As the year came to a close, something powerful was happening across our programs. Students were finishing exams, celebrating graduations, receiving life changing healthcare, and being reminded that they are not alone. Q4 was a season filled with steady progress and meaningful moments, many of them quiet, all of them important.
Because of your support, students were encouraged at critical academic crossroads, cared for when their health mattered most, and celebrated for the hard work they poured into their studies.
Here are a few of the stories that defined the final months of 2025.
Standing With Students at Pivotal Academic Moments
For students in secondary school, the final months of the year are often the most intense. Exams loom large, pressure builds, and the future can feel uncertain. This quarter, our team stood alongside students during those moments. We celebrated two Form Four students from Baobab Secondary School as they reached graduation, with staff attending their ceremony to honor their perseverance and resilience.
At the same time, students preparing for Form Two and Form Four national exams took part in mentorship sessions designed to calm nerves and build confidence. Together, they talked through practical strategies for exam preparation, how to stay focused during testing, and how to process results afterward. For many students, this guidance made the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling capable.
In Moshi, individual school visits allowed our team to sit down one on one with students, listening closely to their experiences. These conversations helped identify strengths, address challenges, and resolve issues that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Each visit reinforced a simple message: every student matters.
From Graduation to Opportunity
This quarter also marked a major milestone for 17 students who completed their college or university studies. These graduates, nine men and eight women, represent a wide range of disciplines, from computer science and finance to education, social work, and community development.
Beyond earning degrees, each graduate participated in coaching focused on employability and career readiness. Resume building, interview preparation, and professional confidence were key themes as students prepared to take their next steps.
One graduate has already secured an internship with Plan International as a Community Program Coordinator, an exciting first step into the professional world and a powerful example of what focused support can unlock.
Moments of Joy and Belonging
Not every impact story is about exams or employment. Some are about belonging. In the days leading up to Christmas, our team gathered with students at the Village of Hope in Mwanza, especially those who were unable to travel home for the holidays. Sharing a meal and spending time together ensured that no student felt forgotten during the season.
Thanks to a special gift from Peter, all primary and secondary students also received a Christmas present, including those who spent the holidays with their families. Small moments like these carry a lasting message: you are seen, you are valued, and you are part of this community.
Celebrating Excellence Beyond the Classroom
Hard work deserves recognition. This quarter, 31 students were rewarded for outstanding academic achievement with a trip to Kampala, Uganda. The group included six Form Six graduates preparing to enter college in 2025, along with 25 college and university students who earned first class results. The trip was both a celebration and a source of inspiration, marking how far these students have come and encouraging them as they look ahead.
Care That Protects Futures
Health remains a cornerstone of our work. In collaboration with Standing Voice, our team conducted a comprehensive skin clinic in Dar es Salaam for 106 students from across Tanzania. Students traveled from Mbeya, Iringa, Dodoma, Morogoro, Pwani, Kilimanjaro, and Arusha to receive care.
Every student received a full skin check, sunscreen, and a wide brimmed hat. For a small number of students, early signs of skin cancer were detected and treated immediately. Early intervention saves lives, and for students with albinism, access to this care is essential.
Six additional students also received ear checkups to address hearing challenges, supporting both their health and their ability to learn.
Staying Connected as Students Grow
As college and university students prepared to begin a new academic year, the team brought them together through a virtual meeting. These sessions, held twice each year, create space for shared learning and encouragement.
First year students heard directly from peers who have already navigated campus life, offering practical advice and reassurance during a season of transition. For many, this connection makes an unfamiliar environment feel more manageable.
Strengthening Systems and Understanding
Behind the scenes, our staff continued to grow as well. The team participated in training on Tanzania’s new education curriculum, strengthening their ability to guide students through academic and career pathways. Planning and budgeting for 2026 also took place this quarter, laying strong foundations for the year ahead.
The team also delivered an Understanding Albinism seminar at Gabrielle Vocational Training College, reaching approximately 60 teachers. These sessions are critical in reducing stigma and building safer, more inclusive learning environments.
Looking Ahead
As we step into a new year, these stories remind us that impact is built through consistency, care, and community. Thank you for standing with our students through every milestone, challenge, and celebration. Your support continues to open doors and protect futures.
