Keeping Children in Families through Education

This quarter marked an important milestone for our Families First program: children who were reunified from residential care began a new school term from their family homes, without interruption. For years, orphanage care in our region functioned as the default response to poverty-related separation. One of the greatest concerns in transitioning to family-based care was whether education would suffer. Would children miss enrollment deadlines? Would caregivers feel overwhelmed navigating school systems? Would reunification unintentionally disrupt academic progress? Because of your support, we now have a clear and encouraging answer.

Every reunified student in our Live-Out Program returned to school on time, with everything they needed, thanks to YOU! Fees were paid before deadlines. Uniforms and supplies were secured. Transportation plans were confirmed. Attendance began on the first official day of term. There were no educational gaps linked to reunification. This stability did not happen by accident. It reflects the systems you helped build — structured planning, caregiver preparation, and coordinated follow-up — ensuring that when children return home, their education continues seamlessly.

Thank you for making it possible for children to be home, enrolled, and thriving — proof that when families are supported, reunification truly works.

Education remains at the heart of Amani’s Live-Out Program, and your generosity ensures that every child we serve stays in school, supported, and known.

Across Tanzania, the education system is shifting toward a new competence-based curriculum that emphasizes practical learning, digital literacy, and student well-being. To keep pace, our team worked closely with teachers and parents to review updated policies, revise scholarship contracts, and create clearer communication about shared responsibilities.

Last quarter, we hosted a Family Education Day at our new office. Parents gathered to sign updated contracts, learn about the new education policy, and discuss how to better support learning at home. The event also included sessions on helping children handle stress and emotions during exam season, as well as guidance on school attendance and follow-up.

Our staff visited Oola Academy and Rift Valley Secondary School to encourage students sitting for Standard Seven and Form Two exams, bringing learning materials and messages of motivation. Meanwhile, several older students worked with our team on college and university applications, including assistance with Tanzania’s national loan system.

Because of your continued support, every student in the program remains enrolled, tracked through ThriveWell, and accompanied by both teachers and guardians.

At Amani, education is more than access; it is the bridge that keeps families together and children moving toward their dreams.