Sarah’s story
“Do not deny me. Do not deny my rights”
Life in Naberera, Tanzania
Most people in Naberera, Tanzania follow their forefathers’ traditions—cattle are a family’s wealth. Daughters are given as child brides in exchange for cattle or money, fathers’ views and decisions are all that matter, and education is seen as unnecessary.
Sarah’s family couldn’t afford her education
When Sarah was old enough to go to school, her mother, Anna, said she couldn’t. Anna was the sole income earner. Feeding everyone was a struggle—they couldn’t afford to send Sarah to school.
But, when both her younger brothers were sent to school and she was still told to stay home, Sarah got angry. “I felt hopeless. I was crying most of the time and I said, ‘I need to be educated as well, like my brothers. Do not deny me. Do not deny my rights.’”
She wouldn’t take no for an answer
Full of tenacity, Sarah reported this to the ward executive in the village. Still, her parents said it would be better for Sarah to get married and get them a dowry. “I was telling them that I did not want to get married, I wanted to study,” Sarah insisted.
A village leader advocated for Sarah
The village leader and a child mentor with World Vision, Mr. Hashim, explained, “To convince [Sarah’s parents] to enroll her to school, first I explained to them the importance of education…I told them that children are equal and they equally need education without gender prejudice, and when a girl is educated she will be helpful to the family in the future.”
Finally, Sarah’s parents agreed to attend school, staying with Mr. Hashim in the village. So she did.
Exceeding expectations and excelling in school
Within a year, Sarah was doing so well at school, her teachers decided she could skip two grades and go straight into grade four. One day, she wants to be a teacher and provide for her family.
Sarah’s mom has seen the difference education has made in her children’s lives. “All I wish for Sarah is she gets education, then she finds a place and secure employment.”
Sponsorship unlocks a better future for girls
Sponsorship changed the course of Sarah’s future. And, there are so many girls in this world who are denied education or treated poorly—just because they’re girls. They need someone who will believe in them, encourage them and help them overcome the obstacles in their way.
Become a child sponsor and help a girl achieve her dreams.