase the remarkable perspective of Madam Tumaida, a passionate middle school mathematics teacher at Dunda Secondary School in Bagamoyo, and a proud partner of Sasamani. In this interview, we delve into her insights on the impact of the Sasamani Education Sponsorship program. How has the sponsorship impacted the overall learning environment and educational opportunities at the school? The Sasamani Foundation's sponsorship has created a multi-faceted impact on the learning environment at Dunda Secondary School. By providing essential learning materials, proper uniforms, extended study opportunities, and fostering a positive mindset, the sponsorship contributes significantly to creating an atmosphere conducive to academic growth and development. In what ways do you see the Sasamani Education Sponsorship making a difference in the lives of students compared to those without sponsorship? Sponsored students benefit from financial support for basic needs like housing, food, and clothing, providing a more comfortable living situation. In contrast, non-sponsored students may face challenges in meeting basic living expenses, impacting their overall well-being. Also, I have observed that Sasamani sponsored students have access to ample learning materials, including textbooks, stationery, and even educational tours. Non-sponsored students might face limitations in accessing learning materials, affecting the quality of their education and academic performance. How do you, as a teacher, collaborate with Sasamani to ensure the success of sponsored students? I collaborate with Sasamani to ensure the success of sponsored students by conducting regular follow-ups on their academic and social progress. I work to guarantee that every supported student receives the necessary materials, collaborate with parents to secure support for their children's education, and provide essential information to Sasamani when needed Also, the Sasamani Education Sponsorship program addresses challenges by assisting parents who struggle to afford necessary materials for their children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked with Sasamani to provide hygiene materials like water buckets, soaps, and masks to partnered schools.
Have you observed any positive changes in the mindset and aspirations of students who have received Sasamani Education Sponsorship? I have observed positive changes in sponsored students, noting their academic excellence, improved appearance, health, and happiness. The students now harbor dreams and aspirations for a brighter future. Are there any upcoming projects or developments within the Sasamani Education Sponsorship program that you find particularly exciting or promising? While details of the 2024 plans are yet to be disclosed, I suggest a mindset program for students, emphasizing its potential to boost their morale and aspirations for the future. Thank you for joining Sasamani on this inspiring journey through Madam Tumaida's perspective on the Sasamani Education Sponsorship program. Stay tuned for more impactful stories! |
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