The Michael Matthews Foundation was established in 2000 in memory of Michael Matthews who lost his life whilst descending from Everest in 1999. Mike would have been very proud of the achievements of the foundation established in his name - supporting thousands of children from remote areas to access education, thereby offering them the benefits of a better start in life. A film about Michael’s family retracing his last expedition was recently released on Disney+ in March 2023.
Lyra is proud to be part of the achievements of MMF - and what an amazing journey we are on: For ten years Lyra in Africa has partnered with MMF in delivering programmes that improve access to education for young girls; introduced digital learning in classrooms; and offer training in entrepreneurship skills to youth living in rural communities of Tanzania.
Collaboration multiplies the power of change in a society. Through our partnership, Lyra has been able to bring hope, opportunity and inspiration to people living in rural communities through a range of innovative projects, often through pilot projects we could not otherwise have funded.
Since 2013, 5 hostels for secondary girls have been constructed at rural secondary schools offering accommodation on site to over 3000 girls. Girls hostels ensure girls have a safe and secure learning environment, improving examination results and reducing to zero the number of child brides and teenage pregnancies. MMF has sponsored close to 600 girls on our Girls Sponsorship programme, to ensure that those from the poorest families complete their secondary education by staying in hostels.
“When the Hostel was established, I saw it as a chance to boost my academic performance. My parents rent a place for me in a village near school. I live here alone and am vulnerable and face harassment, this has a negative impact on my academic achievement. After school, I spend a lot of time going large distances to get water, then I return home late and have to make dinner. I don't have enough time to rest and I don't have enough time to study”. MK- A student from Nyang’oro Secondary School
For rural students to truly succeed, the quality of education must also be addressed. Working with local partners, MMF piloted our digital tech program that has grown to become a second pillar of Lyra’s systems change approach. Starting with tablets with pre-installed educational tools in 2017 and moving to solar powered computer labs in 2022, MMF has understood the need to bring students 21stCentury requirements for the labour force. In these partner schools we have seen a significant increase in tech skills amongst students as well as, crucially, an increase in academic performance. MMF has supported over 4,000 students in gaining access to Digital Technology.
The first time I heard about using digital technology for learning was in 2020 at Lulanzi Secondary School when Lyra installed the computer Lab. Now I use the computer to look up materials that we aren't taught in class, but I also use it to self-study all of the subjects I am taking and take quizzes to test my knowledge. Odia, a student from Lulanzi Secondary School.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (known locally as Imarika Kijana ‘Strong Youth’) is a youth entrepreneurship course creating new opportunities for youth aged 15 to 28 who have dropped out of school or have limited employment options.
The Imarika Kijana program harnesses the energy and drive of youth and creates economic opportunities as well as building skills and confidence.
Imarika Kijana is about changing the mindset of youth to see the opportunities in their communities. MMF funded the innovative pilot in 2019, which has now reached over 2,000 youth, lifting the rural youth out of poverty and giving them an opportunity to reimagine their future. Stage 2 will offer intensive training to youths with promising micro businesses. 255 young people were selected in 2022 and are currently taking part in phase 2 called Business Boost.
“I restored my hope and began preparing for my future after enrolling in the Lyra Youth Entrepreneurship Programme. Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Identifying Opportunities in the Community were two of my favourite modules. The course opened my mind to new perspectives and provided me with excellent business and financial management abilities. After the training, I opened a little restaurant in Nyang'oro village with a start-up capital of TZS 20,000. (USD9). I recently graduated from college and increased my cash through several businesses I operated while in college. For all my businesses, my capital has increased to TZS 300,000 ($130). I am grateful to the Youth Entrepreneurship Project for not only giving me hope, but also for encouraging me to consider alternative options in our community”. Dorcas , an entrepreneur
We enjoy our close cooperation with the Michael Matthews Foundation, and look forward to working together on many more vital and innovative projects in the future. Follow @Lyrainafrica on twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or you can follow our hashtag #Lyrainafrica #michaelmatthewsfoundation