2023 Q4 Newsletter

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We’re thrilled to share a few highlights from the last quarter of 2023 that were made possible thanks to the unwavering support and generosity of our community. Your belief in our mission fuels our passion to brighten the futures of our incredible students. 

Primary and Secondary Students: Exploring Future Career Paths!

Career Tour at Julius Nyerere International Airport: The education program is dedicated to equipping, empowering, and inspiring students with albinism to dream big, work hard, and strive for a brighter future. Recently, 37 students from Dar es Salaam had the opportunity to participate in a Career Tour at Julius Nyerere International Airport as part of our early career identification process. During this experience, students learned about various careers and positions at the airport, considering potential paths for their own futures. Some expressed aspirations of working there when they are older, while others shared dreams of becoming pilots.

Form Four Graduation Celebration: Joining our form four graduates in their celebratory moment was pure joy. After four years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, they have triumphed! Your support is the wind beneath their wings, propelling them toward a brighter future. We’re excited to continue supporting these students as they pursue higher-education or look to enter the work force.

College and University Students: Guiding Dreams to Reality! 

In the pursuit of higher education dreams, we assisted 33 students in applying to various colleges and universities for the academic year 2023/2024. Excitingly, 32 of them successfully secured admissions! Your contributions have opened doors to new opportunities, shaping promising futures!

Career Development Training: A total of 25 grantees, including 10 graduates and 15 university students, took part in a transformative Career Development Training. Facilitated by The Lumen East Africa Company, the training focused on enhancing leadership skills and teamwork strengths. Learning about different personality traits was an eye-opener, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and adaptability in the professional world.

Employers Engagement: Our career team actively engaged employers and lobbied for our graduates at the Annual NGO’s Forum. Attending sessions and workshops enriched our understanding of job placement and career development, ultimately benefiting our students’ journey toward success.

Extra Activities: Spreading Joy and Wellness! 

Skin Clinic: The health and well-being of our students remain a top priority. 85 grantees who are studying in Dar, Morogoro, Mbeya, Iringa and Tanga attended skin clinic. This is the second time in this year, the first checkup was done during Summer camp. The check up was done in December in Dar es salaam and the doctors were coordinated by Standing Voice organization. UTSS/VOH coordinated the travel logistics, accommodation and meals for students.  

Staff Capacity Building and Team Building: Our team is essential to our mission’s success. Thanks to your support, 10 staff members and 3 interns participated in a two-day psychosocial support and mental health training. This not only enhances our ability to support students but also ensures the well-being of our dedicated team.

Understanding Albinism Seminar: Raising awareness and spreading the truths about albinism has always been an important part of our work. In the last few months, the team in Tanzania were able to host Understanding Albinism Seminars for three schools in the Kilimanjaro Region. In total, 900 students, 60 teachers ad 90 community members were in attendance. Sharing the truth about albinism saves lives, and your support allows us to dispel myths, promote understanding, and foster inclusivity

Christmas Celebration: Christmas was extra special as our grantees celebrated the joyous season with our dedicated staff. Your support ensured that those who are unable to go home to family still experienced the warmth and joy of the holiday season. We aim to ensure that all of our students know that they are loved, cherished, and cared for. Thank you to all of our supporters who help make these special occasions possible for our students.

Announcements:

  • All 2023 tax receipts have been prepared and delivered via email. If you have not received yours yet, please contact us.
  • We will be hosting a virtual townhall meeting in the first week of March, please stay tuned for details on how to join and send in questions!

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