Introducing our Newest Teacher
It's not every day that we get to see the story of a student come full circle. That's why we're honored to share with you the story of our newest teacher, Anna Tataya.
In 2005, when Red Sweater Project founder Ashley Holmer committed to teaching and coaching soccer in rural Tanzania, she was asked to start a school in a nearby community. By 2008, she had opened Orkeeswa, the first secondary school in Lashaine Village.
Our newest teacher was among Ashley’s first students. “I always wanted to make a difference in someone's life,” Anna says. “I am among the few people in my community who got the chance to get an education and looking back to where I came from I wanted to inspire, motivate and encourage young girls and boys.”
After Anna and Ashley reconnected, Anna felt inspired about Mungere and applied to be part of the team. We are thrilled to bring Anna onto our team this school year as a full-time teacher at the Mungere School.
“I understand the lives of many students at Mungere because I had been one; I got the same kind of education,” Anna says. “I thought I would be a role model to the students and that would inspire them to work even harder, in class and outside class, knowing that anything is possible.”
We are deeply grateful to all of our dedicated teachers who have created a sense of normalcy in such a tumultuous year. With their help, and safety procedures, life at Mungere has found new routines, ensuring that students still receive the education and community support they need to succeed.
“My favorite part of teaching is seeing the students helping each other,” Anna says, “since I believe that knowledge can be shared. Knowing that I have students who really understood what I taught and are able to transfer the knowledge to other students is the best part – helping them have made a difference in that student's life.”
Asked what advice she would give to young girls, she says, “Anything is possible if you choose to do it with determination and focus.”
When Ashley opened the first school in Orkeeswa in 2008, she knew one school wouldn’t be enough – there were simply too many children being left behind.
As we bring Orkeeswa graduate Anna Tataya on board as our newest staff member at the Mungere School, we are reminded of the transformative power of education – and the ripple effect of every donation, every tour, and every volunteer who made this story possible.
