In a recent Instagram Live conversation, Daring Girls Executive Director Jessica Love sat down with two of GLAMI’s dedicated mentors, Theresia Emily and Zulfa Hamadi Tumbo, who are making a significant impact on the lives of young girls in the Morogoro region of Tanzania through the Binti Shupavu program. This program, run by GLAMI, focuses on empowering girls through mentorship and education, helping them unlock their potential and overcome the many challenges they face in this rural region.
Two Years of Binti Shupavu in Morogoro
Binti Shupavu, which means “Courageous Daughters” in Swahili, launched in the Morogoro Region in January 2023. The program currently reaches a total of 1,689 Form 1 and Form 2 scholars in 10 schools, providing them with mentorship and education that focuses on health, wellness, and study skills, with the goal of seeing girls complete their O-level education. Theresia mentioned that one of her favorite topics to teach is health and wellness, particularly educating girls about the importance of avoiding early pregnancies and understanding sexually transmitted infections. Zulfa shared how she loves teaching study skills, helping girls develop effective learning strategies to improve their academic performance.
Both mentors shared remarkable changes witnessed in the girls they work with. Over the past two years, they have seen girls become more confident and resilient, participating actively in class and even mentoring their peers. This transformation is a testament to the impact of the Binti Shupavu program.
Challenges Faced by Girls in Morogoro
Morogoro is a large and rural region in Tanzania, with the landscape presenting unique challenges for girls’ education. Many girls walk long distances to school, facing risks such as harassment from motorbike drivers and the temptation to drop out because of the long walk each way. The roads are often in poor condition, and the journey can take hours, leaving the girls exhausted and unable to fully engage in their studies.
Theresia and Zulfa highlighted how these long and dangerous commutes discourage girls from attending school regularly. They mentioned that some girls have to wake up as early as 3:00 AM to catch a bus, while others walk for hours, sometimes in the dark, to get to school. This not only affects their safety but also their ability to concentrate and perform well academically.
You Can Help Girls Safely Reach School: $28 Supports one Bicycle in GLAMI’s Campaign
To help girls safely and more quickly reach school, GLAMI has launched their own fundraising campaign to provide 100 girls with bicycles. For only $28, a bicycle can be provided to a girl, significantly improving her access to education. Once a girl graduates, the bicycle will be given to another Binti Shupavu scholar to use for her commute.
Please join us in support GLAMI’s bicycle campaign here:
Theresia and Zulfa shared how these bicycles are more than a means of transportation: they represent a lifeline for these girls, enabling them to attend school regularly, safely, and without the exhaustion of a long walk.
The Role of Parents and the Community
The mentors also spoke about the evolving role of parents and the community in supporting girls’ education. Initially, when the program first arrived in January 2023, there was resistance from parents who did not see the value of educating their daughters. However, through community meetings, phone calls, and educational messages, GLAMI has managed to earn trust and respect from parents and has changed many perspectives. Parents of Binti Shupavu scholars are now more involved in their daughters’ education, even calling the mentors directly to discuss challenges and seek guidance for how to support their daughter in school.
This change in attitude is significant, as parental support is crucial for the success of these girls. Zulfa shared a powerful story about a girl who, after learning about the dangers of sharing razor blades in class, educated her family on safe practices, earning praise from her grandmother. Such stories illustrate the ripple effect of the Binti Shupavu program beyond the classroom, as girls take what they learn back to their families and communities.
Looking to the Future
Theresia Emily and Zulfa expressed their desire to see these girls become successful, not just in their careers, but also as role models in their communities. They hope that these girls, empowered by the education and mentorship they receive, will return to their communities to support and inspire the next generation of girls.
The mentors also spoke about the recognition the program has received from local authorities, who have acknowledged its positive impact on reducing dropout rates and improving girls’ education. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the mentors and the transformative power of the Binti Shupavu program.
As the program continues to grow and make a difference, it serves as a beacon of hope and a model for how targeted interventions, community involvement, and dedicated mentorship can transform lives, one girl at a time.
