Maren Castro

Scholarship Fund

Maren Castro

Maren tragically lost her life in 2018. She was an inspiring 29 year old who managed to touch many many lives through her compassionate character. She saw the world in a unique way and her purpose in life was to make it a better place. 

The children she met in Africa had a special place in her heart and she believed in the power of education. To commemorate her birthday each year Maren’s family and friends got together to support the future of children in Tanzania. In response to the incredible support we renamed ‘The Future Fund’ in her honour.

You can support the fund every year on November 9th.

Thank you for keeping her work alive through your kindness.

The Fund’s Impact

Money from the fund goes directly to support children in Ulyankulu, Tanzania.

Ulyankulu is a young, small town in Tanzania. It was first established as a refugee camp following migration of thousands of Burundians in 1972.

The settlements where we work are still closed and no development projects operate there. While we wait for the legal requirements to change, many children remain out of school. For them, every day matters and there is no time to waste. Currently, Ulyankulu has a limited number of schools with 300 pupils in each class. The teachers and building are overburdened which keeps many students out of school.

How is our approach different?

Maren’s Scholarship Fund is different from usual student sponsorships. We support both the students and families with additional expenses relating to their health and wellbeing throughout their educational journey. Ongoing consultation and engagement with the children and their family gives them the support they need to flourish.

Partner School

We selected and partnered with a school outside of the refugee settlement called St Peter Royal English Medium Pre-Primary School. Its the 4th best primary school in the country and it is located in close proximity to Ulyankulu. We are working closely with the school to support each student’s progress.

Funding straight to the source

The estimated cost of books and necessities per year is 675,000 Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). Other costs are: school fees 1,200,000 TZS per year and admission is 150,000 TZS. Each family is also supported with an easily available emergency fund of 250,000 TZS per year which they can access for any unexpected expenses related to kids' education.

Educational Journey

Change is the only constant and learning to learn is the crucial skill to master. That is why in our programme we provide additional resources to help children adapt to a changing world.

We are currently developing a mentoring component to promote these skills.

Our students

Angel

Angel is nine years old. She lives with her mother and brothers in Ulyankulu. The family is supported only by Angel’s mother because her Dad left the family. Her mother was unable to pay school fees and Angel had to drop out of education after one semester.

Angel captured the heart of Alicja Biała, a Wayair volunteer and photographer.

“She was the only kid I’ve met who could communicate on basic matters and was trying to talk to me. She would help me in the coming days to talk to other kids and organise photographing them. She’s curious, kind and open”

In December Angel will take part in exams in a school with dormitories (St Peter Royal English Medium Pre-Primary School). We are in touch with her future teachers and principal. Exams will be two subjects: mathematical skills and English reading

Support Angel here —>

BlessI

Blessi is six years old and she had been attending St Peters School for the past year. Together with her family, we are working to ensure that she is safe, healthy and enjoys her school environment.

During school breaks, Blessi returns home to spend time with her mother and baby sister. We send educational books, games and computer materials that Blessi uses (under guidance of her father) to develop her natural talent for languages, music and maths.

Amelia met Blessi in 2014 during her research in Ulyankulu.

“I was struck by Blessi’s natural curiosity and energy and her ability to remember and repeat sentences and songs in multiple languages”

We are excited to be able follow and support her on her journey.