In rural areas of Tanzania, only 29% of girls transition from primary school to secondary school.  Tanzanian students face a unique challenge as the language of instruction shifts from Kiswahili to English in secondary school.  In more affluent urban settings, families with financial means frequently hire English tutors to assist with this transition.  In Tanga’s Lushoto District, the financial resources needed to enter secondary school – including English tutoring, books, uniforms and hygiene supplies – are considerably more than many rural families can afford.  These multiple barriers make access to secondary education prohibitive for a majority of low-income rural families in Lushoto.

One Day’s Wages partnered with Asante Africa Foundation to host an intensive 11-week preparatory camp for 156 rising secondary students in Lushoto.  During this second phase of the “Bridging the Educational Gap” program, camps were hosted in partnership with local school districts.  In addition to math and literacy lessons, students received hands-on training in digital technology, and mentorship from Phase One participants.  To lower the financial barriers to enrolling in secondary school, all students received “Get Started Packages” containing school uniforms, supplies and hygiene products.  As a result, the students had a 40% increase in English proficiency, and 97% were able to successfully transition into secondary school!