For children anywhere in the world, having access to education is vital to their mental, social and cultural development. But in the impoverished slums of rural Tanzania, it is also an invaluable part of the solution to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and helping to move the community forward. 

Every child needs someone to believe in them	The future is now looking brighter for these boys

Besides supplying basic food needs -- which frees the children and teens from having to engage in menial labor or begging to put food on the table -- Miles For Smiles supports their educational development through various means.

Primary and secondary students who are orphaned or come from extremely poor families receive tuition sponsorship so they can attend an ample school in town.

Older girls sponsored to attend highschool	Sponsored tuition for elementary students

MFS secures sponsorship for school uniforms and shoes.

Amida shows off a new school uniform	Kids look smart in their new outfits
Little ones with new uniforms and shoes	Handmade leather school shoes for all

A free English-medium school operates in the mornings for Grades K-3. The program is largely based on character and moral development curricula, developed specifically for African children.

Kindergarten classroom at Urafiki	English tutoring on the front patio

Educational enrichment activities conducted in the afternoons are a highlight for the students, who are encouraged to develop their creativity and team working skills. Classes include art, acrobatics, sports, and drama and singing lessons.

Learning to sketch in art class	Painting is always a fun art activity
Boys working on a mural in the children’s classroom	Budding artists proud of the mural just completed

An experienced acrobat, trained overseas, teaches the children balance and the basics of acrobatic showmanship.

Acrobatics Class – having fun learning balance	Urafiki acrobats enjoy performing at local schools
New outfits made by girls sewing class	Soccer team ready to train on the field