Dorothy Finds Her Confidence Through Play

At just 10 years old, Dorothy dreams of becoming the President of Tanzania. She envisions a future where she can lead and create positive change for her country. But until recently, shyness and self-doubt held her back. Speaking up in class felt impossible, and the fear of making mistakes often left her silent.

Everything changed when Dorothy started taking part in play-based lessons and activities at her school, as part of Right To Play’s Save Her Seat project, which is made possible by generous donations from the public, the Liverpool Football Club Foundation, and funding by the UK government through UK Aid Match. Our project is using play to make learning fun and inspiring – and is helping vulnerable girls to overcome challenges and thrive.

Through play-based sessions, Dorothy and her classmates are now developing their confidence, along with essential skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership. She has also discovered a new-found love for poetry.

Our Save Her Seat project is making a life-changing difference for children like Dorothy in rural Tanzania, where girls often face unequal treatment, discrimination and obstacles that prevent them from attending from school and determining their futures. The project is educating and empowering girls in 40 primary schools across the Serengeti and Tarime districts, helping them to stay in school and reach their full potential.

Dorothy’s transformation has been remarkable. She now actively participates in class discussions and supports her younger siblings in their studies. Beyond her school work, Dorothy is also gaining important life skills and lessons through play. She has come to understand that making mistakes is part of learning and that confidence grows with practice.

Dorothy’s story is a powerful example of how the power of play can transform children’s lives. Thanks to our project, she is determined to claim her rights, break down barriers and pursue her big ambitions.