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Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania that provides highest quality holistic education to over 300 students at Orkeeswa School located in an under-served Maasai community in northern Tanzania became Sophie Kazickas’ philanthropy choice in 2016.
Having volunteered in Romania back in 2010 with Romania Children‘s Relief, later with Hoops 4 Hope in Zimbabwe and Woven Journeys in Tanzania, Sophie puts children right on top of her causes she cares mostly about.
In Tanzania where secondary school is not an option for many, especially in such a rural area like Monduli, it is important that children can get the opportunity to attend Orkeeswa and get the proper education needed to succeed.
“I know how important education was to my grandfather and I feel incredibly grateful that I am able to assist others in furthering their education,“ Sophie shared back in 2016. “I visited Orkeeswa Secondary School when I went to Tanzania back in 2012, with the nonprofit organization Woven Journeys. There I was able to meet with the students and I saw how passionate and excited they were about learning. I had the chance to listen to their stories, and they shared with me their dreams of making a difference in the world, and it was truly inspiring. The kids at Orkeeswa taught me a lot about life and inspired me to be the best version of myself.”
Sophie Kazickas' $5,000 grant provides annual scholarships for two Orkeeswa students, Suzanna and Thomas. It brings the resources, experiences and encouragement needed for them to reach their full potential as scholars and leaders.
Peter Luis, IEFT founder and executive director, shares in his letter:
“While we are all still adjusting to life under the current circumstances that are evolving daily, I don't want to lose sight of all we accomplished together in 2019. Thank you for partnering with us to bring the highest-quality, holistic education to Orkeeswa's students and alumni. Together, we are equipping them as engaged, ethical local leaders. While we celebrate these accomplishments, we also recognize that our role in the community and our student and alumni's impact is clearer now in this current pandemic situation than ever before. Together, we will come through this current situation and continue to build on the success of 2019 and over 11 years of investing in educating local leaders."
Photo: Suzanna and Thomas at Orkeeswa school
Photo credit: Orkeeswa school