 Earlier this year, PWC supported a team of quality assurance officers to undertake school inspections, identify priorities and make recommendations to improve the learning environment. One of their key recommendations was the completion of a modern science laboratory at the community-owned Emanyata Secondary School (ESS) in Ngorongoro District.
We know that a better understanding of science and technology can unlock opportunities for young Tanzanian pastoralists. However, the rights of girls, and the long-term transformational benefits to society of educating them, are often overlooked in our pastoralist community. Additionally, community resource mobilization in a time of covid-19 and economic hardship is a very difficult proposition. Despite these challenges, in July 2021, after months of intensive women-led advocacy for girls’ education across the community, and under the leadership of Pastoral Women’s Council, 500 pastoralist women and their male champions came together in an incredible show of solidarity to celebrate raising a record amount of over $27,000 for the school. Generous contributions were received from thousands of local community members, most of them women. The message was clear: the community, and women in particular, value high quality education that complements their pastoralist lifestyle and allows their children to develop into skilled adults able to positively impact society. According to Mr Yannik Ndoinyo, an ESS board member, “Constructing the laboratory is an important step in ensuring learners gain practical skills in STEM subjects. It will create opportunities for pastoralist girls as well as boys to pursue careers in the sciences and play a meaningful role in the development of this community” The fundraiser has also demonstrated to students that they are valued by their parents and elders; that education is equally for girls as it is for boys; and that women’s leadership can bring about positive cultural norms-change for the benefit of the entire community. The completed science laboratory will become a symbol of solidarity, equity and community commitment to education. Thousands of students will get to experience science hands-on for the first time. As a consequence of their high-quality learning opportunities and the empowered culture at Emanyata Secondary School we fully expect these students to go on to do great things in their community. Please help us finish the build by generously donating here: https://www.omprakash.org/global/PWC/donate, sharing our story or contacting us at pwctanzania@gmail.com to discuss other opportunities to collaborate. Comments are closed.
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