Impact Story: Adorable Minds Day Care Centre, Tanzania
Impact Story: Adorable Minds Day Care Centre, Tanzania
When Ms. Grace Malaba started Adorable Minds Day Care Centre in 2016, she employed one teacher and had one learner. Today, the well- established pre-primary school in Ilala, Tanzania has over 112 enrolled learners.
As the school’s proprietor, Ms. Malaba used her savings to establish her school. By self-financing the rent for the school premises, purchase of classroom furniture, and paying the teachers’ initial salaries, Ms. Malaba sowed the seeds for the foundation of her school. Soon, she secured a loan from ASA Microfinance.These funds were invested into the infrastructural improvement of the school, such as building classrooms and playgrounds, as well as purchasing teaching and learning materials.
Grace Malaba was referred to the EduQuality program through word of mouth, where she soon became a member of the Chanika C Cluster. The EduQuality program seeks to create a school system through the cluster model, where school leaders can learn from each other and further develop their schools. Each cluster is supported by a local Education Specialist that provides guidance, resources, and support. Ms. Malaba has been in regular attendance at cluster meetings, where she has developed strong relationships with fellow cluster members. She says that the cluster meetings create a feeling of unity and connection with each other, and the whole Chanika zone.
At Adorable Minds Day Care Center, Ms. Malaba is currently prioritizing the quality of education being delivered at her school. The Teacher Mentor Professional Development training (TMPD) offered by the EduQuality program allows teachers to train their peers through professional development sessions. Ms. Malaba reports that using different teaching techniques to increase learner engagement and participation has allowed the school to improve its quality of instruction for learners.
The EduQuality program encourages school leaders to attend School Leadership Professional Development (SLPD) training, where they can develop skills such as instructional leadership and school management. Ms. Malaba explains that she thoroughly enjoys these sessions, where she has learned more about various topics ranging from marketing and branding, child protection, staff management, teaching and learning, and financial management and budgeting.