Education is essential for the future of these children and without it they will never be able to break the cycle of poverty. Although elementary education is free in Tanzania, students are required to buy their own school uniform, paper, books and pencils. As the average annual income per family is only $95, most children simply can’t afford the required items. The Tumaini Fund supplies those in need with school supplies as well as two sets of clothes to orphan students. Currently the Tumaini Fund provides the means of education to 15,000 deserving children. Only the top 10% of children finishing elementary school are eligible for Secondary School and the Tumaini Fund provides the annual fees and school supplies for all orphans in Kagera who achieve this level; 8,200 students in 2011.
