Engaging Graduates of Empowered Girls & Enlightened Boys
By Fides Magige and Anna Mercer
Empowerment and enlightenment don’t stop when school does. In the Kyela district of Tanzania, the Empowered Girls and Enlightened Boys afterschool clubs teach lessons that stay with students long after graduation. But when students move on from the clubs, how can they stay on track as they work toward their ideal futures? Fides Magige, field representative of Chocolate University, set out to answer that question. Read on to hear Fides’ responses to a few questions about the alumni program.
What inspired these alumni sessions, and who attends them?
After receiving several calls from EG EB graduates, I established alumni sessions earlier this year. Occurring twice a month, these sessions support alumni as they continue to learn and develop. Between 10 and 15 students are currently attending these alumni sessions. Each student has a different vision of greatness for their future. What unites them, though, is a desire to maintain progress toward that vision, whatever it may be.
How are the alumni sessions impacting students?
The alumni sessions have been incredibly impactful for both current and former students. They provide a platform for sharing experiences, advice, and mentorship. Oscar Kibonde, a recent EG EB alumnus, told me how these sessions prepared him to navigate pre-university classes. Oscar said “Those alumni sessions were very helpful. I don’t think I could have survived in this new school, with all its challenges, without the knowledge and experiences we shared. I might have dropped out of school and gone back home.” Beyond vision check-ins and further education, these sessions provide an opportunity for graduates to maintain community with each other.
Are alumni finding ways to interact with current EG and EB students?
Yes. One EG EB alumnus, Clinton, is working towards his vision of greatness as he teaches current EG EB students. A chemistry major at Mkwawa University, Clinton is completing his field placement at Mwaya Secondary School as he trains to become a teacher. Clinton was a member of the Enlightened Boys club during his time as a student at Mwaya. Now, he leads a chemistry lab and works with current members of the EG EB clubs.
I have witnessed Clinton’s tremendous influence at Mwaya Secondary School. His dedication, mentorship, and real-life examples of perseverance inspire the students to aim higher. He shares practical advice, supports students academically, and encourages them to see challenges as opportunities for growth. His presence bridges the gap between aspiration and action, motivating students to pursue their dreams with confidence.
What are your plans for future alumni outreach?
We have EG EB alumni spread across Tanzania. I am looking for ways to connect with graduates in different cities and regions. To start working toward this goal, we are establishing WhatsApp groups for alumni in different areas. Graduates of the EG EB clubs have worked hard to establish their visions of greatness and uplift each other, and there is no reason that should end with graduation.
To support the students and alumni of the Empowered Girls and Enlightened Boys clubs, click here.