The Martin Phillips Scholars

Mgala (left) and Justina (right)

Did you know that all over the world women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics?

This needs to change, and the Martin Phillips Girls University Scholarship Fund was set up for that purpose, to contribute to the change. Set up in conjunction with ACT, the fund aims to inspire girls from among the poor and disadvantaged children that we are supporting in the 8 African countries where we work to follow their dreams of a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) degree.

After living in southern Africa for 5-years, Martin observed that fewer girls than boys went on to university after secondary school, mostly because they could not afford the costs and were unable to access support to go on to higher education. For the few who were fortunate enough to afford the costs, very rarely did they follow a degree in the science, technology, or engineering field. Martin believes that helping just a few girls to go to university is a first step that will encourage many more to follow and open up their interest in the STEM subjects. In 2020 he set up the fund to support a girl each year to go to university in Africa. He encouraged other people to join him and to donate to the fund so that support could be extended to 2 girls. This worked well and sufficient funds was raised to support two girls, both from Tanzania.

Mgala and Justina (pictured above) became the first young women to be awarded a Martin Phillips scholarship. They were selected from a number of other candidates that were considered for the scholarship. They were both orphaned as children, but despite the many disadvantages they faced as a result, they have worked hard to follow their educational dreams with ACT support. Both girls are from Chato district in Geita region in northern Tanzania and were in the same year group at Chato Secondary School, which they both attended all through to the sixth form. In addition to meeting the primary criteria of being female and studying for a university degree, they both had outstanding results in the Tanzania Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (TACSEE). This is despite school closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown and the challenges of studying in difficult circumstances at home. Having successfully completed their first year at university, both girls are in their 2^nd year of studies at the University of Dodoma.

Justina, now 21, is studying Geography and Environmental Studies. She is preparing to sit the first semester exams this month after which she will be traveling to another region of Tanzania as part of a team of fellow course mates to conduct field research and will be away for 2 weeks.

“I owe a great debt to ACT because you have helped me at the time of my need when my parents died. I had no hope of furthering my education, but that has changed. Thank you to Martin Phillips scholarship that gave me chance to go to university. I hope to graduate in 2023 and would like to go on to study for a master’s degree and become a demographer.”

Mgala, 22, is studying Chemistry. Like Justina she is preparing to sit the first semester exams of her second year in March. Her first-year examination results were very good with high grades in all her subjects. She is proceeding well with her studies.

“I am truly grateful for the support of ACT and the Martin Phillips Scholarship Fund that has helped me to reach this level of education. I am very proud to be a scholar of the Martin Phillip’s Fund. I want to become a Chemistry teacher after graduation. I want to use my experience in life to help other disadvantaged girls like me to achieve their dreams!”

ACT is for those otherwise forgotten

We are expecting more girls from across the 8 countries where we work to achieve good grades and pass to go to university this year.  We want to be able to award two more scholarships to girls to study for a STEM degree.  We are hoping to raise £1,000 to supplement the fund. Please consider making a donation to the Martin Phillips Girls Scholarship Fund here. Your support can help to transform the lives of two more girls like Justina and Mgala, for the better. Please donate now. Thank you.