The Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) has been helping students from low-income families pursue higher education through its household empowerment programs. The initiative has made it possible for many learners to cover the costs of their university studies.
For the past three years, TASAF has been identifying talented students from beneficiary families and helping them pay their tuition fees. This support comes through the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB), which covers 100 percent of their university education.
One of the students who has benefited from this program is Theresia Noel, a second-year student at the Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE). Theresia, who has a disability, is studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a focus on Political Science and Geography.
Raised by her grandparents since she was six months old, Theresia’s mother abandoned her because of her disability. Despite these challenges, Theresia has remained determined to pursue her education.
“I am very thankful to TASAF. They have been the foundation of my university education. They found me through my family, which has been receiving monthly grants,” said Theresia. “I hope to inspire other children and young people with disabilities and show them that disability is not an obstacle to success.”
Theresia attended Salvation Army Primary School, a school dedicated to students with disabilities, before moving on to Jangwani Secondary School for her Ordinary and Advanced level education.
Theresia’s grandmother, 65-year-old Angelina Joseph, expressed her gratitude. Her family has been a TASAF beneficiary for three years, receiving monthly grants to help improve their living conditions. Angelina runs a vegetable business with the support of these grants.
“I thank God that my granddaughter loves school and has been excelling in her studies. Now, she’s in university, and she is my future hope,” Angelina said. “I pray she can achieve her dreams.”
Angelina also urged TASAF to continue supporting more low-income families to help them overcome poverty.
Mercy Hozza, a Blind and Disabled Specialist at DUCE, highlighted the college’s inclusive education policy, which accommodates students with special needs. Theresia participates in all lessons just like any other student, and she is excelling in both practical training and academic lectures.
“Society should not hide disabled children in their homes. These children have the right to an education. There are disabled lawyers, doctors, lecturers, and even parliamentarians. I encourage society to offer equal opportunities to children with disabilities,” said Mercy.
