Academic achievement at Maasai Girls Rescue Center The students at Maasai Girls Rescue Center (MGRC) continue demonstrating educational empowerment progress. Many of these young women had never attended formal schooling before arriving at the center and came from challenging circumstances. Today, they are thriving academically and developing essential life skills. Secondary school excellence Several older students recently attended the Form Four graduation ceremony at Welwel Secondary School, where two MGRC students, Rose and Riziki, received recognition from school board members for outstanding academic performance. Both students have consistently ranked in the top 10% of their class, with current standings at first and second place respectively. During the graduation ceremony, MGRC students performed traditional Maasai songs for attendees. Their cultural performance was well-received, and the students received a cash award for their contribution to the event. Vocational training in Baking and Entrepreneurship Five MGRC students are currently enrolled at Tanz Hands Baking School, completing the first year of a two-year vocational program. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with hands-on practical training in professional baking techniques. Three students—Momoi, Neema, and Amani—are showing exceptional aptitude in the program. The baking school operates a roadside café where student-made baked goods are sold to the public, providing real-world experience in bakery business operations and customer service. When not in session, these vocational students return to MGRC to conduct baking classes under the supervision of the center’s certified bakers, creating a sustainable knowledge-sharing model that benefits all residents. Did you know…3.2 million children aged 7-17 are out of school in Tanzania, of which 1.2 million have never attended. The net secondary enrollment rate is only 27%. Rural and poor girls are the most affected with higher dropout rates from age 12 onwards due to inadequate WASH facilities, menstruation, and child marriage. UNICEF Tanzania Impact on breaking poverty cycles Educational empowerment opportunities at both secondary and vocational levels provide MGRC students with pathways to economic independence. Academic excellence and professional skills training equip these young women with tools to break generational cycles of poverty and create sustainable futures for themselves and their communities.