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“Those who give up never succeed, and those who succeed never give up.” It’s a quote Stella, a SEGA (Secondary Education for Girls' Advancement) graduate, has carried with her for years. Through exams, uncertainty, and nights when she questioned whether she had made the right choice.

It is also the belief she hopes to one day teach her son.

Five years ago, Stella was 19 and newly admitted to advanced-level studies when she learned she was pregnant. She had dreamed of becoming a doctor. In that moment, she believed everything she had worked toward was gone.

“I thought everything was finished,” she said. Much to her surprise though, motherhood did not end her story. It reshaped it.

In January, a small group of SEGA students gathered around a table covered in LEGO pieces, wires, and laptops. They were testing something they had built themselves.

When the robot first rolled forward and stopped exactly where it was programmed to, the room went quiet. Then laughter and applause erupted.

For the first time at SEGA Girls’ School, robotics was not something they read about in a textbook. It was something they could build, program, test, and improve with their own hands.

That moment marked the beginning of SEGA’s inaugural Robo-Explorers Program, a hands-on STEM initiative launching June 28–July 8, 2026, designed to give SEGA students real-world experience in robotics, coding, and problem-solving.

By late afternoon in Mvomero, the heat lingers as the market begins to thin. Dust settles where customers once crowded, and vendors quietly tally the day’s earnings.

Among them is Rosemary, counting the day’s final coins; her hands still scented with bananas and cassava. But her workday is far from over. Soon, she will return home and sit behind her sewing machine, finishing a customer’s dress before nightfall.

Just a few years ago, this rhythm of independence and purpose did not exist in her life.

When the English Fluency Program began at the SEGA Girls’ School last year, two Teaching Assistants stood at the front of the classroom with a perspective few volunteers ever have: they once sat in those same seats.

Dorcas and Stella were once SEGA students themselves, learning English for the first time, finding their voices, and building the confidence to speak in a new language. This time, they returned not as learners, but as leaders, supporting the next cohort of girls just beginning that same journey.

Their presence marked a quiet but powerful full-circle moment, one that captures what the English Fluency Program makes possible.

When Luiza Souza stepped off the plane in Tanzania, she expected an unfamiliar country.
What she didn’t expect was the warm welcome she received.

Local music, dancing, and joy filled the arrival hall, an energy that would define her next two weeks volunteering at the SEGA Girls’ School, a partner of Nurturing Minds, and a boarding school designed to give Tanzanian girls from vulnerable backgrounds not just an education, but safety, mentorship, and the confidence to pursue futures they once thought impossible.

This past October, something extraordinary happened: a SEGA student stepped onto one of the world’s biggest STEM stages, representing not only her school, but her entire country of Tanzania.

Vivian, a Form Three student at the SEGA Girls’ School, traveled to Panama City to compete in the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge—an international Olympic-style robotics competition that brings together young innovators from more than 190 countries.

For many young people around the world, robotics still feels abstract. For many girls, especially in Sub-Saharan African communities with limited exposure to STEM, it can feel entirely out of reach. Vivian is helping to change that. And so is SEGA Girls’ School.

For girls born with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa, the barriers are even greater. Poverty, gender inequality, and lack of access to assistive devices combine to create a cycle of exclusion that begins early and is hard to break. These are not only statistics; they are stories of quieted voices, and untapped potential. Because behind every figure is a child with a dream. A girl like Faraja, who aspires to be an auditor; Debora and Upendo, who dream of becoming accountants; Anna, who dreams of becoming president.

Nestled at the base of the stunning Uluguru Mountains in Morogoro, Tanzania, lies a place quietly sparking a revolution – one educated girl at a time. Secondary Education for Girls’ Advancement (SEGA) is not just a school. It’s a launching pad for possibility, a sanctuary for resilience, and a model for how to create lasting change.

More than classrooms and a dormitory, SEGA Girls’ School is a sanctuary of laughter echoing from the cafeteria, of songs and dances offered in welcome, of cheers rising from the sports field under the hot afternoon sun. To walk onto campus is to feel the rare alchemy of joy and safety woven together, a space where girls are free to learn, to lead, to play and to simply be.

In today’s world, where global campaigns continue to call for gender equity in STEM, the face of science still too often excludes women—especially Black women.

But last month, at the SEGA Girls’ School, something extraordinary happened. SEGA students met not one, but two black women scientists: Dr. Zakia Williams-Greene and Bre, whose very presence became a glimpse of futures yet imagined.

They say the body keeps score—every experience, every moment, quietly stored away until something brings it back to life. A scent. A sound. A building.

For Audrey, it was the Tanzanian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Driving by that building during a family trip, a flood of memories returned: the penny war fundraiser in her fourth-grade classroom, the jars lined up by the whiteboard, the friendly competition that masked something deeper. She remembered the fun—but also the disbelief she felt, even then, that girls somewhere in the world were facing unimaginable barriers just to attend school.

That memory—dormant but never forgotten—planted the seed for something bigger: a desire to act, to give back, to be part of the solution.

This Mother’s Day, we honor Subira—and women like her, whose courage to dream beyond their circumstances is now shaping the futures of their daughters, alongside institutions like SEGA and Nurturing Minds that make those dreams possible.

According to the UN, Girls and women—particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries—are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. In many rural communities, girls are responsible for collecting water, gathering firewood, and securing food for their families—tasks made increasingly difficult by droughts, flooding, and environmental degradation.

Yet, even as girls bear the brunt of the climate crisis, they are also among the most powerful agents of change—if given the chance.

The decision to volunteer at SEGA was both exhilarating and terrifying. Kathleen had never traveled alone, never been to Africa—and just two days before her flight, she found herself wondering, “What am I doing?” But something deeper told her this was the right step.

This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re honored to celebrate volunteers like Kathleen—not just for the impact they have at SEGA, but also because of what their journeys reveal: that saying yes, even when it scares you, can unlock a life of deeper meaning.

In a world increasingly shaped by conflict—across politics, generations, classrooms, and even dinner tables—the ability to navigate disagreement and find common ground is no longer optional. It is essential. At Nurturing Minds and SEGA, we believe negotiation is not just a skill but a fundamental right that every girl must hold, especially young girls in Tanzania whose voices have historically gone unheard. For them, negotiation isn't just about striking a deal—it’s about asserting their worth, advocating for their education, and shaping their future.

U-GO has a bold vision: to create a world where thousands of young women in low-income countries can pursue university education, leading to increased earnings and improved lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. Its mission is to empower ambitious and promising young women by providing financial scholarships, funded by individuals and companies in high-income countries, to support their tertiary education.

Lea and Jim Watson, 2024 EFP volunteers, continue their inspiring story in this second part of their blog. Here, they share deeper insights into SEGA’s transformative impact through cultural exchanges, community outreach, and unforgettable moments like the safari and the heartfelt “Sharemony” celebration. Their experiences illustrate the profound rewards of volunteering and the joy of connecting across cultures.

Lea and Jim Watson, 2024 EFP volunteers and the authors of this blog, shared their life-changing experiences in a two-part series. Part 1 is where they highlight their impactful journey, helping students gain confidence in English and engaging in the vibrant SEGA community.

SEGA's Continuing Education Program empowers young women in Tanzania by providing internships that offer practical skills, professional knowledge, and hands-on experience. This initiative fosters leadership, personal growth, and community development, helping young women overcome challenges and contribute to sustainable progress. Aligned with national efforts to boost employability, the program has seen great success, with inspiring stories of SEGA alumni thriving in internships across Tanzania. We are excited to share some of these journeys with you.

Clementina Mwambene, the Head of SEGA’s Modern Girl Community Outreach Program, recently embarked on a journey to the East Coast of the United States. The trip was an opportunity to connect with those supporting SEGA and its mission to empower young girls in Tanzania. Clementina expressed her joy in meeting familiar faces from Zoom calls and new supporters alike, saying, “Meeting people in person… made me understand that there are people behind all that we do, who truly love and care about SEGA and the work we do on the ground.”

Doreen, a Form 3 student at SEGA, proudly represented Tanzania in the 2024 FIRST Global Challenge, a prestigious robotics competition held in Athens, Greece, from September 26th to 29th. The event brought together students from over 190 countries to compete under the theme “Feeding the Future.” Organized by FIRST Global, a nonprofit focused on promoting STEM education, the competition emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and inclusivity, encouraging young minds to collaborate and tackle global challenges.

The International Day of the Girl, observed on October 11th, highlights the challenges girls face worldwide and promotes their rights and empowerment. It's a day to raise awareness, celebrate achievements, and advocate for a more equitable future for girls. To mark this special day, some Form 3 students from SEGA, shared their experiences attending an all-girls school. Their insights reveal the profound impact of such an environment, one that cultivates confidence, leadership, and personal development at every turn.

At the SEGA Girls’ School, every girl admitted embarks on a journey of empowerment, education, and personal growth. But how are these girls chosen? Behind every selection is a meticulous, thoughtful process designed to enable bright, motivated girls in Tanzania to transform their futures. This blog highlights the key steps involved in this in-depth process.

Meet Suzan, SEGA’s dedicated Child Protection Officer, whose passion and experience in child welfare play a crucial role in safeguarding SEGA students. With over four years of experience at SOS Children’s Village and Plan International Tanzania, Suzan has a strong background in creating safe environments for children. Since joining SEGA in August 2023, she has worked to ensure that students are protected, supported, and empowered to focus on their education. This post explores Suzan's role, her positive impact on students' lives, and her vision for enhancing SEGA’s child protection system.

The Harvard Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program (HNMCP) recently completed a 12-week project to design a culturally responsive negotiation curriculum for SEGA Girls’ School in Tanzania. Led by Professor Rachel Viscomi and her team, the project involved focus groups, alumni surveys, and teacher interviews to understand SEGA students' cultural context and challenges. The team developed a curriculum that emphasized assertiveness, empathy, and decision-making, piloted with Form 3 students. Graduate students Arianne Evans, Salome Van Bunnen, and Jean Luc Nsabimana reflect on their experiences and contributions to this impactful program.

From July 5th to July 12th, 2024, USTAWI Global embarked on a transformative journey to SEGA. This visit was not just a trip but a deep dive into the heart of collaborative and innovative education. Led by Nick Salmon and Kavita Tanna, the visionary co-founders of the USTAWI Movement, Collaborative Learning Network, and Globally Reconnect, a team of six passionate educators and leaders gathered to explore and develop Flourishing Learning Communities.

Lavyana reflects on her second year volunteering with the STEM Adventures at SEGA Program. In June, she returned to Morogoro, Tanzania, to volunteer again with the team. Much like the previous year, her week with the girls was incredibly enriching, filled with laughter and learning.

The STEM program transitioned from traditional lessons to a project-based learning (PBL) approach this year. The students collaborated on a significant group project centered around the driving question: “How can students collaborate to identify how technology can be utilized to address agricultural challenges exacerbated by weather and climate change?”

Meet Debora and Ester, the first SEGA graduates and among the first ten Tanzanians accepted to Ashesi University in Ghana. Named a top-ten university on the African continent last year, Ashesi was founded to foster an African renaissance through ethical and entrepreneurial leadership. Their journey highlights Ashesi's commitment to nurturing transformative leaders who drive positive change in their communities and beyond. These two determined young women from the SEGA Girls’ School share a passion for academic excellence, ethical leadership, and community development—deeply ingrained in their time at SEGA.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, celebrated on June 27th, highlights businesses' critical role in economic development. Entrepreneurship is a valuable skill, particularly for SEGA students, as it offers a pathway to financial independence and stability. In Tanzania, where wages are often low, many individuals seek to supplement their income through small businesses. With good planning and financial understanding, these ventures can lead to higher profit margins, making entrepreneurship a crucial skill set.

June 11th marks the inaugural "International Day of Play" a significant milestone in preserving, promoting, and prioritizing play. This day emphasizes the importance of play for all people, especially children, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential. Maya Mor, the founder of Girls Run Global, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls through running, shares her experiences in this blog. She recounts her visit to SEGA Girls' School and the first-time collaboration of Girls Run Global with the SEGA Girls.

Jodi Morris, a SEGA scholarship supporter serves on the Investment Committee, cultivates new donors, and regularly brings visitors to Tanzania, including a stay at SEGA.

In this blog, she reflects on her time in Bali for a conference for U-GO. It was a journey intertwined with her passion for girls' education, which she believes is the world's best investment.