Every year for the past five years EBLI enrolls 100 young mothers for computer training as a strategy for employment or self-employment and economic emancipation.
OUR LATEST ACTIVITIES
As the young mothers enrolled early this year come to the end of their computer literacy training, today they had an opportunity to demonstrate their prowess to a plenary session in connecting all the cables necessary to start a computer. This might sound easy but for these teenage mothers it is a big step forward. EBLI congratulates each and everyone of them for having come this far. Every year for the past five years EBLI enrolls 100 young mothers for computer training as a strategy for employment or self-employment and economic emancipation.
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Methodology Maryknoll Lay Missioner and Head of Economic Empowerment, Michael Leen, along with EBLI staff accountant and business instructor, Lucy Metha, conducted field visits to the businesses of eight (8) young mothers over the course of two days 19 – 20 March 2017 from 9 AM – 5 PM both days. The objective of this field visit was to carry out monitoring and evaluation of economic empowerment activities, and specifically (1) to see the state of young mothers’ businesses, (2) provide coaching to help young mothers generate increased profit, and (3) understand the current life condition of young mothers in business. Young mothers who are economically empowered are independently able to meet their basic needs and avoid instances of gender-based violence (GBV). At each place of business, the young mother completed a questionnaire regarding the health of her business and personal socioeconomic condition. Additionally, she was provided a form to complete to help differentiate business income and expenditures, and how to properly use business profits at the end of each month. Also when possible, customers were also interviewed. Through discussion and analysis, the field facilitators co-created in partnership with each young mother a specific action plan the young mother would follow to improve her business and generate increased profit. One copy of these commitments was left with the young mother and the other remained with the EBLI field facilitators so that all were totally clear on the agreed course of action. Challenges
Lessons Learned
Next Steps EBLI will continue to visit young mothers in business, aiming to visit on average ten (10) young mothers in business each month or a total of 120 business visits by the end of 2017. At least two months should be inserted between repeat business visits to give the young mother ample time to implement the agreed upon business improvement action plan. It is expected that the next round of business visits will occur over the course of two or more days in May 2017. Results During 19 - 20 April 2017, the two field facilitators visited eight (8) young mothers in business, all of which were self-employed. Combined, they have an average monthly income of TZS 117,000 (USD 53.18). EBLI has embarked on a vigorous campaign to highlight the issue of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the community through media outlets such as local radio and newspapers. Specifically EBLI has the objective of conducting 108 media sessions in the next 3 years in order to create awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and GBV within the community, with a specific emphasis on teenage pregnancies. Key stakeholders, including teachers, doctors, nurses, local government and community leaders, and lawyers will be used in radio, TV or newspaper media to add an authentic and credible voice to the message. So far EBLI has conducted 18 Media sessions as shown below. Classes continue Monday - Friday in the EBLI secondary education program, with 25 students studying Form I/II and another 12 students studying Form III/IV who passed the Form I/II national exam last November. While the majority of the students are young mothers, there are also a handful of boys who come from especially vulnerable backgrounds. EBLI is committed to providing an outstanding, rigorous education for these students, supported by an environment that fosters academic excellence. To that end, EBLI has hired a new academic headmaster, Crispin Bruno, to provide leadership to the secondary education program, and do everything possible to ensure each student is given the best possible opportunity to succeed. Crispin will collaborate with Elizabeth Geoffrey in program administration and oversight, who continues as coordinator of the secondary education program. Additionally, new teachers have been hired on a full-time basis who are well-versed in their teaching subject. Time for instruction has been extended, allowing one hour of study per lesson versus just 45 minutes. Exams will be administered on a regular basis to evaluate the comprehension and performance development of the students. In addition to morning tea and snack, afternoon lunch is now provided free of charge to the students, which gives them the energy to stay even longer for remedial instruction in the late afternoon. Moreover, a mentorship program has been established, pairing students with teaching faculty and EBLI staff, to provide an avenue for students to discuss pressing issues and seek guidance. Finally, onsite childcare services are provided free for students with young children. EBLI is also excited to share that Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Steve Pope, has begun working at EBLI on a part-time basis, teaching English in the secondary education program. While Swahili is the official language of Tanzania, national secondary education exams are administered in English, so it is critical that each student demonstrates a solid command of the English language. To that end, Steve focuses on elevating the English reading, writing and comprehension skills of all students in the secondary education program. Steve is the second Maryknoll Lay Missioner to work at EBLI, after Michael Leen who continues to lead all economic empowerment activities. Below are some photos of class instruction in the EBLI secondary education program. |
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