An interview with Carolyn Diamond from Omaha, Nebraska:
“Rarely do you have a chance to make a fundamental change in someone else’s life. When you can, it’s really worth it.” This response from Carolyn Diamond explains why she is so committed to sponsoring a Tloma student for boarding school.
Carolyn and her husband Dave visited Tloma Primary school in the summer of 2018 as part of a safari tour in Tanzania. Like so many who have had the chance to tour the school and meet the children, Carolyn and Dave were motivated to do what they could to support the young people who represent the future of Tanzania.
The Diamonds have been funding Paulina’s secondary school fees and supplies for the last two years. “I had a connection with Paulina right from the start,” explains Carolyn about meeting the young woman she sponsors. The Diamonds have received letters and grade reports on Paulina’s progress. In turn, they have written to her and shared family photos.
For the Diamonds, the emotional and ethical reasons to support a student were clear. The fact that they knew “people on the ground” who would make sure the funds were spent as intended provided the fiscal reasoning as well. Carolyn had met Bertin Sulle on her visit to the school and connected with Winona through the Tloma Giving newsletter. Knowing that these individuals were committed to the education and well-being of the Tloma children gives Carolyn and Dave the reassurance that their donation would be spent wisely. Receiving the photo Winona took of Paulina receiving their letter, followed by receiving her heart-felt thank you note completed the circle for them.
The Diamonds have committed to supporting Paulina for all four years of her secondary education. As Carolyn explains, “It gives us hope for her future; we want her to finish her education and do well. We hope Paulina will be able to make a difference in her community.”