A Journey of Impact and Transformation with Sasamani Foundation in Tanzania

1-minute read
by: Serena Prince, 2023 Sasamani Intern, Government and Africana Studies Major at Connecticut College, USA.

Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on an incredible summer journey with the Sasamani Foundation. I had the privilege of immersing myself in the heart of Tanzania, living with a host family in Bagamoyo for six weeks, and contributing to educational equity.

During my time with Sasamani, I had the honor of working closely with partner schools, local educators, and ambitious students. The experience taught me the immense power of education in transforming lives, transcending borders, and nurturing dreams. Sasamani's mission is to make education more accessible for women and girls by sponsoring students who show promise and connecting them with resources to guarantee their success in education and their personal development.

From supporting students with English, History, and Civics subjects to empowering them with mentorship, every moment was a step towards fostering a brighter future. I was able to work with local teachers to work towards improved lesson plans and share teaching methods. I even introduced an Art class to students, which is not a part of their standard curriculum, to become a space for students to embrace creativity and self-expression.

Beyond the academic realm, my journey in Tanzania enriched my cultural awareness, strengthened my resilience, and forged bonds that transcend geographical boundaries. Living in the local community and being engulfed by such an enriching culture was a truly transforming and humbling experience. I met so many amazing people who are now like family to me and explored some of Tanzania's diverse regions.

This journey has further ignited my passion for education equity, honed my cross-cultural communication skills, and deepened my commitment to driving positive change in underserved communities.

As I reflect on my time, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Sasamani Foundation for their trust and support. A special thank you to Andy Halsey and Melissa Ryan for initiating my connection to this remarkable journey and The Posse Foundation for helping me to fund this opportunity. To everyone who cheered me on, thank you for being part of this journey. This is just the beginning, as the fire ignited in Tanzania fuels my drive to continue advocating for education equity and shaping brighter futures, no matter where the journey takes me.

Tutaonana baadaye, Tanzania 🇹🇿❤️

#educationequity #genderequity #internabroad

---

About the Sasamani Internship Program

​The Sasamani Foundation partners with The Otto and Fran Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement at Connecticut College. During the summer, the Sasamani Internship Program allows Connecticut College students to work with Sasamani-sponsored students in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. The interns contribute their unique talents and perspectives toward Sasamani's mission.


With the internship program, Sasamani aims to foster a new generation of young people passionate about making responsible, sustainable, and empowering change. Together with Tanzanian interns, Sasamani staff, beneficiaries, and partners, the interns from the U.S. work on projects empowering women and girls in East Africa.