Studio Samuel is excited to announce that three former students have been hired as our new private tutors, starting January 1, 2024.
Supporting Studio Samuel students post-graduation aligns with the framework of our “teach a woman to fish” model, derived from the parable: “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Studio Samuel believes investing in the long term success of each girl supports them beyond their time as a student through higher education and employment. This model is crucial because it helps steer girls clear from falling back into the common pathways of trafficking, forced early marriage, child labor, and early pregnancy. We are looking forward to continuing to collaborate with Studio Samuel graduates, and are grateful for their willingness to support our current students.
Fana is a 2017 graduate from Studio Samuel, and currently studies and works at TB Academy. Fana is looking forward to re-joining Studio Samuel as a tutor due to her personal experience benefiting from tutors during her time as an SSF student. Tutoring sessions were crucial in equipping her with essential skills for education and work, and developed her self-confidence.
Her educational journey was not without hardships. When Fana was young, she was responsible for completing all the house chores, which often prevented her from arriving at school on time or completing her homework. In this vein, she understands the many challenges that SSF students face, and is well-equipped to support them due to her own experiences.
Fana believes that tutorials are important for students to enhance their understanding of learning material. The discussion in the tutorial classes helps them develop their knowledge, share ideas with others, and improve their listening, speaking, and discussion skills. Furthermore, Fana looks forward to a symbiotic learning experience, and aims to understand the needs of her students to become the best tutor she can be. Her commitment to both teaching and learning exemplifies her dedication to Studio Samuel’s mission and the empowerment of its students.
In Fana’s own words, “Don’t compare yourself with others, everyone has their own role to play.” This sentiment reflects her understanding of individual journeys and the importance of recognizing and valuing each person’s unique path.
Kokebe is a 2018 graduate from Studio Samuel, and is currently studying management. Her steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment is evident in her belief that, “a woman can bring change to the community.” Kokebe has personally faced challenges due to her gender, encountering sexual harassment from both teachers and students at her previous school. However, Studio Samuel empowered her to protect and advocate for herself in the face of sexual harassment.
As a tutor, Kokebe is driven to be a role model for the girls, and pass down the knowledge and skills she has learned from Studio Samuel to empower them to advocate for themselves. She stresses the importance of tutorial, because it gives students the chance to deepen their learning and address any difficulties and misunderstandings from the formal classroom setting.
Kokebe’s commitment to being a positive influence and sharing her experiences to help others navigate challenges demonstrates her passion for prioritizing women in the education system and beyond.
Gelila graduated from Studio Samuel in 2018, and is currently studying secretarial science and fashion design. She is also leveraging her sewing skills she learned from Studio Samuel to generate income for herself. Gelila aspires to be a tutor at Studio Samuel due to her passion for helping students and her desire to contribute to the teaching process.
Her goal is to support girls through providing strong teaching methodology and comprehensive education. She is looking forward to being a role model for her students through demonstrating her discipline and unwavering academic commitment. She is also excited to earn financial support and personal fulfillment from the position.
Gelila believes that, “Life is a secret that has a beginning we know, and an ending which we can work on.” She reflects upon when she was young, and faced academic barriers such as the inability to afford school supplies. Her newfound role as a tutor reflects her growth and resilience over the years, and she hopes her story can inspire her students.
Studio Samuel is thrilled to support its graduates in impacting adolescent girls in their communities and beyond. We are dedicated to creating agency, voice, and opportunity for both current and former students.
This aligns with Studio Samuel’s overarching objective to contribute to UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #4: Quality Education. Within this goal, prioritizing girls’ education is of utmost importance. According to the Unesco’s Institute for Statistics (UIS), “Across the region [of Sub-Saharan Africa], 9 million girls between the ages of about 6 and 11 will never go to school at all, compared to 6 million boys.” UIS stresses the importance of female teachers and mentors to bridge this gap, “who can serve as role models and encourage girls to continue their education.”
Studio Samuel is grateful for the upcoming contributions from Fana, Kokebe, and Gelila. By leveraging accessibility, mentorship, and support, these tutors will play a crucial role in helping Studio Samuel to further the SDG for Quality Education. Through our efforts, Studio Samuel hopes to bridge educational gaps, empower girls, and create a brighter future for the communities they serve.
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