Written by Shade’s Tanzanian Communications Coordinator Ester Wilson
Every October, Shade begins a special journey of hope, one that lights the dreams of education for children whose futures are dimmed by poverty. This annual recruitment exercise identifies children living with albinism and those from extremely vulnerable backgrounds, offering them scholarships to attend Shade School.
The recruitment is carried out in close collaboration with community and government leaders. Each morning, the team visits nearby communities, traveling on rutted dirt roads in a three-wheeled vehicle called a bajaji. As we visit each home, we collect each child’s biography, background, special needs and living conditions. Shade applies its selection criteria carefully, ensuring that scholarships reach the most deserving and truly vulnerable children. For many of these families, life is not easy–some live in very remote areas with no clean water, no electricity, and difficult roads–but they still hold on to hope for their children’s education.
Victoria, a volunteer from the US who is spending 8 months at Shade, has found visiting families to be a deeply moving experience.
“I wish we could take everyone,” she said after visiting several homes. “Many of these families are in great need. Some parents have more than one child who deserves a chance, but not all can be accommodated.”
Among the new students joining Shade in January are three children with albinism, two of whom are siblings from a nearby region. For them and many others, the opportunity marks the beginning of a brighter and safer future.
Victoria expressed her admiration for Shade’s recruitment process, noting the level of care, effort, and coordination involved. “It was inspiring to see how Shade partners with local leaders to identify the right families, ensure effective communication, and make everyone feel valued,” she said.
Shade’s Outreach is more than just giving children access to education; it’s about transforming lives and building stronger communities. Through these scholarships, Shade continues to nurture hope, dignity, and a brighter future for Tanzania’s most vulnerable children.
