SHUKURU Empowering Girls through Education & Entrepreneurship “I just want to be somebody.” -Maria Jems, 11 Shukuru’s first-ever group of Shukuru Girls seems at first to be a quiet bunch, shy and reserved around adults. They lightly shake my hand and bid a barely audible ‘good morning’ when I greet them. But don’t let their quiet voices fool you into … more
Support Girls Investing in their Own Education! HANDOUTS DON’T WORK. EMPOWER GIRLS THROUGH ENTREPRENEURIAL SOLUTIONS TO AFFORD THEIR OWN SCHOOL FEES AND GAIN LONG-TERM SELF-RELIANCE. A Girl Revolution has begun in Tanzania. What is that, you ask? It’s when a girl realizes that SHE becomes the solution to her problems. It’s when she STOPS believing that her chance to get an education depends on … more
“You can do and be anything you want. You have the potential to realize your dreams.” Unfortunately for many girls in Africa, they grow up rarely hearing these statements. Although it’s that potential of transforming girls’ sense of self-worth and inspiring a shift in how communities value them that are among the most exciting aspects of Shukuru’s work. For, not only … more
Today I visited a girl named Carrie*, a delicate, soft-spoken individual who looks younger than her 17 years. As we sit in the modest house she’s now living in with her sister and her sister’s family – no more than 60 square feet in all – she graciously serves me tea and bread. We’re surrounded by the family’s beautifully cultivated … more
I had my first week back in Moshi, Tanzania after nearly 3 years. This small, dusty urban town has an energy that belies its size with cab drivers honking, bus attendants vying for customers, and curio shop owners calling out to foreigners. It’s been great walking about while being recognized and welcomed by my local friends, especially after so much … more
Well, it’s nearly a new year but we couldn’t wait to share our exciting scoop! Shukuru has been hard at work and is preparing to launch a revolutionary pilot program that will help disadvantaged girls in Tanzania to earn and save money to pay for their secondary schooling. We’re thrilled to be gearing up for our June 2012 launch and … more
Summer is coming to an end and the back to school promotions are on full force here in the States. It can be hard to realize that not all children in the world are able to attend school. Girls in the developing world, where tuition is not free, stay home in large numbers. In sub-Saharan Africa, only one in five … more