Staff Spotlight: Mama Paulina

Editor's Note: This Staff Spotlight highlights Mama Paulina, who has been a matron at our Bibi Mimi's Girls' Home on our flagship campus of Kitongo, but who will be moving to our second campus in Kahunda to become the Head Matron of our girls home.

How long have you been working for Mainsprings?:

"I have been working for Mainsprings for four years."

What is your job position and what are some of your responsibilities?:

"I am a matron in the girls' home here in Kitongo, and I will be the manager of the Kahunda girls' home. My main responsibilities are to take care of the girls and make sure of their safety and the campus safety. I also make reports."

What is your favorite thing about working at Mainsprings?:

"I like that Mainsprings takes care of their workers. Also, they help us to solve the problems that we face. We are a family and that's why we end up doing a really good job!"

What are the biggest challenges you face with your job?:

"The challenges I face are normal challenges that all parents have, like making sure the girls follow the rules, do their chores, etc.

 Are you looking forward to your move to Kahunda as a manager?:

"Yes! I am really happy that I have been given this opportunity. First of all, I love to be a matron and I love children. So I'm happy that I have been given this opportunity to continue learning ad have more responsibilities. I'm looking forward to continue learning and growing as a worker and as a person. I'm going to be a manager and I take that position really seriously. I'm going to work really hard to achieve mine and the organization's goals."

What are you most nervous/anxious about with the move?:

"I'm nervous about getting to know my new boss! I'm used to working with Seth, Melinda, and Paula, and now that is going to change. I will now get to work with Mr. Lyimo!"

And finally, what will you miss most about the Kitongo Campus?:

"I'll miss the girls a lot.  I've been with them for a long time and I love them so much. I will also miss my bosses here, and in general, I'm going to miss the people from this campus because we are a big family!"

The Impact of Sports and Games

Sports and Games are vital to students and staff for different reasons at Joseph and Mary.

At Joseph and Mary, we use sports and games as tools for vibrant health. Students who are active show that they are not only healthier, but are also ready to perform day-to-day activities in the classroom without any problems. Sports and games can also be used as a learning platform whereby students are introduced to new games that are not common in our government schools- good examples of what we offer at Joseph and Mary are basketball and tennis.

Apart from physical gain, our students learn leadership skills by being team leaders where they learn different leadership techniques. These skills also promote teamwork because as a team they work towards the same goals and objectives. The skills they learn as leaders and in teamwork will benefit them long after they leave Joseph and Mary Schools.

The above advantages are made possible by integrating different programs into our daily schedule. This year, we created formal sports teams that include tennis, basketball, soccer, handball, volleyball, and netball. Teams are given time three days a week for training. Inclusion also helps us try to nurture young talent by giving opportunities to young kids from preschool through 2nd grade during recess programs twice a week.

By working closely with our partners in the Tanzanian government, our aim is to not only improve the sports and games at Joseph and Mary but also to improve athletics across our whole district. Our aim is to have students from Joseph and Mary playing nationally and beyond. In fact Joseph and Mary is one of the only private schools in the whole country recognized by the government by being selected to be an “Academy” where students of different games and talents will be developed.

Mainsprings residential girl and 2015 graduate, Neema, who was selected to play on the Mwanza Women's Premier Team.

Since the government has realized our hard work in promoting sports and games in our district, the Ministry of Youth Sports and Games is working hand in hand with us. Recently, our basketball team represented our district in the government competition at the national level. Also our school was requested by the District Education Director to train teachers from government schools on basic skills in tennis. Working with the government, we were able to train teachers from various schools around our district with the hopes that they can start tennis programs at their schools.

Most importantly, our sports and games programs give our students a chance to have fun!

Guest Blogger, Mr. Samo, is Joseph and Mary's Dean of Students and Head of the Office of Student Development.

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Jonas

Editor's Note: This Staff Spotlight highlights Mr. Jonas, who previously worked for Mainsprings as a Secondary School teacher before departing to complete his Bachelors Degree in Administration and Education. With his studies complete, he is now back on the Mainsprings campus, working as our Campus Registrar.

How long have you been working at Mainsprings?:

"Almost three years in total, with a break in between to complete my Bachelor's Degree in Administration and Education."

Why did you decide to do this job?:

"I love the interaction I can have in my job with both the parents and students. I feel this job provides opportunities to help prepare a future generation to be competent and have the skills to live a full life. This is important to me as I want to invest in the future generation. I also felt I was a good educator and I wanted to take the next step in upgrading my skills through first my education, and now in a new and challenging job position. I like that it is a profession that has different activities and will always keep me learning. 

What do you enjoy most about your position?:

"I like when I have a plan, set it in motion, and then see that is has gone well. In particular, I like when I see this happen with the students that I help and then have the opportunity to see them prosper and do well."

What is your favorite thing about Mainsprings?:

"My favorite thing about Mainsprings is that we are provided the opportunity to help those who would not otherwise have access to what we have to offer. I appreciate that Mainsprings provides an opportunity to learn for not only the students and girls, but also to the staff and broader community. For example, they teach us to care about our community, give us opportunities to learn about new technology, and provide opportunities to attend seminars and learn."

What are your favorite activities at Mainsprings?:

"First, I really appreciate the various teaching methods we use and facilities we have to offer. Secondly, I love all of the exposure to sports we have, including tennis! It has been really great having the opportunity to have training and learn alongside the students."

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

"I think currently the biggest challenge is outside of Mainsprings. It is challenging to learn the different laws in Tanzania having to do with my administration job. They are always changing and it is a challenge to stay up to date on best practices!"

What do you want to do in the future?:

"I want to continue to learn more and not be closed-minded in this world that is always changing. For example, I want to continue to learn how to use and apply new technology as it continues to develop. I also want to always be learning new approaches to teach students new skills outside of traditional schooling. I want them to learn not only their academic education, but also basic skills that they will carry with them throughout life."