7 Girls Make History, From Safe House to O-Level Graduation

We’re proud to bring you good news from Hope for Girls and Women, Tanzania, about the journey of seven exemplary girls, who were rescued from vulnerable circumstances and have now completed their secondary education. 

This marks a huge step and creates new possibilities for girls who may otherwise have faced a range of gender-based issues, stopping them from pursuing their dreams.

Improving the opportunities of girls through education

The girls, who began their secondary education journey with our support in 2022, successfully graduated from their Ordinary Level (O-Level) education at the end of 2025. These girls faced various challenges, including the possibility of having their education cut short due to child marriage, but they have shown high dedication and determination.

Laying the foundations for success

Hope for Girls and Women put a great deal of emphasis on ensuring girls in our care, and in the local community, understand the importance of learning as a tool for empowerment. 

The success of completing four full years of secondary education is in part due to:

1. Holistic Sponsorship: We have provided comprehensive support for everything; from school fees, basic needs, school supplies, to continuous psychological counselling for four consecutive years. Ensuring the girls could concentrate on their studies, without having to fear child marriage and/or being taken out of school altogether to support their families.
2. Close Monitoring: Our teachers and Safe House counselors have closely monitored their progress, ensuring that any academic or social problems are addressed early. This collaboration between the Safe Houses, our teachers and school teams ensures there is a strong foundation in which the girls and nurture their studies.
3. Safe Learning Environment: The Safe Houses have provided them with a place of peace, removing the fear of social harassment and allowing them to fully concentrate on their studies.

In addition to this, the dedication and conviction of the girls to continue their studies, and understand that they can in fact achieve their dreams.

A four  year journey, keeping girls in education in Tanzania

The journey officially began in 2022 when they started Form One. They officially completed their national Form Four examinations in November 2025. They are currently awaiting their results, which are expected imminently.  

What has the impact been?

This achievement has brought about significant change at all levels:

• For the Individual Girls : These girls now have ownership of their lives. They harbor dreams of becoming Lawyers, Doctors, and Teachers. They have become leaders and role models for the younger girls in the Safe House.
• For the Community: The communities these girls come from have begun to see a real-life example of the benefits of educating a girl. The graduating girls are sent home as ambassadors of change, demonstrating that educated women make a positive contribution.
• For Our Organization: We have proven that long-term investment (4 years) in girls’ education pays off and yields sustainable results.

Creating space for girls requiring support

The success of these girls will have a positive knock on effect for other girls requiring support:

1. Opening Spaces: By graduating, these 7 girls have opened spaces in the Safe House for new girls who will require emergency protection in the coming year.
2. Good example: Girls who live at safe house see these girls as a good example. We have seen the benefits of girls within the safe houses having positive role models – peers who inspire them.

Continuing the hard work

Hope for Girls and Women’s next step is focused on ensuring these girls continue to pursue higher education and vocational skills:

• Higher Education: We are seeking sponsorship for University or VETA (Vocational Training) studies for each girl, depending on their results. If this is something you wish to find out more about supporting, please get in touch here.
• Mentorship Program: Connecting them with professional women in the industries they wish to enter. We have previously had success with events and mentorship, again providing inspiration for the girls in our care to reach for their goals.
• Starting Form One (2026): Preparing a new cohort of girls to start Form One in 2026.

As yet, the girls have not been reunited with their families, as the circumstances have not allowed for this to take place. We continue to work towards reuniting families, however it must always be safe to do so, and with the support of the relevant local authorities.

It was with your support that these four years were possible. Please continue to stand with us as we escort these 7 girls onto the next stage of their lives.