We asked our Student Support Program Manager to share her experiences with Project Zawadi and her thoughts on education!
Here’s what she had to say,

“My name is Regina,

I chose to work with Project Zawadi because it is an organization that has a mission to ensure children and youth get a quality education. This means a lot to me as a parent, but also as a guardian to many PZ students. My desire is to see the students achieve great success in their lives.

I worked with Project Zawadi before when I volunteered for PZ’s Tenda Teacher’s program for several years. For the first time, I attended a Teachers’ Training Workshop in 2016 where I was mentioned to be among the best teachers of the year and selected as a team leader for the Tanzanian Tenda Leaders Team. In 2017, I was also among a few teachers who were filmed for teaching videos that were used to demonstrate how to use active learning and teaching techniques.

In 2018, I was involved in an English Bridge class (a program that teaches PZ students English as they transition from Primary to Secondary School where classes are taught in English as per Tanzanian educational requirements). It is held by PZ every year.

In 2020, I fully joined PZ. I’m a teacher by profession. I have 20 years of experience teaching young students at the primary level. When a student gets a quality education, it helps them overcome ignorance. But it also helps them find the ‘light of life’ and ultimately overcome the concept of poverty that has engulfed our community. There are no unintelligent children. Every child can learn and understand. Many students have experienced a lack of essential school supplies, leading them to feel frustrated and discouraged. For this reason, many end up not doing well in class. On the other hand, when students get needs met and are taught effectively, their perspective increases and it helps them with life in general.”

In turn, Regina has witnessed a shift over the years, as students receive what they need and begin to work hard toward achieving their goals. Without proper guidance and support, it can be difficult for students to reach their fullest potential, and some needs go beyond the basics of school supplies.

Group counseling opportunities have been made available at PZ as well – helping students to navigate challenging personal situations and offer opportunities for support. Additionally, the availability of fresh produce for school meals from PZ Model Farms is helping students focus on their studies and pass exams.

Our Executive Director commented about Regina,
“Time and time again, students have told me that they like ‘Madam Regina’ and that she is the person that they can trust most when it comes to sensitive issues. We are so proud to have her on our team. She has a vision for how students should be treated and she pursues that vision with her whole heart. She is a mother figure to many.”

As a ‘ mother to many,’ Regina is helping students navigate challenges and pursue a quality education at Project Zawadi. This has opened the door to many possibilities. It’s amazing to see the impact that dedicated staff like Regina have had on the students! She is changing many lives.