In a small village in Tanzania, for over 50 years there is a school that has been opening its doors to children yearning for a better future. It’s called Mbwasa Primary School, and while its walls may not be new and its classrooms may be crowded, stories of courage, endurance and hope are written here every day.
The start of the day full of challenges
The morning is just the beginning, and the first rays of sunlight are illuminating the dusty roads leading to school. Little Lucia, a 6-year-old girl in a pink sweater, has been walking for two hours to get to class. On the way, she must cross a river that turns into a dangerous stream during the rainy season. Despite, Lucia doesn’t give up – she likes going to school and knows that only education can open her the door to a better life.
When she finally arrives to school, she sits down with the other children. Their teacher, Mr. Joseph, is one of five teachers, who strive to teach more than 500 children. He teaches English – a language that could be the key to future opportunities. However, without enough resources and with crowded classrooms, it is extremely difficult.
Hunger that hinders education
At ten o’clock, the children look forward to the only meal the school offers – a cup of hot porridge. For many of them, it is the only meal they will get all day. But if their parents cannot contribute even with a small amount of grain, they have to be content with an empty stomach. Hunger causes some children to leave home early, while others do not come at all.
The school’s principal, Mrs. Anna Gamaliel Minja, knows well how difficult it is to keep children in school. “If we could provide lunch for everyone, we would reduce the number of children who leave school early,” she says.
Lost dreams and an uncertain future
Only 60% of children complete primary school. Of those, only 20% make it to secondary school. Many of the children at Mbwasa School have never had the chance to think about what they want to be. A doctor? A teacher? An engineer? These words are often just a distant dream for them, as their families struggle with poverty and cannot afford further education.
Dreams that need help
However, Mbwasa School continues to fight for a better future for its students. The principal and teachers are trying to get support to improve conditions – for more teachers, sports equipment, teaching aids and, most importantly, for food for the children. They believe that even small improvements can have a big impact.
“Imagine if every child had at least one nutritious meal a day. If they had a clean school uniform, textbooks and enough supplies. All of this could change their lives,” says Ms. Minja.
How can we help?
The story of Mbwasa School is the story of hundreds of children who don’t need much – just a chance. With a little help, we can provide better conditions for an education that will lift them out of poverty.
You might think that one small school in Tanzania is just a drop in the ocean. But for Lucia and hundreds of her classmates, every drop is an ocean of hope.