Meet Sophia - Learner Guide from Tanzania - Video Transcript

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Sophia Leonard, Learner Guide, Tanzania Education is important for girls because it is the key to life. It is the driver of a community and it frees one to have a future. My name is Sophia Leonard and I am from Kilosa District. I am the last of four children in my family. My father passed away and I grew up with only my mother. Life was very hard before I was supported by CAMFED. I was selected to go to Form One, but my mother could not afford to send me to school. I was disappointed that my mother could not afford to pay my school fees.

When I found out that I would receive CAMFED’s support, I was happy because I could go back to school and continue toward my goals. I like being a Learner Guide at the same school I attended because it is in my community. The students I support come from my community so it is easy for me to interact and lead other activities outside of school for the students. I go to school once a week and deliver the My Better World program to 45 students. Outside of the classroom, I visit the students in their homes so that I can understand the challenges they are facing.

Hanipha, Secondary Student, Tanzania The first time I met Sophia was at school in 2016 and I was in Form One. She is a woman who has supported me and my dream to go to school. Sophia is my role model. Sophia is my role model because she is a woman who understands and respects others.

Sophia Leonard, Learner Guide, Tanzania Life is hard and there are long distances from home to school. I know the challenges students face going to school. Girls like me can support students because we have lived these challenges.