Saidati: Steward of the Land

Saidati, a determined young woman from Tanzania, has successfully graduated from Ardhi University in Dar es Salaam with a Bachelor’s degree in Land Management! Your investment in her education covered essential tuition and university fees—making it possible for her not only to attend university but to thrive and complete her studies with excellence.

During her time at Ardhi University, Saidati distinguished herself as an exceptional student and emerging leader. She was recognized with an award for outstanding academic performance and named the most outstanding student in the Land Conflict Management course, where she excelled in understanding community land disputes, effective resolution strategies, and the legal frameworks that guide equitable land use. These achievements reflect both her dedication and her growing expertise in a field that is vital to Tanzania’s sustainable development.

As part of her academic field service, Saidati worked alongside her peers on the Dodoma Standard Gauge Railway Corridor Regional Development Plan, a national infrastructure initiative aimed at improving trade and connectivity across East Africa. Reflecting on this experience, she shared, “The aims of the project include improving the livelihoods of communities, promoting sustainable use of resources, and enhancing land management use to increase connectivity both physically and economically.” This experience gave her a hands-on opportunity to apply her knowledge and contribute meaningfully to her country’s progress.

Today, Saidati stands as a steward of the land—equipped with the skills, confidence, and vision to help shape Tanzania’s future. Her journey demonstrates the profound ripple effect of educating young women: when a woman learns, she uplifts her community. Thanks to your support, Saidati is now ready to lead with purpose, ensuring that the land and resources around her are managed wisely for generations to come.

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Introducing LaShuna McBride, Board Member

We are so excited to welcome LaShuna to the Board of Girls Education International!

LaShuna is a communications leader and journalist by training with 20 years of experience shaping narratives that build trust, move people, and drive change. Journalism was her first love, and she brings that rigor and reverence for words to every role she holds. Her work is grounded in the belief that communication is both a strategic lever and a deeply human act, one that shapes culture, amplifies impact, and helps people feel truly seen and heard.

LaShuna currently serves as Chief of Staff at Committee for Children, a global nonprofit dedicated to children’s safety and well-being, where she partners with executive leadership on strategy, organizational effectiveness, and culture-building efforts. Known for her clarity, calm leadership, and persuasive storytelling, she has led high-stakes communications, brand and reputation strategy, and thought leadership across sectors. LaShuna is a 2022 PR Daily Top Women in Communications award recipient and a 2021 PRWeek Hall of Femme Woman to Watch.

Welcome LaShuna!

Against All Odds: How Eman Fought for Her Right to Learn

Eman, a student in Pakistan, comes from a modest household where her parents prioritized her brother’s education, buying him a bicycle to attend school five kilometers away. When Eman passed her Secondary School Certificate matric exams and expressed her wish to join college (Grades 11–12), her father refused due to the cost of transportation.

Determined to continue her studies, Eman reached out to her former principal, who guided her to Bedari, our partner in Pakistan. With support from Girls Education International through Bedari, she was enrolled in Grade 11 and received books, a uniform, a sweater and monthly travel support. Eman thrived and is currently studying in Grade 12!

She now dreams of becoming a writer to challenge the mindset that invests only in sons. Eman believes education and expression can transform thinking and give girls like her the power to choose their future.

Eman’s story is a reminder that when a girl is given the chance to learn, she doesn’t just change her own path, she helps reshape the future of her family and community. Your support makes journeys like hers possible, and together, we are helping more girls claim the education, confidence, and opportunities they deserve.

Seeds of Impact: Jawaria's Story in her own words

My name is Jawaria Khan, and I am an 8th grade student. Our family consists of four sisters, one brother and our father, who used to be a prosperous farmer in our village. The importance of education was instilled in all of us by our father who unfortunately suffered a severe leg injury a few years ago. This injury not only hindered his ability to walk but also brought unexpected financial challenges to our once-thriving household.

With all five siblings attending school, the struggle intensified as our village only had a primary school. Beyond primary education, we had to commute to another village for further studies. In the face of financial strain, our mother took up sewing to make ends meet and my sisters and I joined her in this endeavor.

One day, I noticed the Bedari team in Uncle Riaz's living room near our house. Upon inquiry, I learned that Bedari supports travel expenses for girls' education. Despite my mother's initial reluctance, I insisted that she approach Uncle Riaz for help. However, she believed that people wouldn't assist us because of our modest circumstances.

Determined to continue my education, I confided in my school teacher, Miss Aitrat, about Bedari's program. When the Bedari team visited the school, Miss Aitrat advocated for me and I became a beneficiary of Bedari's support. The team even visited our home, reassuring my mother and emphasizing my academic achievements.

Being part of Bedari not only eased our financial burden but also boosted my self-esteem. I aspire to pursue a cooking course after matriculation and launch an online cooking business in our village. Cooking has always been my passion and I am also keen on learning computer skills.

I believe that every girl should have the opportunity to dream and strive for a better future. If I hadn't shared my situation with Miss Aitrat, I wouldn't be part of the Bedari program today. I am immensely grateful to Bedari for understanding my plight, engaging with my mother and welcoming me into their initiative. With a steadfast commitment to learning, I look forward to a future filled with academic achievements and culinary pursuits.

Studying Law for Her Community: Meet Mariselina

At Girls Education International, we empower young women in Tanzania to achieve their educational goals. We are thrilled to share Mariselina's story with you. Mariselina studies at Mwange Catholic University in the Kilimanjaro region of northern Tanzania. Her story is an example of the power of investing in girls' education.

“In five years, I will be a lawyer,” Mariselina proudly explains. She is currently studying to obtain a Bachelor of Law degree. In the Spring, she completed courses in torts, land law, administrative law, evidence, public international law, refugee law, and moot court. These courses are preparing her to reach her goal of supporting her community as a lawyer through legal aid. 

“To study at University is the best gift I have been given,” she says. Mariselina speaks most passionately about her favorite course, Moot Court. “This is my favorite subject. We are learning court procedure and practices, and how, as a lawyer, you can convince the court.” Through Moot Court, not only is Mariselina gaining practical experience in the legal field, she is experiencing personal growth as well. “This subject helps me in building self-confidence by practicing in front of people.” 

Over and over, we see that the young women that we invest in are making plans to pay that investment forward, into their communities. One of Mariselina’s passions has been learning the law regarding land ownership in Tanzania. “In our society, there are various disputes over land, so I am learning about how to solve disputes in our community.”  Mariselina’s interests in land disputes are critical in Tanzania. Research from the London School of Economics shows that in Tanzania’s capital, Dar es Salaam, 70 percent of the 5 million inhabitants live in informal settlements, which often results in land disputes. In addition, women are at even greater risk of losing their land, because the highest form of property right is the title deed, and only 20 percent of land registered in Tanzania is registered to women.

“This opportunity to study at University has impacted my family and even my community, as I have knowledge now concerning the law, and I can help people and direct them on how they can obtain their rights through the court of law.”  

It is because of your continued support of Girls Education International that Mariselina is preparing to re-invest her education to help her community. If you would like to stay in touch, please sign up for our newsletter. We hope that hearing Mariselina’s story has inspired you, and as always, we remain grateful for your support. 

*Interview and translation provided by our partners at Project Wezesha.

Warmest regards,

Paula Kenworthy, Tanzania Project Manager