Education is regarded as a vital part of the life experience of children in Tanzania. Whereas primary education is now free, attendance at secondary school is dependent on selection and payment of fees.
Some families are unable to afford fees for their children. This may result in their being unable to take up or complete a secondary school course.
Following the first visit to Mtwara-Mikindani by a party from Redditch in 1994, Redditch One World Link agreed to establish a student sponsorship fund. This would make resources available to support selected school pupils from needy families for their school fees and certain other needs.
The scheme has been operating for over 16 years and is administered by the Mtwara One World Link committee, in association with head-teachers, with funds donated by members and friends of ROWL. MOWL each year provides a list of pupils that are being sponsored and forwards pupils’ letters of news, thanks and appreciation – in English and Swahili.
