Tekla

School Director

“My name is Tekla Nshunju and I am the head teacher at the Marie Rose Village School in Chikola. It makes me proud and happy to contribute to a high-quality education for the children here. The girls in particular are close to my heart — education is a key factor in giving them a better future.

When I first started teaching as a kindergarten teacher in Chikola, understanding the local language was a big challenge. Over time, though, the children learn to speak Swahili and English, which makes learning and communication much easier.

It is heartening to see how parents are taking more and more interest in education and trying to support their children. Some of them come to my evening classes to improve their own reading and writing skills. The school has become a beacon of hope for the whole village, letting many children dream that one day they might learn a profession that gives them a better life.“

Grace

First Grade Teacher

“Before, the children had to travel far to the nearest school after kindergarten, and not all could manage it. That’s why the village strongly supports this project. They know their children will receive a good education, proper meals, time to play, and a chance to build friendships. Education gives them hope for a better future, and the children’s motivation to learn is clear.

One of my biggest challenges is that not all first-graders attended kindergarten here, so some struggle with the language and the new environment. But after a few weeks, it improves quickly. They are eager to learn and determined to move forward.

What I have learned here is how hard these women work every day to support their families – in the vineyards, the fields, or through small businesses. I admire them deeply and will do everything I can to ensure their children receive the best possible education.“

Maria

A Grape Farmer Learning to Read

Maria is a mother of three and grows grapes in Chikola village. Every day, she works in her grape
farm and sells the grapes at the market to take care of her family.

When she was young, Maria didn’t go to school. But now, she wants to learn how to read and
write. She joined the adult class at school and also started learning with Duolingo, helped by the
teachers.

“When I sell grapes, I wish I could write the prices and count money by myself,” Maria says.

Now she can write her name, read easy words, and learn English words for her work.

“One day, I want to sell grapes in big markets and write receipts on my own,” she says with hope.

For Maria, learning to read and write brings new chances: for her, her children, and other
women in the village.

Sophia

Stone Crusher and Excited Learner

Sophia is one of the hardworking women in Chikola village. Every day, she digs and crushes
stones to earn money and support her family.

Even though her job is tough, she really wants to
learn how to read and write.

“I used to feel sad when my child asked me school questions and I couldn’t help,” Mama Sophia
says.

When she heard about the adult class and the Duolingo app, she joined happily. Now, she can
read simple texts and uses her phone to learn English through Duolingo.

“I started reading early after joining, and now I’m not afraid to read messages on my phone or signboards,” she says with a smile.

Sophia is a great example of hard work and determination. She still crushes stones for a living, but she is also building her education for a better future for herself and her family.

Judith

A Vegetable Farmer Learning After Missing School

Judith was taken to work as a housemaid when she was still a young girl, so she never got a
chance to go to school.

Until now, she has no formal education, but life has taught her to work hard and never give up.

She has three children and grows vegetables at home. With water from the school well, she can irrigate her plot and sell the vegetables at the market.
Judith is slowly learning how to read and write through adult education programs and with help
from teachers at the school.

“I’m trying hard so that my children don’t go through what I went through. I want them to get a good education and a better life,” she says with a smile.

She has big hopes that education will help improve her life and her family’s future.

Mama Prince

A Food Seller Who Believes in the Power of Education

Mama Prince is a well-known food vendor in Chikola village, famous for her delicious meals.
Every day, she cooks and sells food at the market to support her family.

Even with her busy work, she decided to join adult learning classes after hearing about the reading and writing program at
the village school.

“I didn’t know how to read prices in shops, I used to depend on my children to tell me,” says Mama Prince.

Now, with the help of the class and the Duolingo app, she has started to recognize letters, write
names, and even speak some English with confidence.

“I feel proud when I can read by myself and answer phone calls without fear,” she says happily.

For Mama Prince, education is not only for children — it’s for anyone who wants to grow and
change. She has encouraged other women to join too, believing that every small step in learning
is a big success.

Asha

A Peasant from Chikola

Asha is a mother of four and a peasant in Chikola village. Before joining the adult education class, she could not read or write, which made many things in life difficult for her.

“I used to go to the clinic and couldn’t read the name of the medicine. Sometimes when I borrowed money, I didn’t understand the agreement,” she says sadly.

Since she started attending the reading and writing class, her life has changed.

Now, she can read messages on her phone, write her children’s names at school, and even make a shopping list for the market.

“I feel free now. Education has given me more respect in my family and in our women’s group.”

Through education, Asha has become more independent, and she encourages other women in the village to join the class too.

Amosi

Parent & Community Advocate

For Amosi, the opening of the new primary school in Chikola is more than just a new building—it is the result of a meaningful dialogue between the school leadership and the local parents. He vividly remembers the moment the community’s hopes for continued education began to take shape.

“It is a great joy to know that the primary school will begin here in Chikola next year,” Amosi says. “We truly appreciate that our concerns as parents were heard. Our children now have a safe and reliable environment right here that supports their growth and development.”

Amosi views the parents as active partners in the school’s journey. “I personally advocated for the establishment of this primary school on behalf of the parents. Seeing it come to pass makes us feel like true partners and advisors to this school.”

His vision for the future remains ambitious. Amosi is now championing the need for a football field to support the village youth. “Sports can be a full-time career. A field would help our children discover their talents and provide the youth of Chikola with a positive path. Together, we are transforming our community into a model for the Dodoma region. Asante sana.“