34 of our A-level Unite Scholars are now preparing to report to their respective schools across Tanzania for Form 5 and Form 6 — the equivalent of 11th and 12th grades here in America. (Note: We have an additional 32 Unite Scholars currently enrolled in universities across Tanzania, one in India, and one in America.)
Over this past long school break, our Unite A-Level Scholars spent extensive time – both in person and online – working with their Unite mentors; engaging in Unite bootcamps and academic, personal, and professional trainings; working Unite-sponsored internships and small-business development opportunities; and studying at home in advance of their upcoming classes. Here, a few highlights from these past few months:
Another Unite Bootcamp in the Books
Late June, 20 Unite Scholars (including all of our rising Form 6 students and seven of our rising Form 5 students) were hosted in Dar es Salaam for a week-long workshop that included:
Lessons covering such topics as emotional intelligence; time management; and how to cope with stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Public speaking challenges. “Unite has improved my confidence. I have learned how to stand in front of people and speak. I now believe in myself and know that I can do more than I ever imagined.” ~Faidha Charles, a rising Form 5 Unite Scholar
Field trips to the National Museum of Tanzania to learn more about their country’s history and to the beach to frolick in the Indian Ocean, for many for the very first time.
Creative challenges, including the making and painting of their own flower pots.
And lots of time for connection, teamwork, and the cultivation of friendships. Scholars were separated into small groups to discuss lessons and share about their challenges both at home and at school.
Paid internships, academic trainings & various professional-development opportunities
Unite works hard to ensure all of our scholars are exposed to as many personal, academic, and professional development opportunities as possible. We provide funds and guidance to start small businesses to help scholars support themselves and their families and funds to advance their studies over long school breaks. Additionally, we support our scholars in finding and excelling in professional internships and various international youth events and trainings. Here, a few examples:
Crispin Mulokozi, a rising Form 5 Unite Scholar, attended the Tanzania International Model United Nations 2023 conference as official delegate of the United Republic of Tanzania. Crispin is pictured above addressing the entire assembly. 200 youths from 25 African countries were selected to participate.
Naphtali Jerome, a rising Form 5 Unite Scholar, spent four months (over the break between O Levels and A Levels) working as a paid intern for Unite and Unite Food Program (UFP). He assisted Unite Scholars Program Manager Joan Mnzava (pictured above left) with the administration of the program, and he worked on sales, stock management, garden care, and production with UFP (above right).
Masoud Selehe, a rising Form 5 Unite Scholar, engaged in an internship teaching physics at a local secondary school near his home in the Kaliua district. All of our Unite Scholars scored the extremely-difficult-to-achieve Division 1 on their Form 4 national leaving exams. They are uniquely intelligent and regularly invited to teach and tutor younger students.
Elizabeth Nonde is one of the 32 Unite A-level Scholars who received a grant from Unite to launch a small business. Elizabeth lives in a small homestead (pictured above) with her 10 brothers and sisters and parents in an extremely remote village in the Babati district. Elizabeth used her grant money (as well as a bicycle provided by Unite) to transport avocados and bananas grown on her family’s small shamba (farm) more than 30 km away to sell each day at a large central marketplace. Through her enterprise, Elizabeth has earned enough to purchase rice, maize, soap, sugar, cooking oil, and other essential items for her family.
Unite-sponsored tutoring and lessons for academic advancement
Prior to starting A-levels (Form 5), students are encouraged to enroll in what is called “pre-form 5 studies” to ensure they are up-to-speed and ready to hit the academic ground running when school begins. Unite provides funding for these lessons, along with transport and meals. 14 of our 21 rising Form 5 scholars chose to enroll in pre-form 5 classes this year.
Mercy Chacha, a Unite Scholar living in Dar es Salaam, is pictured above (right) working with a pre-form 5 professional tutor.
NOTE: We are currently seeking sponsors to help support our Unite Scholars.
To learn more about our Unite Scholars & Mentorship Program and what a full annual sponsorship of $2,000 covers, please click HERE.
Unite A-level Scholars enjoying a field trip to the beach.
Unite Scholars making flower pots.
“Unite is like a family the way we live, love, and care for each other. If I had not been chosen by Unite, I would not have been able to continue on with my education. Instead, I would just be at home, laboring in the fields.”
— Unite Scholar Onesmo Amos Shedrack, Form 6
Our rising Form 5 Unite Scholars.