SIP focuses on education in 2008
February 2008

By Kate Gilderdale
Stouffville Free Press

Last year’s fundraising efforts have enabled the Stouffville Igoma Partnership to complete the new mother and child care facility in Igoma.

The SIP dinner and auction last fall brought in $40,000, a local business raised more than $10,000 through donations in December, and an anonymous donor provided money to finish the building. Meanwhile, the Christmas gift promotion that ran in the Free Press and the Sun/Tribune resulted in another $3,400 in donations; money that will be used to help furnish the facility.

One of the key goals for SIP is providing education through both high school programs and the Vocational Education Training Academy (VETA), which offers courses for young adults in a variety of trades including masonry, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, computer literacy and food services. The cost for two semesters, including meals, board, clothing and tool kit is $400, and in 2006, 10 SIP scholarships to VETA were awarded.

Lack of education is a major obstacle to progress in Tanzania, and because of extreme poverty, very few children have been able to complete primary school. This year, 18 students have been enrolled into SIP’s secondary school tuition aid program, which the organization plans to expand each year with the help of donors and volunteers.

The students’ gratitude for the assistance they receive is well documented in their letters to SIP, some of which are included here. If you are interested in learning how you can help, visit the SIP website at sipartnership.org or call 905-640-3911 ext. 42.


I am a girl of thirteen years. I have finished class 7 this year. My mother separated with my father long time back. I am staying with my mother who is a teacher in primary school, getting very little salary per month. We are four in the family girls and four boys. I am the sixth child in the family. Some are married and some are in school. Your support will enable me (to) continue with my education.
God bless you,
L. Nyenji

I am a boy of 16 years, living in Igoma. I am staying with my mother. My mother has two more children, and all are in primary school. I am the first born. My father separated with my mother when I was very young. As life is very tough, my mother is doing a stitching part time at a verandah in Igoma town. Her earning is very little. I am so pleased to see that I have somebody who can support my secondary education. God bless you for such a consideration. I have passed my Std. 7 exams and next year I will join Igoma Secondary School.
Thank you very much,
Samson B.

My name is Winfride George. I am a first born in our family. Currently I am living with my mother, my father left home due to family conflicts. My uncle supported my primary education, unfortunately my uncle died, I was left without any help. My mother is (a) disabled woman. She can’t work due to physical disability. I talked to the headmaster. He allowed me to attend class (school). I am thankful that SIP will support me up to the end. My hobbies are to play netball and do domestic works. My future ambition is to be a nurse.

I am Doreen Sospeter a girl of 17 years; born in the central part of Tanzania and living in Mwanza with friends. My mother separated with my father when I was young at an age of 3 years. I stayed with my grandmother till I came to Mwanza, as my mother was married to another husband. I didn’t go to secondary school as I was looking for a job to do anywhere. I have been working as a housemaid since I arrived in Mwanza up to now. God for his grace has seen me through SIP program. I promise to work hard as to improve my family life and also my own life.
May God bless you.

My name is Francis Minja. I was born in 1989 in the family of eight childrens; my parents took me to school up to standard seven. In standard seven I passed my exams, but I didn’t get the chance of going in Form I so I remained at home and worked as a gardener. Now I thank God for his grace to his people to give me a chance of SIP so that I can continue with my course of electronics field in VETA. I am sure I will study very hard. May the Lord help me learn (to) use this chance to help my family and to help myself also.
God bless you all.

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