This summer, Lyra in Africa will launch a unique and immersive pilot initiative – the “Walk to School” trip – designed to connect global supporters with the heart of our mission: ensuring girls in rural Tanzania can complete their secondary education safely.
From July 6th to 14th, a small group of “Lyra Friends” – parents and children from the UK and beyond – will travel to the Iringa region of Tanzania for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural exchange and learning experience. This journey will take participants deep into rural communities where Lyra works, offering a firsthand understanding of the challenges girls face simply to attend school.
In rural Tanzania, distances to secondary school can reach up to 30 kilometers. With no access to transportation, girls either face unsafe, exhausting walks or are forced to live in insecure, unsupervised rentals near schools. These living conditions put them at risk and contribute to Tanzania's high dropout and child marriage rates – 30% of girls are married before age 18.
Why This Matters
Education changes lives. Each additional year a girl stays in school can significantly increase her future income and lead to healthier families and communities. At Lyra, we’re tackling rural poverty by building safe, solar-powered hostels and digital learning hubs for girls who would otherwise be left behind.
During this 9-day journey, participants will:
✅ Stay with rural families in Lyra-supported villages
✅ Walk alongside students to school
✅ Join lessons, teach English and ICT, and participate in cultural exchange activities
✅ Visit girls’ hostels, digital labs, and youth-led enterprises
✅ Explore Iringa’s stunning landscapes and finish with a safari in Ruaha National Park
This isn’t a tourist trip – it’s a chance to step into the world of rural Tanzanian girls and understand their daily realities. Participants will witness the impact of Lyra’s work and become advocates for girls’ education and empowerment.
We believe that connection builds compassion.
This pilot trip aims to inspire cross-cultural understanding, spark new ideas, and deepen engagement with Lyra’s mission. By walking the same path our students take each day, participants will leave not only with memories, but with purpose.
If successful, we hope to offer this transformative experience annually, building a community of global allies committed to education, equality, and sustainable change.