Tell HN: I've been paying for a rural Tanzanian's education for 10 years

Ten years ago, the author, then 19, was traveling through East Africa when they spent a summer in Ibumila, a village in Tanzania's Njombe highlands. The region lacked a school, with the nearest one being an hour away. The annual boarding school fees were beyond most families' means. Among the villagers was 11-year-old Anwarite, the author's host family's daughter.

Moved by her situation, the author offered to pay her school fees. They vowed to continue funding as long as Anwarite desired to pursue her education. Over the years, the author has kept this promise, supporting five students now. These students receive school fees and healthcare, and the project recently registered as a 501(c)(3).

The long-term objective is to ensure every child in Ibumila has access to education and healthcare. Known as the Tanzania Education Project, the initiative has grown beyond the author's personal means as they began a postdoc. For those interested in contributing specifically to Anwarite's master's degree, a GoFundMe link is provided. The author encourages questions and suggestions on managing similar projects.