Empowering Tanzanian Girls for Tomorrow: The Greenlight High School Journey Towards Excellence and Success

By Adonis Byemelwa

In an exclusive interview conducted by a senior reporter with Pan African Visions, Zainabu Mwenda, the owner of Greenlight Secondary School, situated in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, delved into her motivation for establishing the school. With a passion for providing a haven where girls could thrive academically and personally, she embarked on this journey in 2012, starting with just three girls studying for free. Recognizing the societal pressures and limited opportunities facing girls, especially in unsafe commute situations, Zainabu aimed to offer a solution, providing boarding facilities to shield them from such dangers and empower them to pursue their education without hindrance.

What motivated you to establish Greenlight High School, focusing exclusively on girls' education?

Well, it all started with a simple yet powerful idea - to provide a haven where girls could thrive academically and personally. In 2012, I founded Greenlight High School with just three girls, offering them education for free. Despite starting small, our dedication has propelled us forward, and we now proudly serve 278 students. Our journey has been about more than just academic excellence; it's about instilling integrity and resilience in every student. I, as the visionary behind Greenlight High School, saw a glaring gap in our community where girls were often sidelined from quality education. So, I took the plunge, starting with just three girls, offering them education for free. Fast forward, after years of dedication and hard work, our school stands tall, nurturing not just academic excellence but also instilling integrity and resilience in our students. With challenges like societal pressures and limited opportunities, especially for girls, I knew I had to create a space where they could flourish without hindrance. And that's exactly what Greenlight High School represents - a beacon of hope and empowerment for girls, shaping them into leaders of tomorrow, ready to conquer any challenge that comes their way.

Could you elaborate on the challenges you currently face as an educational institution?

Certainly! Running Greenlight High School is both a passion and a challenge. One of the major hurdles we're facing right now is the weight of taxes. I mean, the government's been piling up taxes left and right, from Pay as You Earn to others that seem to pop up out of nowhere. We've been trying to get them to ease up on us, but it's been an uphill battle. People sometimes think private schools like ours are just swimming in profits, but they don't see the sacrifices we make to keep the quality high. And don't even get me started on the curriculum changes! Every time I feel like we're getting the hang of things, boom, new curriculum, new adjustments. It's like trying to hit a moving target! Plus, there's the constant struggle with the cost of living shooting up, making it hard to keep the school running smoothly, especially when the number of students isn't meeting our expectations. But hey, we're not ones to back down easily. We'll keep pushing for what's right and doing our best to give these girls the education they deserve, no matter the challenges thrown our way.

How do you navigate the changing educational landscape, particularly regarding curriculum adjustments?

Navigating the educational rollercoaster at Greenlight High School? It's all about adaptability! With our dedicated team of educators, we're constantly evaluating and tweaking our approach to meet the latest standards. We brainstorm, strategize, and most importantly, we listen—to our teachers, students, and parents alike. Because education's a team effort, right? So, whether we're revamping programs or integrating new skills like entrepreneurship into the curriculum, we're always up for the challenge. After all, it's not just about keeping up—it's about staying ahead and giving our students the edge they need to thrive in this ever-evolving world.

You've emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship. How does Greenlight High School foster entrepreneurial skills among its students?

Ah, entrepreneurship is like our secret sauce here at Greenlight High School! We're all about empowering our students to think outside the box and create their opportunities. From extra-curricular training programs to hands-on projects, we're constantly finding ways to ignite that entrepreneurial spark. I mean, sure, studying hard is important, but we also want our girls to dream big and take charge of their futures. That's why we offer specialized courses in home economics, entrepreneurship, and practical skills like soap making, catering, and even event decoration. We want our students to graduate not just with a diploma, but with the confidence and know-how to start their businesses and make a real difference in their communities. And hey, who knows, maybe the next big CEO or innovator is sitting in one of our classrooms right now, just waiting to spread their wings and fly.

What initiatives do you undertake to address the issue of unemployment among graduates?

Ah, tackling Addressing unemployment among graduates is a top priority at Greenlight High School. We're more than just academics; we're about empowering our girls for the real world. That's why we've beefed up our extra-curriculars, teaching practical skills like entrepreneurship and event management. We want our graduates to hit the ground running, whether they're starting their businesses or landing their dream jobs. Through partnerships with local businesses, internships, and mentorship programs, we're giving our students the tools they need to succeed. And it's not just about exams; it's about building resilient, confident individuals ready to tackle life's challenges and forge meaningful careers.

How do you balance the financial sustainability of the school with the rising cost of living and fluctuating student numbers?

Balancing Greenlight High School's financial sustainability amidst rising costs and fluctuating student numbers is like juggling flaming torches on a tightrope - a constant challenge, but one we embrace head-on. We've mastered creative budgeting, trimming costs without compromising quality, while also exploring new revenue streams like grants and sponsorships. Despite enrollment fluctuations, we prioritize quality over quantity, offering scholarships and innovative programs to attract and retain students. Our mission remains clear: to provide top-notch education for our girls, overcoming any obstacle in our path.

What role do you envision for the government in supporting private educational institutions like Greenlight High School?

The government's role in supporting private educational institutions like Greenlight High School is pivotal for ensuring access to quality education. Firstly, a review of taxes is crucial to alleviate financial strain and maintain sustainability. Streamlining collaboration on curriculum changes between the government and private schools is essential for effective implementation, ensuring that educational standards remain high and students are adequately prepared for the future. Moreover, financial support through grants or subsidies would significantly aid in providing resources and opportunities for our students. By working together, we can ensure that all students have access to the education they deserve, regardless of their background or economic status.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Greenlight High School?

Looking ahead, my aspirations for the future of Greenlight High School are bold and ambitious. I envision our school continuing to grow and evolve, becoming a beacon of excellence in education not just locally, but nationally and even internationally. I want to see our students not just succeeding academically, but thriving in every aspect of their lives - equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to tackle any challenge that comes their way. I dream of expanding our programs to offer even more opportunities for our students, whether it's through advanced-level courses, specialized training programs, or partnerships with industry leaders. And most importantly, I want Greenlight High School to remain a place of inspiration and empowerment for generations to come, shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.