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CHAPTER TWO ONE
Jonas, Kilombero, Tanzania
“My father died when I was seven and since then my
mother has had a very hard time supporting my two
younger sisters and me. Two years ago, she left Kilombero
to work on a farm several hours away. She rented my
sisters and me a little room to sleep in, but it is my
responsibility to feed my sisters and provide for their
other needs, such as clothing. Two days a week, I have to
skip school to work in the market selling vegetables. It is
disappointing to miss classes because I worry that I won’t
be prepared to take my secondary school exams so that I
can continue my education.
I was working at the market on the day that my
classmates put me forward for the Safety Net Fund. They
knew that I was struggling because I was coming to
school with bare feet, and no exercise books. When I
returned to school after being away for some days, my
teacher told me that Camfed was going to supply me
with a new uniform and books. I felt so good, because I
could see that it would really change my situation. To be
able to show up with the proper books and shoes makes
me feel better about going to school.”
Hadija, Kilombero, Tanzania
“I am the last born of six children, and my father is a rice
farmer. My mother didn’t go to school, and my father only
attended school until standard 7, so they struggle a lot to
make a living. They very much want me to go to school
because they know that it’s the only way to build my
future, though even the small small costs are too much
for them. For three years, I was wearing the same school
uniform. Both the skirt and the shirt were ripped. Every
morning when I put them on, I felt ashamed.
I remember the day in January when my teacher told our
class that there was a fund to help struggling students
buy new uniforms and books, and one of the students in
my class submitted my name. She had noticed my torn
uniform and she felt pity for me. When the teacher told me
that I was on a list of children who would be provided with
a new uniform, I felt something lift in me. I used to dread
going to school, because I was afraid that the teacher
would call me to go to the blackboard. Then I would have
to stand before the whole class in my torn uniform.
It’s different now. I can get up in front of the class with no
anxiety. I feel good about going to school. I look forward
to it. I want to keep doing better and better, because I
have a goal: I want to be a nurse, and take care of the sick
people in my family.”
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