Standard 5 3rd Term Interim Report

Good news from Moshono. Leboy's midterm report is in and it looks like he's going to finish the school year strong. Ranking third, he's averaging good grades. Let's hope he can push till the end of the year and finish on top!

Leboy's 2nd term Standard 5

Leboy's report card of his second term at St Thomas Nurse & Primary School Standard 5 is here!

Once again Leboy has shown what he's capable of, ranking third with a plethora of As and some Bs in French, Sports, Computer, and Kiswahili. Even more encouraging is the fact that despite this great score his teacher seems to believe that Leboy is capable of so much more. More effort, the teacher says. From here we also say: Keep working hard, Leboy! Let's see you become number 1!

Pictures from Leboy's field trip and b-day party!

Below are some pictures from Leboy's birthday party and his field trip to Manyara park. He's growing up so fast!

Happy Birthday Leboy!

Yesterday was Leboy's birthday, and earlier this week his father sent me the mid-term report card. Our recently-turned twelve year-old is doing as well as ever, ranking 3rd in the middle of the school year. Congratulations and happy birthday, Leboy!

Direct Child Sponsorship Works

Direct child sponsorship has been around for a few decades now, but the effects of such programs have not been held to scrutiny... until now.

This paper provides a very elegant econometric analysis that such programs can have a positive effect on a child's future. Children who were sponsored under the organization the authors investigate completed more than one year of schooling on average and were much more likely to enter university and take up a white-collar job. It is a very well-written paper which I recommend anyone who has ever helped, or thought about helping, young children in need.

It is worth mentioning that Leboy's case is not a perfect match for this paper. First, any efforts to support Leboy are not channeled via any organization. It all comes from the people who are invested in his future: his family, his school, us... Second, Leboy isn't going to just any school. St Thomas is one of the top schools in Northern Tanzania with excellent teachers and resources. While this does not necessarily translate into future success, Leboy is in a much more privileged position than the children sampled in the paper to "make it" and pursue his dreams.

Leboy and Friend

Picture of Leboy (left) and his friend. Sent by Laizer. Looking healthy!

Leboy's mother

Here's a picture of Leboy's mother. Look at all the Masai jewelry that she's wearing! Thanks to Laizer for sending it!