My name is Emmanuel Sylvanus, a Kome Island resident and parent of Wilkista Emmanuel, a pupil at Amani School.
Education is a crucial aspect of every child’s life, as it shapes their future and contributes to their overall development. However, in our community, people do not take education seriously. Many parents do not prioritize sending their children to school, and some even abandon their responsibilities altogether. As a result, many children are not receiving the education they need to succeed in life.
I feel disheartened seeing parents who are unwilling to take the necessary steps to ensure their children’s education. Instead, they leave their children to fend for themselves. Not only are their children disadvantaged, but the entire community is affected in the long run.
In some cases, grandparents are left to raise their grandchildren because their parents cannot or will not take care of them. Even well-intentioned grandparents may not have the resources or energy to provide for the children’s needs fully, so the children miss out on educational opportunities.
Our island, similar to other islands in Tanzania, lacks basic infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and roads. Residents have difficulty accessing essential services, and the overall wellbeing of the community is impacted.
The government overlooks our pressing need for educational support. Unfortunately, our island has been left in a state of abandonment, resulting in a significant setback for our development. Residents are unable to access basic services or to gain necessary skills to compete in the job market. Additionally, the absence of schools makes it difficult for children to receive an education, which could have a detrimental effect on their future.
We are truly humbled by the kindness and support shown to us by Twelve21 in their generous contribution of building a school in our village. Prior to the construction of the school, education was a distant dream for many children in our village. We lacked basic facilities and resources required to provide quality education. However, with the establishment of this school, our children are now able to access education that was once beyond our reach.
Thanks to this school, our children are now receiving free education which is something we never thought possible. Free education encourages more children to attend school regularly while easing parents’ financial burden. The positive impact of this school on the lives of our children cannot be overstated. They are now able to receive a quality education that will enable them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.
We never thought it was possible that someone would come forward to help us in this way. It is truly remarkable that there are people out there who are willing to think about others and dedicate their time, money, and resources to make a positive impact in the lives of people they have never met. We are grateful that Twelve21 has provided education facilities which have contributed to making our children’s learning experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
We are heartened to see children embrace the values and teachings of their faith and integrate them into their daily lives. The spiritual transformation of my child brings me joy. Wilkista has developed a habit of praying before meals and before going to bed— a testament to the values this school instills in her.
My child’s belief that God should lead and guide us in everything we do is a beautiful perspective to have. It is admirable that my child has been taught this in school and is able to integrate this into her daily life. She reminds me that faith can be a guiding force in our lives and can bring us a sense of peace and purpose.
The spiritual transformation of a child can be one of the most fulfilling experiences for a parent, and I wish you all the best as you continue to guide and support our children on their journey.