SHARE: SHannon's After-school Reading Exchange -- for African Girls in Bukoba, Tanzania

Vital Stats

Shannon M

Basking Ridge, NJ

people helped150
People Doing It150

The Problem

Girls who attend primary school in Bukoba, Tanzania, East Africa struggle to become literate. They are expected to perform household chores, such as cooking, cleaning, farming, and caring for siblings, instead of pursuing their studies. This lack of education keeps the girls in poverty.

Plan of Action

SHARE is addressing this problem by establishing after-school reading programs. SHARE rooms are safe and secure learning environments with thousands of children's books, educational materials, and lap top computers. The main focus of SHARE is to increase reading and English language skills, with bonus programs in health, nutrition, and recreation. SHARE's investment in girls' education will improve the local economy and health in the community. SHARE has one program with 51 school girls participating and plans to open up two SHARE rooms in the summer of 2009.