Tanzania Partnership

SOTV traveler Mari Feld with Joachim Mgimba, 2006 We just received exciting news this week from Joachim Mgimba--he has completed his post secondary training and is working as a clinical officer at the district designated hospital in Tosamaganga, just down the road a ways from Tungamalenga. Congratulations, Joachim! Joachim attended secondary school because of a scholarship provided through our partnership. He was orphaned as a youth and was raised by elderly grandparents in Idodi village. When we met him in 2006, he was a star pupil in form six, chosen to deliver a speech of thanks to our group on behalf of all the students we sponsor. He attended Kibah Medical School for three years to receive his certificate as a clinical officer.

Sponsor and student sharing their stories About two hundred individuals and families contribute to the Tanzanian Scholarship Program at Shepherd of the Valley, providing secondary and university scholarships to 140 students from our partner congregation in Tungamalenga, Tanzania. Why do they do it? "We started sponsoring students in 2004 in lieu of buying Christmas gifts for our friends," said one sponsor. "Fortunately, we were able to sponsor the same student each year through college graduation. Our student corresponded faithfully with us over the years and so we really got to know him. Last year I went to Tanzania to attend our student's graduation. I was able to meet our student in person and be a part of this important event in his life. What a privilege! We still correspond and pray for our African son. Now we are sponsoring two more students and hope to become involved in their lives." Scholarships fund tuition, room and board for students. At se...

Devotha Mhalwike, proud secondary school graduate Just a few years ago, Devotha Mhalwike was a village girl whose one living parent was unable to pay the fees for her secondary school education. Without an education, her future held little hope--subsistence farming, a daily struggle to provide water, food and the necessities of life. But Devotha had been a bright student in primary school, and she earned a scholarship for her secondary studies through the partnership SOTV shares with Tungamalenga Parish. She completed four years of secondary school, studied community development at Rungemba College, and now she is working as a data clerk at the government health center in Idodi. She is optimistic about her future, and she wants to thank Shepherd of the Valley members who support the Tanzanian Scholarship Program. Devotha and dozens like her have had their lives changed by your generous scholarship support. SOTV provides 125 secondary scholarships -- many to students who have been orpha...