Tanzanian student Inat Mzee Saleh faced a major setback in her academic journey when a fire destroyed her high school just weeks before her final exams. The tragedy left her without essential study materials, and her A-level results fell short of the requirements to pursue a medical degree. Heartbroken, she enrolled in a basic teaching diploma program, feeling that her dreams of becoming a surgeon were lost.
Her prospects changed when she discovered a World Bank-supported “bridging foundation” course under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project. The program, offered by the Open University of Tanzania, provides financial, academic, and psychosocial support to young women who missed direct university entry. With mentorship, tutoring, and structured guidance, Inat saw an opportunity to reclaim her education and applied for the course, which became a lifeline for her academic aspirations.
Over the course of the foundation program, Inat worked diligently to improve her grades. The comprehensive support system allowed her to regain confidence, rebuild her academic skills, and prepare for university-level study. Today, she is a first-year student pursuing a degree in water supply engineering, shifting her focus from medicine to engineering while remaining committed to serving her community.
Inat’s personal experiences growing up in rural Pemba inspired her new path. She witnessed women and children walking long distances for water and is determined to use her expertise to address the village’s water challenges. Her education in water supply engineering represents both a personal triumph and a way to contribute practical solutions to longstanding local problems.
The HEET Project is fostering broader systemic change by increasing women’s participation in STEM fields and creating pathways for young women to access higher education. Nearly 200 female students have enrolled in universities through the program, with a target of 600. By supporting marginalized female students, the initiative is helping young women transform setbacks into opportunities and empowering them to become future leaders and problem-solvers in their communities.
Inat’s story illustrates the impact of targeted educational interventions. Beyond her personal success, she serves as a role model for other girls, demonstrating that determination, coupled with the right support, can help overcome barriers and achieve ambitious goals. The program’s long-term vision aims to institutionalize such approaches to ensure sustainable access to higher education for women across Tanzania.
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