Binti Shupavu Program | Kisa Program | Partner Schools Liaison Meetings | 2nd December 2024
In today’s interconnected world, collaboration is at the heart of every successful organization. At GLAMI (Girls Livelihood and Mentorship Initiative), we believe that empowering girls requires the efforts of many — mentors, schools, families, and communities working together. Through our two flagship programs, Kisa and Binti Shupavu, GLAMI continues to shape a generation of confident, educated, and resilient girls.
To ensure girls reach their full potential through these programs, GLAMI works closely with School Liaisons, dedicated teachers from partner schools who act as a vital bridge between GLAMI staff, school administrations, Scholars, and sometimes even parents. They make close follow-ups on program sessions, help address any interruptions, and monitor Scholars’ well-being. When a Scholar needs extra support, they quickly step in, recommending her to GLAMI’s social work team or offering guidance themselves. By maintaining open communication and providing timely feedback, School Liaisons ensure that every girl receives the care, attention, and encouragement she needs to thrive.
Each year, GLAMI holds Liaison Meetings at the beginning and end of the year across the three regions where we operate — Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Morogoro. During these meetings, liaisons from each region and partner school come together in their respective areas for a day of strengthening partnerships, sharing progress, and discussing ways to improve girls’ leadership and life skills learning experiences.
Liaisons sharing their Inputs
GLAMI meetings are always filled with activities designed to inspire learning and openness. During this particular meeting, we began with a small exercise where we asked Liaisons to share what they love about being a GLAMI Program Liaison. Gathering such feedback created a safe environment and space for sharing ideas before diving into the main agenda. Their responses resonated deeply with our goals, and in that moment, we were reminded of how fortunate we are to have them as our partner school Liaisons.
One school liaison from Morogoro shared: “I am very thrilled to be a School Liaison because the topics taught in the Binti Sessions match the girls’ teenage experiences. They help them become more self-aware and make better choices for their future, something I was praying for them to attain.” Another added: “My expectations have truly been met. The girls are happy to be part of the program, and the level of absenteeism has dramatically reduced.” Their words reflect the real impact mentorship can create when combined with school support and guidance.
Liaison meetings are always a meaningful space for reflection, a chance to look back at what’s working well, the challenges faced, and the progress made across our partner schools. These gatherings spark open conversations about the way forward, where GLAMI and the liaisons come together to celebrate successes and brainstorm solutions to overcome obstacles. This collaboration helps ensure that GLAMI remains on the right path toward its vision: “Creating a future in which all Tanzanian girls have equal access to high-quality education and opportunities to achieve their goals and uplift their communities.”
It’s also a time for liaisons to share inspiring stories and experiences from their schools, moments that remind us why our work matters and motivate us to continue refining our programs for even greater impact. One Liaison said, “ I have witnessed how the program has helped our scholars – specifically the Binti Shupavu scholars sit for their form two national exams and perform well , thus moving forward to the next class , something that was hard to have before.”
During the meetings, GLAMI Program Managers share GLAMI updates, from the number of scholars enrolled, to milestones achieved, and upcoming events like Career Days and international celebrations. These updates keep everyone aligned and inspired.
Beyond updates, these gatherings are also moments of appreciation, recognizing the incredible support and efforts made by the Liaisons in championing girls’ education and our shared vision. Our work in partner schools becomes easier because of their dedication, so why not take a moment to celebrate and appreciate them?
(Picture from the Right) Program Manager Einoth Justine from Morogoro expressed her gratitude to the liaisons, presenting small gifts of appreciation as a symbol of partnership and shared purpose. “Through open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals, we build trust, and that’s how real change begins,” she said.
Through these meetings, shared feedback and joint strategies help ensure that girls receive the right support to stay motivated and succeed. Liaisons actively participate in program improvement and advocate for girls’ education within their schools. These meetings don’t just address short-term challenges, they inspire long-lasting collaborations that benefit both the girls and the schools as a whole.
By working closely with schools, GLAMI continues to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive. Because when schools and GLAMI work hand in hand — girls shine brighter.
Written and Contributed By : Lucia Uhwello, GLAMI Program Mentor