Thousands of girls in Tanzania are thriving in school thanks to the power of play

A project in rural Tanzania is transforming the lives of girls by helping them stay in school and develop the essential life skills they need to thrive. 

Global development charity Right To Play launched its Save Her Seat project in April 2023 to promote gender equality, improve learning outcomes for vulnerable girls and empower them to reach their full potential.

The project, which is funded by the UK government through UK Aid Match, and generous donations from the public and the Liverpool Football Club Foundation, is reaching children in 40 primary schools in the Mara region of northern Tanzania. More than 8,600 children (over 54% of whom are girls) are participating in play-based sessions that foster their life skills development and address barriers to girls’ education. 1,116 girls are also taking part in Girls’ Club activities to support their self-confidence and autonomy. 100 teachers have been trained in gender-responsive play-based learning to ensure they are equipped to deliver the safe and inclusive learning environments young girls need.

Girls in Tanzania often face a range of barriers that stand in the way of their education and development. In many communities, negative attitudes persist toward girls’ education. Harmful and discriminatory practices, an unequal burden of domestic responsibility, and issues such as early marriage, also restrict girls’ opportunities and prevent them from attending school.

The project is tackling these issues and making a tangible impact. In its first year, the number of girls demonstrating adequate life skills – such as self-confidence, problem solving and leadership – has doubled, and more girls feel safer at school. More girls also report that their parents or caregivers support their right to an education, with an increase from 40% to 69% in year one.

Gillian McMahon, Executive Director of Right To Play UK, said:

“Our Save Her Seat project is making a life-changing difference to girls in Tanzania, empowering them to learn, lead and succeed. Every girl deserves the right to an education, to feel safe, and to be treated equally. For millions of girls across the world, a seat in school is everything. For girls in economically deprived regions like Mara in Tanzania, the chance to stay in school and learn is the chance to gain the confidence, knowledge, and safe space they need to thrive.

“By working together with government officials, teachers, and local communities, we are enhancing girls’ life skills, improving learning outcomes, and creating safe, inclusive environments that help keep girls in the classroom. We’re building support for girls’ education and helping girls to challenge gender norms and break down barriers.

“This transformational project simply wouldn’t be possible without the vital funding from UK aid from the UK government, and our incredible supporters and partners.”

Maria Mongi, Country Director for Right To Play Tanzania, said: 

“It’s very important to address the challenges facing girls in the community in a holistic manner. For girls, education is a passport for tomorrow. Educating girls is investing in the future. The project is building girls’ capacity to be able to challenge the violation of their rights and improve their situation in general. Saving a girls’ seat in school is giving her a chance to challenge the status quo.”

Right To Play is an organisation that protects, educates and empowers children to rise above adversity through play – reaching more than 5.6 million vulnerable children in 2023. Founded in 2000, the charity uses play-based learning and psychosocial support to help vulnerable children affected by war, disease, climate change, violence, poverty, inequality, prejudice and exploitation. Working in 14 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, Right To Play is the leading global development organisation focused on using the power of play to transform children’s lives.