Right To Play’s Save Her Seat project has supported thousands of girls in rural Tanzania stay in school, build confidence and develop the life skills they need to shape their futures.

Over the past three years, the project has supported girls across the Mara region of northern Tanzania to overcome barriers to education, strengthen their leadership skills and learn in safer, more inclusive school environments.

Launched by Right To Play in 2023, Save Her Seat has focused on promoting gender equality, improving learning outcomes for vulnerable girls and empowering them to reach their full potential.

The project has been made possible by vital funding from the UK government through UK Aid Match, alongside generous donations from the public and our partners LFC Foundation – the official charity of Liverpool Football Club.

Supporting girls to stay in school and thrive

Over the course of the project, Save Her Seat has reached more than 15,800 children across 40 primary schools in the Tarime and Serengeti districts of the Mara region, with girls making up more than 52% of participants.

The project has achieved significant progress in supporting girls to stay in school and thrive.

Girls’ school attendance has risen to more than 90% – up from 79% at the start of the project.

Girls have also developed essential life skills at dramatically higher levels than before. More than 53% of girls now demonstrate adequate life skills, including self-confidence, problem solving and leadership – compared to 18% at the beginning of the project.

Attitudes towards girls’ education within project schools have also shifted positively over the course of the project. More than 79% of girls have reported increased parental support for their right to education, compared to 44% at the outset.

Tackling barriers to girls’ education

Girls in the Mara region often face significant challenges that stand in the way of their education and development.

In many communities, negative attitudes toward girls’ education persist. Harmful and discriminatory practices, unequal domestic responsibilities and issues such as early marriage can all limit girls’ opportunities and prevent them from attending school.

Save Her Seat was designed to tackle these barriers holistically – supporting girls directly, but also engaging teachers, families, local leaders and communities to create lasting change.

Gillian McMahon, Executive Director of Right To Play UK, said: “The Save Her Seat project has demonstrated the transformative impact that education, play and safe, inclusive learning environments can have on girls’ lives.

“Together with teachers, government partners and local communities, this project has helped girls in Tanzania grow in confidence, strengthen life skills and overcome barriers that too often prevent them from staying in school and fulfilling their potential. For many girls, staying in education means gaining not only knowledge, but also safety, support and the opportunity to shape their own futures.

“The project has shown what is possible when girls are empowered and communities unite to support their education. We are incredibly grateful for the vital funding from the UK government, alongside our partners and supporters, who have helped make this life-changing work possible.”

Safe spaces for girls to learn, grow and lead

A central part of the project has been the creation of Girls’ Clubs – safe spaces where children can come together for peer learning, discussions, practical skills activities and opportunities to reflect on their experiences.

Over the course of the project, more than 2,000 girls have participated in Girls’ Club sessions. These sessions have included education and support on key issues such as menstrual health and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The project has also supported teachers to embed gender-responsive play-based learning approaches in schools, helping create safer and more inclusive learning environments for all children – particularly girls and children with disabilities.

By the end of the project, 93% of teachers have demonstrated gender-responsive play-based teaching practices in the classroom, compared to 60% at the start of the project.

Supporting teachers through training, coaching and professional development has been essential to ensuring the project’s long-term impact.

The project has provided sustained training to 157 teachers across the three years and has strengthened coaching methods at school and district level, in alignment with Tanzania’s teacher training framework.

Maria Mongi, Country Director for Right To Play Tanzania, said: “When girls are supported to stay in school, the impact can last a lifetime. This project has helped girls to believe in themselves and develop the critical life skills that enable them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. It has also strengthened support for girls’ education within families, schools and communities.

“Educating girls is one of the most powerful investments we can make for the future. By helping girls stay in school, we are helping create healthier, safer and more equal communities.”