Let's send Maria Steven to school!

*Maria's first year is fully underway having completed her first two terms in flying colors*

Check out the pictures from her Standard 1 class from 

St. Mary's Int'l. School, Mbezi Beach, Dar es Salaam, TZ!

     As you can see, the images show how English lessons are included in the curriculum for standard 1 at St. Mary's. But did you know that except for eight schools, Kiswahili in 2010 was the medium of instruction in the 15,816 public primary schools nationwide. In contrast, English was the medium of instruction in 539 of the 551 registered private primary schools.* This is especially important because secondary school (high school), the National Exam (sort of like the SAT), and higher education (University of Dar es Salaam) are all administered in English. 

 Clearly, Maria is a very bright individual and a more than capable student. With adequate instruction and guidance she is on the path to success. But more significant is her unique ability to connect to her community.

  

Maria with friends and classmates after school (3/29/13)

Not stemming from the minuscule portion of Tanzanians that are economically endowed with the continual means to private education and eventually university- Maria is very much a part of the real Tanzania that seldom gets a voice or opportunity to control their destiny. 

Perhaps, with this quality education, Maria will become an integral part in leading a community to a better future because, in fact, she is the one who will be cognizant of the true needs and aspirations of the individuals around her.

Maria on the weekend chilling & doing her thing (Mwenge, Dar es Salaam).  

*Data retrieved from the Tanzanian Ministry of Education and Vocational Training