Female Mentors Bridging the Gap to Tanzania

Found in the August 2025 Newsletter

38.5 %

The number of females enrolled in higher education in Tanzania

Why is this number so low? Why is the number so much lower than the number of females in the US (60%)?

To solve the problem-- we first have to address the reasons....

There are many barriers for female students in higher education:

• Cultural norms against female education

• Early marriage and pregnancy

• Poverty

• Domestic responsibilities with family of origin

Where  Wesley College comes in.....

We can't tear down all the barriers of education for females-- but we can create bridges over the barriers.

One specific way we are doing that is through the program-Her Chance.

The program, started by Foundation Supporter, Peggy Groves and the United Women of Faith at Pensacola FUMC saw the importance of building relationships and encouraging young women.

Matching third year students with professional mentors in the US and providing monthly trainings to help students prepare for their vocations after college.

In July- the students had the chance to meet in person with 2 mentors: Karen Yates and Kristi McClellan. Kristi led a session titled "SMART Goals"- showing the students ways to create goals small and large that will lead to tangible growth.

SMART: Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Relevant; Time Bound

One thing that stood out was the willingness to share amongst each other in a safe place.

The students reflected on their big goals...One student shared her dream to open her own boutique. She is already buying and selling items at the College. Another student shared her idea to open a mango juice store that would supply friends and others juice for their restaurants.

The program has over 30 mentors and mentees that range in professional fields from grant writers and educators to leaders in tourism. The mentors create a relationship that goes beyond what a classroom can do. They show that a person cares- a person sees their vision- a person values their ideas- and a person believes in what they can do.

As this group of female students continues onto their studies and eventually graduates--- they will have a bridge linking them to a group of professionals that believe in them and know they can beat the odds of high education statistics in Tanzania.

~Nicki Sauls~

Communications Director