Today, the last sessions of the National Examination in Secondary Education took place. Right after the exams, some of EBLI's students rushed back to join the graduation party at EBLI, where they were very warm welcomed. We also used the chance, to thank the teachers for their good work and big effort. Asanteni sana wote!

Gabrielle Cuda, EBLI's English teacher and Maryknoll Lay Missioner from the USA, had prepared a surprise for her students today: during the graduation of the 14th class of EBLI's Young Mothers Computer Literacy program, they received their certificates for their English studies at EBLI. Catherine Hollinger from Terre des Hommes Schweiz had the pleasure, to hand out the first English Certificates. But also the students didn't miss the occasion to surprise the audience by reciting a poem in English. Congratulations to all of them!

Today was a very special day - for the 57 young people who came together to celebrate  the graduation of the 14th class of EBLI's Young Mother Computer Literacy Program as well as for all of us. EBLI's main donor and longtime supporting partner, Terre des Hommes Schweiz, took part in the celebration. Cahterine Hollinger from Terre des Hommes Schweiz head office in Basel, Switzerland and Constantine Nyambajo from the Tanzanian office in Dar es Salaam joined us to be our guests of honor! What a great pleasure, to have them among us.
The students we celebrated today, successfully accomplished a holistic program, learned computer skills, were taught in sexual and reproductive health and rights (together with gender based violence) and were introduced in entrepreneurship. Today, they thrilled their audience - parents, friends and EBLI's staff members - with their own songs, dances and even a fashion show.
We are extremely proud of all of them - young women and men who are willing and ready to create their own future. We wish them all the best.

Emmanuel, 20: “In my dreams I want to be a lawyer and help poor people in my country. I want to hug poor kids and  tell them that they are not alone, I want to make a promise to help the needy and abolish the greed from my life. I want to travel all over the world to see the things which are not around in Tanzania and to study about the culture of other countries. I want to know ways to solve the problems like poverty and to teach people about human rights and to help street children especially children whose parents died to show them their not alone, I am here with them…. I want to help the elderly and to give them their needs like food and clothes, and to respect them and show them love.”

On Monday, the National Examination in Secondary Education has started throughout Tanzania. EBLI's students of Secondary Education take part in the exams as well and we wish them all to pass successfully. Good luck, everybody!

Young people, most of them young mothers, who just finished EBLI's Computer Literacy program, learn how to start their own businesses. Right now, Lucy Metha teaches them how to advertise their businesses, by using several different methods, including the use of social media. After the training, these young people will be able to start their own businesses, as they got essential basic knowledge of accounting, business correspondence, founding procedures etc. We are glad to have the chance to support all these future entrepreneurs!

Young people taking the lead in expressing their opinion on gender based violence during a radio talk show today. EBLI values youth participation in every aspect of project intervention.

English class activities! Led by Maryknoll Lay Missioner Gabrielle Cuda. The students are making “Goal Boards”. They have written down goals they are setting for themselves, their careers, family lives, dreams and futures and are making collages to help give them a visual picture they can look at everyday for a reminder.

This workshop is part of EBLI's  Computer Literacy program that brings together more than 100 vulnerable youth including young mothers to chart the way forward as a force for change. Young people as experts of their own situation are engaging in small group discussions in setting goals to achieve their desired future, giving recap of sesseions and take the opportunity to let the past be in the past by symbolically “burning” their shortcomings,burdens, challenges, mistakes of commission or omission. It’s like wiping the windscreen so that the future is clearly seen. The emphasis in this “ritual” is to signify a new beginning, a clear desire to focus on the future, focus on possibilities and opportunity rather than on problems and challenges. It’s a recognition that young people have the inner resources and expertise to choose a future of their desire.
Day three of the Behaviour Change Process consists of helping young people to think about the sources of support that surround them. Very often change of Behaviour creates a vacuum and loneliness for a while. It’s important for young people to talk about who gonna help them when they get stuck. Stage three is also about taking the desired action to bring about change. Ebli firmly believes that young people can transform the society. The future is negotiable!
Thanks to Terre des Hommes Schweiz for making this possibly.

Young mothers having a lunch break between classes. Is there a connection between diet and education? Most students in Tanzania spend an entire day without food while in school.