Her Education Foundation (HEF) is a non-governmental organization established in 2022 under
Non-Governmental Organisations Act of 2002, to advocate for equality and access to education to every
girl child in Tanzania.
OUR BACKGROUND
Her Education Foundation (HEF) was founded by Hellen Sisya who has an interesting story of early pregnancy. Hellen got pregnancy while in secondary school and later given a chance to get back to school before she graduated her secondary studies with Division One in 2016. The school had only two students who got division one, and Hellen’s division one took the lead.
In October 2016, Hellen joined University of Dar es salaam (UDSM) where she pursed Bachelor of arts in
mass communication (BAMC) and successful graduated with a top GPA of 4.0 amongst others. As a
victim of early pregnancies, Hellen has had a dream to advocate for the school re entry and reproductive
health so that young mothers can overcome early pregnancy and access their right to education to fulfil
their dream like her.
OUR VISION
We envisions a society in which girls have access to education without any discrimination.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to advocate for legal and policy reforms with intent to overcome systematic discriminatory
practices against girls and young women in accessing and realizing their right to education.
THEMATIC AREAS
● Education
● Gender equality
● Sexual and reproductive health rights
● Human Rights, Good Governance and rule of law
OUR PROGRAM
Wakati wetu project
Wakati Wetu Project was designed to raise awareness to the public concerning the role of the society in
the issue of re-admission of young mothers. It envisions to changing the mindset of the society concerning
this particular issue so that to enable young mothers to get their right to education through community
engagement. This project will ensure that the society is well engaged and informed about the important of re-admission to young mothers hence it become part of the movement by advocating for the legislation of the re-entry.
Activities
(a) Conducting online engagements
On July 21, 2023, we hosted a discussion on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where we explored the role of communities in ensuring that girls return to school after giving birth. The conversation attracted over 100 participants.
(b) Media Engagements
As part of our continued efforts to raise awareness in the community, we conducted several media
interviews, including appearances on Azam TV through their programs “Hoja Mezani” and “Alasiri”
Azam TV is currently one of the leading traditional media outlets in the country with a large following.
We also had an interview with The Chanzo, one of the top online media platforms, where the interview
was viewed by approximately one thousand people.
(c) Short Film production and screening
According to the HakiElimu report titled “Reintegrating Teenage Mothers into Formal Secondary Scools
in Tanzania Mainland” which was launched earlier last year, young mothers who wish to return to school
after giving birth face numerous challenges. These include societal stigmatization and rejection from
various stakeholders, including school heads.
“Nafasi” is a Swahili word that means “opportunity,” is a short film that highlights these challenges,
particularly the stigma teenage mothers encounter as they seek to resume their education after delivery.
The film sheds light on the barriers they face and the urgent need for change in the societal and
institutional attitudes toward young mothers pursuing their education.
The film premiered last year at Nafasi Art Space in Dar es Salaam and was attended by over 50
participants, including stakeholders from non-governmental organizations, activists, and representatives
from various diplomatic entities such as the U.S. Embassy, the French Embassy, and the French
Development Agency. The film is currently available on YouTube.
Film Screening
During the 2024 16 Days of Activism, the film Nafasi was screened in Dodoma and Mwanza as part of a
series organized by the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania at American Corners. In Dodoma (Nov 26), Film
Director Sudi Masomwa represented the team, followed by a panel on education access for teenage
mothers. In Mwanza (Nov 29), Executive Director Hellen Sisya led a discussion on stigma and community
support.
Contact us:
Email: hereducationfoundation@gmail.com
Phone no: +255 743 410 493
Instagram: her_education_foundation
Twitter: HerEducationTZ
LinkedIn: her_education_foundation
