Why ‘big sisters’ matter: How Learner Guides like me are protecting children’s rights and safety

5 minute read

As we mark ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence,’ this blog from Debora, a Learner Guide at a CAMFED partner school in Tanzania, underscores the importance of a trusted peer mentor within the school ecosystem, who can work closely with teachers, parents, communities, and government departments to keep children safe and learning.

Having faced many barriers to education herself, Debora is uniquely placed to support vulnerable children, helping them to avoid dangers including early marriage, and achieve their ambitions in life.

Once a vulnerable girl myself, I understand the struggles students face

My name is Debora, I grew up in Bagamoyo, a coastal region in Tanzania. I was supported by CAMFED through secondary school, graduating in 2014. After graduation, I quickly needed to earn an income so I launched a small business selling baobab sweets and soap. I really enjoyed running the business but I wasn’t able to earn much on such a small scale.

I was looking for opportunities to help me scale my business up, when I heard about CAMFED’s Learner Guide program — a training program that enables women to access low-risk, interest free loans and additional training to start or grow businesses, in return for volunteering at their local school. I was very keen to join, so I applied and was accepted to the program.

What I didn’t expect from the program was how much it enlightened me. I gained leadership skills, built my confidence, and had the opportunity to gain transferable skills like public speaking. Since taking part, I have grown so much psychologically. It’s changed my perceptions and the way I present my views as a leader.

After the training, I started volunteering at my former secondary school, gaining recognition and respect from the community. Now I run regular learning sessions and study groups for students using My Better World, a workbook focused on self-development, wellbeing, and vital sexual and reproductive health information.

I feel so delighted whenever I see a child enjoying school

As a Learner Guide, I am a mentor and role model — connecting vulnerable students with the resources and support they need. The children trust me as their sister, coming to talk to me in confidence about their issues. I help them where possible or signpost them to further support.

One day, a student came into school crying, saying that due to difficult circumstances at home, she was at risk of dropping out of school to get married. I immediately left what I was doing and went with her to the Social Welfare office to report the issue. They took prompt action by arranging a meeting with her parents to discuss other options that avoid marriage. As of today, the student is still in school and she is always very happy when she sees me.

Alongside volunteering in school, I had the opportunity to work towards a BTEC qualification, helping to increase my understanding of teaching methods, and improve my employability. I successfully completed my BTEC certificate in 2022 and, due to my experience as a Learner Guide and this new qualification, was able to secure a paid role of Matron at the school. As school Matron, I support the children emotionally, am responsible for ensuring their good physical health, and keep high standards of cleanliness at the school.