GIRLS DROP OUT FROM SCHOOLS DECLINES IN MTWARA

Number of girls dropout from schools in Mtwara region have seen a sharp decline following the implementation of ‘Hakuna Wasichoweza’ project implemented by T-Marc and funded by Vodacom Foundation.

The project has been in a position to offer solution to problems facing girls and make them unable to attend school as required and therefore fail to reach their education dreams.

Speaking at a project feedback meeting which so education stakeholders in the region taking part, the project manager Doris Chalambo said the implementation started in 2013 in Mtwara region and it target to reach 1,000 secondary students by providing them with health education and sanitary pads adding that evaluation under implementation has shown positive result as absence problem was seen to decline.

The project targets to reach 10,000 girls in Lindi and Mtwara regions. However, in Mtwara 7,077 have already been reached and we have provided them with education on menstrual period which assists them to cope with the situation when in school. We also offer education on reproductive health especially on child pregnancy, providing them with free of charge sanitary pads. It was noted that girls miss school two to five days a month as a result of failure to preserve themselves when in period,” she said 

She named some challenges uncounted during project implementation as absence of toilets in some schools and special room for assisting girls adding that the project is implemented in two phases of which phase two will be in Lindi.

“What we have realised is that some schools do not have toilets. It’s  had to be successfully if we don’t have proper infrastructure,” she added

Speaking on behalf of Mtwara Regional Administrative Officer, Jose Kitenana said the project has brought positive results stressing that the government would ensure that proper infrastructure is available in schools which doesn’t have.

Vodacom Foundation head Renatus Rwehikiza said Vodacom has been providing support to communities in different areas of needs adding that his company was proud to ‘Hakuna Wasichoweza’ project which intends to make girls able to reach their educational dream.

“Vodacom Foundation donates to the communities in different social projects. Currently we have ‘Hakuna Wasichoweza Project’ which has cost Tshs 480 million which is now at the climax. We are waiting for evaluation report to look if we can support phase two. Our support to his project has helped small girls in school to attend schools without obstacles and therefore be in a better position to reach their education dreams” Rwehikiza said.

Commenting on the project, Doreen Mvungi who is a beneficiary student said the project has given girls knowledge on how to cope with challenges when in menstrual period in school adding that they have get rid of shame from boys.

I’m proud to be part of those who have benefited from this project. We have gain knowledge on reproductive health, how to preserve ourselves when in menstrual period. Boys are no longer shouting at us when we are in period and we do not miss classes due to that situation as it was before,” said Doreen