This year (2024), 37 graduates from the Mamire Teachers College (MTC) are participating in So They Can’s 2-year internship program. We facilitate quarterly reflection meetings for our interns. It’s a chance for shared learning, reflection and mentorship. 

In the August meeting, our interns shared some of their projects — an impressive range of initiatives that strongly demonstrate how valued and trusted they are within their school communities. To understand the difference that they are making across schools, we wanted to share this sample of their impact:

• Theresa and Franscia, who both started as interns at Maelshi Primary School this year, have led student groups to clear part of their school grounds for a soccer pitch. It has been so popular with students that now they are setting up a netball court.
  
• At the August meeting, it was reported that 14 out of 15 children who were truant at Maleshi Primary School throughout the year have returned to school, with the direct support and guidance of interns.

• Matilda started her internship at Qash Secondary School last year. With the introduction of agriculture studies into the curriculum this year, she has led the school’s new cattle project. Working with students who are majoring in agriculture, she is rearing a cow for students’ practical learning.
  
• A girl at Manyara Primary School confided in her school’s intern, Verynice, that her father refused to provide what she needed for school. Verynice was able to counsel the parent and ensure he understood his obligations for his child’s right to education, which was effective.
  
• When Michael became aware that a Grade 7 girl from his school, Tsamasi Primary School, had left school to start selling fruits at the local market he quickly intervened. Michael met the girl and her mother, to explain the importance of her education. His counselling was effective, she returned to school, and hasn’t missed a day since.
  
• When Sauly from Orngadida Primary School learnt that a grade 7 boy had run off to Arusha with friend he reported it to the boy’s parents, and then counselled the boy to remain in school. The boy is now preparing to sit for the national primary school leaving exam in September. 
  
• All interns reported their support of remedial classes to improve students’ learning, as well as supervising debates, preparing teaching and learning resources using locally available materials.