Wema Mkamba doesn’t take her responsibilities lightly.
A primary school teacher at the Kitomanga Primary School in Lindi, Tanzania, Wema shoulders the responsibility of raising a young daughter while working professionally. She is also driven to work hard and improve her skills in the hope of creating a better life for herself and her family.
After a successful first semester in her studies at the ADEM School in Bagamoyo this year, Wema became one of the first 24 recipients of a scholarship from the Embrace Relief Foundation, which will pay her tuition fees and other expenses during the second semester.
Wema is taking courses to become an expert in ICT (information, communication and technology) tools, which will provide her a path to teach important skills to the next generation of Tanzanians.
“It’s my desire to be at ADEM because I want to become a good leader,” Wema says. “This scholarship is so important to me, as a mother. I have a responsibility to my daughter, to pay for her school, and to my family. They depend on me. This scholarship has made it easier for me to afford my responsibilities.”
Embrace Relief’s scholarship program at the ADEM School is designed to empower women in Tanzania, who remain under-represented in leadership positions in many fields. For women like Wema who are pursuing careers in education, Embrace Relief’s support can make the difference between being able to afford an education and not.
When Wema completes her degree, her qualifications will open the door to advancing into leadership roles in the Tanzanian education system. With advancement comes stability and a sustainable income that will support her family. Meanwhile, she’ll also have the opportunity to shape the lives of young people in her region and country through her work.
Wema doesn’t take this responsibility lightly, and plans to work even harder to make the most of her scholarship.
With the support of our donors, Embrace Relief aims to provide annual scholarships to more and more women in Tanzania as part of our Women’s Empowerment program. This first class of students – Wema’s class – is only the beginning of what we hope will be a long, successful partnership.
“I thank the Embrace Relief organization,” Wema says. “It’s not easy for me to accept this scholarship. There are many women who need this scholarship, who work hard and have ambition. We need this because of our economic situation, where we come from, and because of our responsibilities. I ask that you please do not only do this for me, but to also help others next year, and the next year, and the next year. Thank you.”
