When Esther Sacy arrived in Kasamwa from Sumbawanga in 2012, she didn’t know that her new job would put her right at the center of a major change for young people in Geita region. Esther is a History and Geography teacher at Shanta Mine Secondary School. She lives with her husband and their 3 children; the oldest is just 7. At school, she has witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by hundreds of students.
“In the past, most students came from far away villages. They would walk long distances to get to school,” Esther says. “The girls were especially at risk. Some had to ask for lifts from men, and many ended up pregnant.” At the time, the boy students were engaged in small-scale mining work. Some rented their own rooms, and lived with boyfriends or girlfriends. This freedom led to early marriages, teen pregnancies, and lack of discipline.“It was hard to teach them,” Esther remembers. “They were used to a miner’s lifestyle of moving around, doing what they wanted, and not listening to teachers. Some were even violent when corrected.”
The impact of boarding facilities for students and teachers
The construction of dormitories was a turning point for the school. “Boarding helped us a lot,” Esther says. “Now the children stay on campus. They are safe. We can guide them, talk to them about life, and help them focus on school. They support each other and stay motivated.” The impact went far beyond the dormitories. The new administration block also made a big difference for teachers and students.“Before, we had to walk far to handle school planning and paperwork,” she explains. “Now, everything is in one place. We can work better, meet with students, and connect easily with government officials.” Esther says the new facilities have brought respect to the school. “Parents trust us more now. Students take school seriously. We can see a real future for these children, especially the girls.”