Cherie Smirl - Empowering through One Love Tanzania
Since Cherie Smirl’s first volunteering experience in Tanzania in 2013, the failure of the Government’s education system to deliver has been a driving factor in her work to break the cycle of inter-generational poverty in the country. One Love Tanzania is dedicated to encouraging personal development goals, fostering self belief and promoting better classroom practice, all integral to bringing hope through Education…..better Education.
Today, One Love Tanzania is financially responsible for the educational welfare of 8 individual children in a range of Government and Non Government schools and Technical vocations, Cherie’s long term students for 11 years now. Supporting a young Muslim boy from a desperately poor background to fulfil his dream to become a doctor, is a proud and immensely fulfilling current undertaking.
Teaming with in country NGO’s opens doors to creative opportunities to impact young lives through a raft of vocational and recreational workshops…ranging from health and wellbeing to expressing themselves through art mediums.
Through mentoring qualified young, but yet to be employed, local teachers and financially supporting them to volunteer in poorly staffed schools creates opportunities to improve classroom practices in an education system hamstrung by over sized classes, poor resources and outdated curriculum. Positive changes are seen daily in both teacher and student attitudes.
One Love Tanzania is a huge advocate for self-growth through entrepreneurialism and especially liaises with skilled women artisans in the country to develop jewellery, small homewares and artworks to appeal on the Australian market. Providing both an ethical fund base for the NFP, and encouraging a sustainable income for women incredibly skilled at their craft, but with little knowledge of converting that craft to a worthwhile livelihood.
One Love Tanzania has been collaborating with the children from Tumaini for Africa Children’s Centre for 11 years to improve living conditions at the centre through the sale of their handicrafts. Guided by the Mamas at the centre and influenced by their tribal background, the children create sophisticated beaded jewellery pieces in the knowledge they are actively enhancing their own futures.
Socials
Website: www.OneLoveTanzania.com
Insta: One Love Tanzania @one_love_tanzania_
Enjoy the visual here on Youtube
