(The power of financial literacy and extra curricular entrepreneur activities in keeping girls in school)
Imagine a young girl named Asha who dreams of becoming a doctor. She’s determined and works hard in school, but her family struggles financially. Often, Asha misses school to help her mother at the market or care for her siblings. She feels overwhelmed, and without the right support, her dreams can slip away. Unfortunately, Asha is not alone, this is the reality for many girls in Tanzania.
In Ubungo district, Dar es Salaam, similar challenges are prevalent. Financial difficulties, lack of resources, and societal pressures often force girls out of school. Mshiko Clubs is a result of collaborative efforts between Her Initiative and Girls Opportunity Alliance, launched in Ubungo District, from five wards and five different secondary schools, King'ongo, Saranga, Dar Es Salaam Girls, Kiluvya, and Malamba Mawili. Together, we're committed to changing the narrative for young girls in Ubungo
When I was in school I saw many of my peers dropping out because of poverty and the inability to take care of one’s needs was frustrating. Mshiko clubs will work with the girls to amplify their agency, learn about money and impart an entrepreneur mindset that will increase girls interest in school and foresee a future of job creators. - Ms. Lydia Charles the Executive Director of Her Initiative
The Mshiko Clubs project is designed to set a road map to financial freedom for girls (14-19) in schools by using a hybrid model of economic empowerment that includes the adoption of good financial behaviors, extracurricular income-generating activities and girls agency empowerment to promote girl’s self-esteem and self-efficacy that help girls stay and enjoy school.
Mshiko club will also offer materials such as past examination papers, curriculum-aligned notes, and interactive study tools, all tailored to individual learning needs through AI-driven platforms. This targeted support will help improve their academic performance by reinforcing their understanding of core subjects, boosting problem-solving skills, and promoting critical thinking.
In addition to these core skills, the program integrates extracurricular activities that further enrich the girls' educational experience, promoting a holistic approach to personal development. Through these activities, girls not only enhance their academic performance but also develop individual agency skills that boost their self-esteem, self- efficacy, increase their participation in leadership and decision making opportunities that directly affect their life. Mshiko Clubs provide a combination of enhanced academic performance, opportunities for leadership and entrepreneurship skills that will positively influence student’s engagement in their education. As they participate in activities like the saving challenge, where they learn to manage their finances and set goals, they gain practical skills that reinforce the importance of staying in school.
By combining financial literacy, self-confidence, and extracurricular engagement, the Mshiko Clubs project creates a supportive environment that helps girls stay in school, overcome obstacles, and achieve their full potential. At the end we want to see these girls with improved agency in terms of self confidence, esteem and ability to make their own decision, also financial and entrepreneurship skills
The Mshiko club is a great opportunity for me to learn how to save money and invest in my future. I believe the skills I will gain, like financial planning and business management, will help me not only in my studies but also in making wise decisions in my personal life. I’m looking forward to becoming a role model in my community and showing other girls that they can achieve anything with the right knowledge and determination.”
– Aisha Hashim Abdallah, Student King'ongo Secondary School
Mshiko Clubs are designed with girls at the center, where they lead and facilitate their own activities, making the experience deeply personal and empowering. When the girls meet, they engage in a variety of activities that include discussions and challenges on financial literacy, where they learn about saving, budgeting, and smart spending. They also explore entrepreneurship, brainstorming business ideas, and create small projects within the school environment.
“The Mshiko Clubs project provides essential teaching materials and integrates financial literacy into extracurricular activities. This approach enhances academic performance by making learning practical and engaging, while also equipping girls with the skills to manage money wisely.
It’s not just about keeping them in school; it’s about empowering them to succeed academically and beyond.” — Madam Esther Mushi, Dar Es Salaam Girls Secondary School
Moreover Mshiko Clubs project equips girls with essential skills through a unique, holistic approach. In the first phase, 250 girls will undergo three months of intensive training and mentorship, connecting with successful women leaders and they will then graduate to be peer educators for other 250 students to make a total of 500 students direct beneficiaries. Peer-to-peer learning sessions allow them to share experiences and support each other's growth, promoting a strong sense of community and solidarity. The clubs also incorporate extracurricular activities like debates, leadership workshops, and creative arts, all aimed at building confidence and self-expression. By placing girls in charge, Mshiko Clubs ensure that the knowledge and skills gained are not just theoretical but are lived, shared, and deeply ingrained in their everyday lives.
But what does this really mean for these girls?
“Mshiko Clubs will introduce me to opportunities like managing my own money, starting a small business, and leading projects in my community. I’m excited to learn practical skills like budgeting and entrepreneurship, which will prepare me not just for exams but for real-life challenges.
I can’t wait to use this knowledge to help my community grow and inspire other girls to reach their full potential.”- Careen Mshana, Student Saranga Secondary School
The connection between these activities and education is clear: when girls understand the value of financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship, they are more likely to see education as a path to achieving their goals. The saving challenge, in particular, teaches them the discipline and foresight needed to plan for their future, making the idea of completing their education and pursuing further opportunities not just a dream, but a tangible plan. Through these experiences, Mshiko Clubs are not just helping girls stay in school, they’re ensuring they thrive both now and in the future.
"This program will make my daughter grow in an amazing way. She will have more drive, confidence, and enthusiasm about her future. Mshiko Clubs will give our girls the essential tools for success, and as a parent, I expect to see great things." — Francis John Shirima, parent of a Mshiko Clubs participant.
True transformation requires collective effort, and Mshiko Clubs are committed to engaging key stakeholders. From parents and teachers to local leaders and faith communities, the project will influence a supportive environment that champions girls' education and empowers them to thrive.
Wendy Shewiyo - Project Coordinator
