Education – Empowering Girls and Young Women

SFT is committed to ensuring that girls and young women have access to inclusive, equitable, and quality education. We recognize the many challenges that girls in Tanzania face—such as poverty, stigma, early pregnancy, limited resources, and harmful social norms—that often hinder their ability to stay in school and complete their education. Through our education program, we work to remove these barriers and create supportive environments where girls can learn, grow, and achieve their fullest potential.

To support girls who are vulnerable to dropping out, SFT provides mentorship, counseling, academic support, and essential learning materials that strengthen their confidence and academic performance. These interventions help girls stay in school, overcome personal and social challenges, and build the resilience they need to pursue their dreams. We also work closely with parents, schools, and community leaders to promote gender-equitable education and to ensure that girls are valued, supported, and encouraged to complete secondary school and pursue further education or training.

SFT plays an active role in implementing Tanzania’s School Dropout Re-entry Guidelines, ensuring that girls who became pregnant or left school due to other vulnerabilities are given a dignified and supportive pathway back to formal education. Our teams visit identified out-of-school girls, provide counseling and guidance, engage families to build supportive environments, and collaborate with teachers and local government authorities to ensure smooth re-entry processes. We believe strongly that motherhood should not end a girl’s education, and we work to ensure that every girl is given a second chance to learn and succeed.

Recognizing that some girls prefer vocational pathways, SFT also facilitates alternative learning opportunities that equip young women with practical skills. We engage local tailoring centers, artisans, and vocational training institutions to create safe and supportive apprenticeship opportunities. These pathways enable girls to acquire skills such as tailoring, crafts, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy, helping them build sustainable livelihoods and financial independence when returning to school is not preferred or feasible.

To create a holistic support system for girls, we strengthen school engagement by working with teachers, parents, school committees, and local leaders to foster safe, supportive, and girl-friendly learning environments. Our efforts seek to reduce stigma—particularly for young mothers—address harmful practices, prevent gender-based violence in school settings, and promote inclusive teaching practices that enable girls to thrive academically and socially.

Through this comprehensive approach to education, SFT is nurturing a generation of confident, skilled, and self-reliant young women who can shape their own futures, support their families, and contribute positively to their communities.