Graca Machel to launch Mara education project

Musoma. At least 20,000 children will have a good reason to smile when former First Lady of South Africa Graca Machel on Tuesday will launch an out of school programme in Mara Region.

The acting Mara regional administrative secretary, Mr Fidel Balagaye, said the programme will be carried out in collaboration with the regional authorities, the Diocese of Musoma as well as the Graca Machel Trust fund.

According to Mr Balagaye, the programme will cost $4 million. “We expect to receive funding from the Graca Machel Trust Fund, Equip Tanzania and the government,” he said.

He said the programme targets children who completed their primary education but failed to continue with schooling for various reasons.  

One resident, Mr Fazel Janja said although the free education system has commenced, there were some children who have missed out for one reason or another. 

He suggested that priority should be given to to girls who face challenges in attaining their educational goals.  “There are girls who dropped out  of school due to pregnancies and early marriages,” he said. 

Another resident, Ms Wankyo Mugeta said  although free primary education  is currently offered some children missed out on the opportunity as they were above  the age of 10 years.

 Last year, Ms Machel visted Tarime District, in Mara region to assess the progress of campaigns against female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriages in Tarime District.

During her visit she encouraged pupils to study hard. “Your responsibility now is to study hard and pass your examinations with flying colours,” Ms Machel advised the children.

Graça Machel is the only woman in history to have been first lady of two separate republics, serving as the First Lady of Mozambique from 1975 to 1986 and the First Lady of South Africa from 1998 to 1999.

@bnyakeke