A few months ago, we began planning an incredible journey to Sub-Saharan Africa, hoping to volunteer and make a meaningful difference. We were beyond excited when the opportunity arose to travel to Arusha, Tanzania, with Plan My Gap Year (PMGY). Little did we know how life-changing the experience would be.

Arriving in Arusha, we encountered a profound culture shock. Though we knew Tanzania faced economic challenges, we were unprepared for the depth of poverty we witnessed. Yet, despite the hardships, we were greeted with overwhelming kindness. The people’s generosity, warmth, and sense of community deeply touched us.

Our time volunteering at Homlees Daycare highlighted the challenges the children face. We were struck not only by their intelligence but also by their eagerness to learn despite the lack of resources. Children as young as three were already mastering Math and English, but their circumstances stifled their potential. Families struggle to afford the daycare’s modest tuition fee of just 15,000 TSH a month (about $7.50 CAD), the cost of a single cup of coffee here at home. The children lacked basic school supplies, the teachers were overwhelmed, and many desks were falling apart. It was heart-wrenching to see the children's education hindered by economic barriers.

During our first week, we met Neyla, a 4-year-old girl with an infectious smile and a love for learning. Neyla amazed us with her abilities — she’s already adding, subtracting, learning multiplication, and can recite the entire alphabet with ease. Her passion for learning and generosity toward her classmates made an immediate impact on us. But Neyla, like many others, is held back by her environment.

We believe Neyla has incredible potential and want to give her every opportunity to succeed. After much thought, we’ve decided to sponsor her education at Good Hope Private School, where she will have access to better resources, smaller class sizes, and the individualized attention she needs to truly excel.

We’re asking for your support to help Neyla receive the education she deserves. With your help, Neyla can attend a school where she will thrive, opening doors to a brighter future.

Your donation, no matter how small, can change Neyla’s life and give her the opportunity to dream big and achieve her goals.

Thank you for being part of Neyla’s journey.

-Juliet and Kaia

*This money will allow Neyla to go to school for the next 14 years! We can't wait to see Neyla get the bright future she deserves <3