Context
The EdUKaid Community Centre was established in 2017. It was founded after EdUKaid identified that large numbers of children in the Mikindani area lacked a suitable place to learn, revise school subjects and receive support for National examinations. Vocational skills classes were also introduced at this point and tailoring and soap making lessons were established.
In 2022, with a grant funded by The Herbert & Stefanie Straus Memorial Trust, EdUKaid’s run-down office building in the coastal town of Mikindani was transformed into into a multi-functional, mixed-faith, Community Centre providing an inclusive and welcoming environment at the heart of the village for children and families.
Creating vocational opportunities
fore the Centre was established, 60% of primary and secondary students failed to continue their studies as they lacked the resources to support and further their studies and learning.
Since the Community Centre began operating, academic performance among students has risen to 86% at both primary and secondary level, a change made possible by the extra tuition programme delivered at the Centre. Girls who have joined the tailoring and soap-making programmes have also been able acquire vocational skill sets helping them on the road to independence.
The Phases of the Project
Heshima has developed in clear phases, each building on evidence from the last:
2017
2022
Present
Community Centre activities in 2026
This year the centre has received a Certificate of Recognition from SIDO and is now recognised as a production and training centre. This initiative equips girls who have not successfully progressed with their academic studies with the skills to design and create items, enabling them to generate an income and to gain vocational skills.
The extra tuition programme has provided a place for students to receive additional lessons outside school hours, targeted at children at the highest risk of dropping out — giving them a genuine opportunity to catch up rather than being left behind. 710 students have accessed the free extra tuition sessions.
Through Pre-Form One sessions, students are prepared for secondary education, building their confidence and their ability to express and introduce themselves in English.
Aligned to our mission and vision
The Community Centre is aligned with EdUKaid’s mission and vision of equality in education, delivered through the provision of extra tuition and tailoring and soap making training for girls.
Our aims
The community centres provide access to both educational support and vocational training whilst also creating a safe space to read, and study. Our aims are:
Four Libraries
In addition to our Community centre in Mikandani we have established a further 4 libraries across Mtwara in 4 wards: Mbuo, Mwenge, Likonde and Imekuwa.
Access to books addresses a huge need in these communities where literacy levels are particularly low. Children have no opportunity to develop reading skills due to a desperate lack of resources and opportunities, compounded by the fact that 78% of parents themselves cannot read or write. Reading outside of school is rare and the libraries address this need providing a dedicated and welcoming place to read and gain educational support.This aligns with our vision to create educational communities which foster dignity, trust and inclusion.
We are committed to developing this resource and continually update and expand materials in the libraries.
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