At 24, Gracy can look back on her childhood and education and see they were rich with valuable lessons. She discovered “the importance of perseverance, the power of second chances, and the need to believe in oneself, even when the path seems difficult.” Gracy is sponsored through Chalice’s Neema Sponsor Site in Tanzania, a gift she cherishes every day. The hope and belief her sponsor has shown her has given her strength as she continues to pursue her dreams.
When Gracy began primary school, she was a curious and eager student. Her ever-supportive teachers encouraged her to aim high, and she took their advice.
Graduating from grade eight is a major milestone in Tanzania. Gracy was proud of her accomplishment and looked ahead to high school with her typical enthusiasm. In grade twelve, she wrote the national final exams that determine where students can enrol in post-secondary school. Her grades weren’t strong enough for university. She was crushed.
“This was a difficult moment for me,” Gracy says. “I felt a mixture of disappointment and frustration… I had always dreamed of going to university, but it seemed that the door to higher education was closing in front of me.”
“However, instead of giving up, I saw this as an opportunity to reflect on my goals and push harder to realize my ambitions.” She asked her parents to support her in re-taking the exams. “My parents, understanding my passion and determination, agreed to support me.”
This decision would be a financial challenge. “But with the support of Chalice and my parents, I was able to focus on my studies and improve my performance.” She threw herself into her studies to make the most of her second chance. When the results were released, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Her hard work had paid off, and now she was on the road to university. “It was a moment of triumph, a validation of my belief that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”
In 2021, Gracy began her university studies, pursuing a degree in Project Planning and Management. “The course I chose was not only aligned with my career aspirations but also equipped me with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on my community.”
Gracy liked that the professors taught practical lessons she could apply in real-life situations. “My passion for development grew stronger, and I became even more determined to use my education to make a difference in rural communities.”
It kept her going all the way to graduation in 2024!
“I am filled with gratitude for the many people who supported me along the way. My parents, who made countless sacrifices to ensure that I received quality education, and Chalice, whose financial and emotional support made a huge difference in my life. Without this support, I would not have been able to achieve my dream of completing my university education,” she says.
When you choose to sponsor a child through Chalice, you’re giving them the hope to keep going, even when it gets tough.