Binti Shupavu Program| Binti Impactful Sessions| 5th May 2025

Behind every empowered girl is a story of change, one shaped by resilience, support, and the right guidance at the right moment. Through the Binti Shupavu Program, thousands of girls are learning life skills that build their confidence, support them in staying in school, and reaching their goals. Inside Binti sessions, we hear voices of girls filled with hope, courage, and transformation. From the lessons these girls learn, to the guidance they receive from their mentors, girls in our program get the chance to learn, unlearn, and grow, empowering them to live a life full of hope and possibility.

The Binti Shupavu Program follows a well-organized module where girls have the opportunity to learn about a variety of life-changing topics. These include personal leadership and motivation and how they impact their lives, health and wellbeing during times of growth and change, skills to improve academic performance, identifying and nurturing their talents and strengths, and strategies to overcome challenges so they can thrive in any situation. 

Binti Shupavu develops girls who are resilient, knowledgeable, and confident, not only in speaking up but also in shaping their own futures and the futures of their communities. When you have the chance to meet these transformed girls, you will also see for yourself that life skills are just as important to a girl’s education as any other additional skill, because the impact is clear on their stories.

Jane, a Year Two Binti Shupavu scholar, recently shared the impact the program has had on her life. While she remembers many lessons from the program, one of the most significant changes has been in her academics after learning how to create a personal timetable. She explained, “In the past, I didn’t know how to create a timetable because I didn’t understand which tasks were important and urgent and needed to be prioritized, and which ones were less important. But  now I have a personal daily timetable that guides me. Because of this timetable, my study time at home does not interfere with other responsibilities and my academic performance keeps improving.” Jane also shared her timetable with her parents, which has made it easier for her to follow. “I have specific times for household activities and times for studying, and my parents really respect my study time. They don’t assign me tasks during that period.”

Sinyati, another scholar, shared how learning about menstrual health and hygiene has changed her life. She explained how the lesson has impacted many girls in the program, especially those who do not have anyone to openly discuss menstruation with. She said “One of the most valuable things I have learned is how to take care of myself properly during my menstrual period.  Menstruation is a topic that not all girls can discuss with their parents or receive proper guidance about. Some don’t even have older sisters to guide them. But in Binti Shupavu, we learn about it and have the opportunity to ask all our questions and get clear answers from our mentor.” This highlights how important it is for young girls to have a safe space to learn about menstruation and how mentors play a key role in creating room for these critical discussions.

Girls in the Binti Shupavu Program also develop and practise leadership skills by taking on student leadership positions within their schools. What is most inspiring is that these roles give them the opportunity to address challenges faced by their fellow students, especially other girls. They become agents of change by representing others, taking initiative, working as team players, and collaborating to support girls’ education. Mariam shared her experience and said, “Currently, I am the academic leader at school because of the confidence I have gained from joining the Binti Shupavu Program. I can now stand confidently in front of my fellow students or teachers and present anything.”

Jane, Sinyati, and Mariam represent thousands of girls whose lives have been transformed by the Binti Shupavu lessons. We continue to hear powerful stories from teachers, parents, and also GLAMI mentors. Their testimonies remind us why empowering girls with life skills is important, because an educated and confident girl transforms not only her life, but her community.

One teacher from a GLAMI partner school shared, “I have witnessed Binti girls taking leadership positions with confidence, ability, and proactiveness, something that was not there before. They are performing well academically and leading with purpose. They have become role models for other girls who are not in the program, especially in practicing good behavior and manners.”

Hearing and witnessing such testimonies inspires us to keep doing what we do. Jema, an alumna of the Kisa Program and now a mentor to more than 140 girls, shared: “Witnessing these girls’ growth and transformation motivates me to keep showing up and giving my best. To make the sessions engaging and impactful, I use interactive methods such as group discussions, role-playing, and storytelling. I also incorporate games and real-life scenarios to make the lessons relatable and practical. Encouraging scholars to participate actively helps them take ownership of their learning. The girls respond with great enthusiasm and curiosity.” Jema also recalls one of her scholars, Anna, who initially struggled with self-esteem and confidence. She shared: When I first met Anna, she was shy, rarely spoke in class, and struggled with low self-esteem. Through the sessions on self-confidence and communication, she gradually opened up. She began volunteering to lead group discussions and even started mentoring younger students in her school. Today, she dreams of becoming a teacher so she can inspire others just as she has been inspired.”

Now imagine if every girl in Tanzania had access to such life-changing skills, how would their lives be? And imagine if every girl in the world had the same opportunity, how would our world be?
Surely, a better place.

Binti Shupavu equips girls with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed for a better present and a brighter future. Because when a girl is educated and able to lead herself and others, the entire community benefits.