Reaching out - "What a privilege!"

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 secondary school, the cost is $360 per year; college and university scholarships range from $2000 to $3500. Contributions of any amount are welcome.

Sponsors include about a dozen individuals or families from outside the SOTV membership. "I have sponsored a student for three years now; it has been such a rewarding experience for me. I have been so blessed here in my life in Minnesota where a good education is readily available. It feels great to know that I am helping someone far away to also receive the benefits of a good education. I love being able to give to an organization where I can actually talk to those who have been to Tanzania and know where my donation is going and how it is being used."

Many sponsors treasure the connections they make with individual students through letters. "Currently we're sponsoring our third student. It's a wonderful opportunity to help improve the quality of life in a disadvantaged part of the world. The scholarships not only benefit the students, but their families and communities as well. We are particularly pleased that the program enables more girls to go to school. Their education will have a very positive effect on the health and well being of their children in years to come.

"We don't often hear from students; sometimes a year or more goes by before a letter arrives. But we recognize that there are barriers to communication--language, expensive postage, and the scarcity of writing materials.

"When we do receive a letter, we appreciate the effort that has gone into it. The letters are treasures, for they give us a glimpse of young people living half way around the world. From a single page written in very simple English, we learn a little about their families, school subjects, hopes and concerns. We are happy to encourage their progress in school and share with them something of our lives, too. We believe this exchange, no matter how brief or infrequent, has a larger meaning, for it helps to build bridges across cultures."