Veronika is a small girl and is number 4 in her class. Her mother passed away and she lives with her father, who is a peasant farmer. His income is very little so he cannot pay for her school needs. This is also because of the extended family and dependents. To Veronika, education is a ladder of life to help her and her society.

Rehema attends Kondoa Girls A-level School.When I was young, I suffered from a disease for two years but because my parents were poor and less educated people, they did not take me to the hospital. With the help of God I succeeded in getting a scholarship from my neighbors and was taken to the hospital. From these difficulties I learned that education is the most basic thing that can help people solve their problems. My dream is to become a doctor one day. The only way I can reach that is by studying hard and listening to good advice from my guardians. The happiest moment in my life was to join The School Fund because they support my education. I feel good and proud of being a member of The School Fund. Four years from now, I want to be in university-level education to reach my dream.

Rakhi is an energetic girl. Though good in sports, she is an average student. Due to economic problems she had to dropout for one year. This year she has joined the swabhiman program. Her aspiration is to be a teacher.

Ritu Yadav is always bubbling with answers. Her hands gesture wildly as she explains her interest in making speeches. Ritu uses her voice to speak out against caste discrimination and the gender inequality she sees all around her. Growing up in Uttar Pradesh, India Ritu has constantly been bombarded by things she can't do as a girl. She's determined to change that. Inspired by her mentor, Mr. Mithai Lal, she plans to become a math professor and continue to speak out for gender equality. She is completely determined for girls' to be recognized for their capability and ability to do the same things boys do.

As the eldest of five siblings, Laxmi plays an important role in her family. Even so, she is ready to continue her studies. She is 15 years old studying in class 5 at Swarachan Learning and Resource Center under Swabhiman program. Her aspiration is to one day teach.

When I was young, my mother told me that my father rejected me before I was born. It was very painful for me to learn that there are times when you need someone’s help and he or she can abandon you and leave you helpless. My happiest moment in life was when I passed my Form 4 National Examination. I was especially proud of myself because I had made one step towards the dream of my life. I was full of joy and happiness. My mother and relatives were very happy, too. Their advice and encouragement inspires me to fulfill my dream of a good life and a happy family. I won’t lose heart and stop helping others who have needs. I would not have been able to achieve what I have without help from my friends, teachers, my schoolmates and my classmates, my mother, my relatives and all people I have In my network.

Before I was in The School Fund family, it was too hard for me to attend school when the school fee was not paid. Because of The School Fund, I learned never to give up. For some years now, my family has been separated. I had to live away from home during my Ordinary level studies. My mother had gone to Arusha to start another life so it was hard for me to be with her during my school years. My dream is to be a doctor and treat my fellow Tanzanians and even others from outside my country. For me to get there, I have to work on my studies. The moment I felt proud of myself was when I was told that I would be one of The School Fund Family. The happiest moments of my life are when I see my mother.

Helena was born in Sofala province. She is a very quiet girl, humble and friendly. In her free time after school, she is doing her homework and likes to play with her friends. She is orphaned of parents since she was little and then moved in with her grandmother, who took care of her until she was of school age, then ASEM helped her to attend school. In 2013, when she was 12 years old, her Granny died and she stayed living in the house together with her 18 years old cousin. For sustenance, her uncle, when able to, helps the 2 girls. The uncle has a wife with six children, and no permanent job. When the 2 girls have nothing to eat, the neighbors sometimes help them.

I live with my aunt in the Mbeya region with my 3 brothers and 2 sisters. My mother died last year and my father died January this year. When I was in form 1, my aunt couldn't pay my school fees so I could not concentrate on my studies. After I got a TSF scholarship, I could study and my exam results were good. I am proud of my form 4 exam results. My goal is to be a pharmacist. I’ll have to take physics, biology, chemistry. I believe that "only education will help me handle my life". Thus, when I achieve my goal, I will help TSF students and others who have difficulties to get education.