Education is my Weapon. Girls, Education and Development, Tanzania

Project summary

Secondary education is a priority in Tanzania, and the number of schools is increasing. Nevertheless, there are still large parts of the population that are denied the option of secondary education. Especially when it comes to some of the ethnic minorities the enrolment rates are low, and in particular many young girls from these groups never have the chance to study in secondary schools. This project focuses on the situation for girls primarily among the pastoralist Maasai and Barabaiga in Northern Tanzania. Genital mutilation and early marriage for girls is common. The focus of this project is on girls who are selected from rural communities, and offered a sponsored place in a secondary school for girls from disadvantaged families. The majority of them would have been, or already are married at the end of primary school. The school is a safe haven for them, against forced marriage, and the majority of students are there against the will of their parents. Many do not see their parents until after they have finished higher education, when they are considered able to speak for themselves against the father and the elders. Education is seen as an empowering factor. The girls see themselves as change agents who will help their younger sisters to develop a voice, and to be able to influence on their own situation.